Hip-Hop Icons Honored With Keys To The City Award
Hip-hop icons ground breaking success, which made their career, would be revealed on this page presented to you by Aswehiphop.
Also, we would be providing the date and the reason why they received the prestigious key to the city award.
In the vibrant tapestry of hip-hop’s five-decade history, community engagement has consistently stood as a cornerstone.
Giving back to their roots remains ingrained in the culture, with a pinnacle of recognition being the presentation of a key to the city to revered rappers and esteemed hip-hop executives.
This centuries-old tradition symbolizes not just the individual’s impact on a specific community. But it also serves as a resounding testament to their universal adoration in the places they proudly call home.
Across the nation, major cities have bestowed this prestigious honor upon influential figures in hip-hop.
From Nicki Minaj‘s prideful moment in Queens in 2017 to Drake‘s profound gratitude for Toronto’s key in 2016.
More to this, These keys represent more than metal and enamel. They embody a celebration of artists who transcend boundaries.
Notable Instances And Ground Breaking Success Of Hip-Hop Icons Receiving Keys To The City
In the dynamic world of hip-hop, recognition extends beyond chart-topping hits and Grammy Awards.
One prestigious acknowledgment that transcends the music industry is the presentation of a “Key to the City”
In this exclusive list, Aswehiphop delves into the achievements, contributions, and successes of 23 esteemed rappers and hip-hop executives who have been honored with this symbolic gesture.
List Of Honored Hip-Hop Icons And Executives
1. Kendrick Lamar – Compton, Calif.
Date: Feb. 13, 2016
Success: A Pulitzer Prize-winning artist renowned for groundbreaking albums like “good kid, m.A.A.d city.”
Reason: Serving as a catalyst for raising consciousness and fearlessly challenging the status quo.
2. Drake – Toronto and Memphis (Shelby County, Tenn.)
Dates: Feb. 12, 2016, and June 26, 2023
Success: An artist who made history by being the first to reach one billion streams on Apple Music, with multiple Grammy Awards under his belt.
Reason: Hosting the 2016 All Star Weekend in Toronto and creating music that profoundly touches the world, as recognized by Shelby County.
3. Nicki Minaj – Queens
Date: June 27, 2017
Success: A trailblazer for female rap with chart-topping hits like “Super Bass.”
Reason: Proudly representing Queens and achieving remarkable success both inside and outside the vocal booth.
4. Fetty Wap – Paterson, N.J.
Date: Aug. 27, 2015
Success: Bursting into the scene with the breakthrough hit “Trap Queen” and setting Billboard chart records.
Reason: Demonstrating commitment to education with a back-to-school concert for Paterson high schoolers and breaking chart records.
5. Lil’ Kim – Miami
Date: Aug. 9, 2004
Success: A Grammy-winning artist celebrated for groundbreaking contributions with “Hard Core.”
Reason: Uniquely awarded in Florida while facing indictment, highlighting her resilience.
6. Foxy Brown – Brooklyn
Date: March 2, 2016
Success: Debuting with the influential album “Ill Na Na” and contributing significantly to hip-hop’s evolution.
Reason: Breaking barriers as the first female rapper to earn the key to her New York borough.
7. Dr. Dre – Compton
Date: May 14, 2014
Success: The visionary behind Beats by Dre, shaping the careers of Eminem and Snoop Dogg.
Reason: Recognition for his monumental musical accomplishments.
8. Fabolous – Brooklyn
Date: June 11, 2017
Success: Consistent chart-topping hits like “Breathe” and “Into You.”
Reason: A native of Brooklyn, Fabolous is honored for passionately representing his borough.
9. Public Enemy – Durham, North Carolina
Date: June 16, 2013
Success: Inducted into the prestigious Rock ‘N Roll Hall Of Fame.
Reason: Not just for their musical prowess but also their dedication to preserving local radio stations.
10. Master P – Memphis, Tenn.
Date: Aug. 1, 2008
Success: Renowned philanthropist and businessman with a significant impact on the New Orleans music scene.
Reason: Honored for his philanthropic efforts in the Tennessee community.
11. Ludacris – Atlanta
Date: June 7, 2004
Success: Grammy Awards and a flourishing acting career, prominently featuring in the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
Reason: Acknowledged for his foundation work, providing scholarships for inner-city youth.
12. Kevin Liles – Baltimore
Date: Nov. 16, 2005
Success: Co-founder of 300 Entertainment, instrumental in shaping the careers of Young Thug and Megan Thee Stallion.
Reason: Recognized for pushing hip-hop into new directions and his substantial contributions to the industry as an executive and author.
13. Bun B – Houston
Date: Aug. 30, 2011
Success: A respected lyricist, also known for his role as a professor at Rice University.
Reason: Honored not just for his kind demeanor and respected lyricism but also for his advocacy for his state and city.
14. Mistah F.A.B. – Oakland
Date: Oct. 20, 2022
Success: Known for his charitable efforts, including annual holiday giveaways.
Reason: Acknowledged for his impactful contributions to the community.
15. 50 Cent – Bridgeport, Conn.
Date: Oct. 12, 2007
Success: Achieving monumental success with the debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” and venturing into
Reason: Acknowledged for his significant work with kids and his ownership of a mansion in the city, showcasing both his philanthropic efforts and investment in the community.
16. David Banner – Jackson, Miss.
Date: Feb. 27, 2008
Success: An advocate for social issues and promoting literacy.
Reason: Recognized for his contribution to promoting literacy and proudly representing his hometown in Mississippi.
17. Diddy – Miami Beach and New York City
Dates: Aug. 30, 1999, and Sept. 15, 2023
Success: Founder of Bad Boy Records, a significant influence on the fashion and spirits industries.
Reason: Acknowledged for his vigorous journey from the bottom to the top, along with substantial donations to underserved communities.
18. Three 6 Mafia – Memphis, Tenn.
Date: April 1, 2006
Success: Winning an Oscar at the 2006 Academy Awards for the track “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp.”
Reason: Awarded for their groundbreaking achievement in winning an Oscar at the 2006 Academy Awards.
19. Mac Miller – Pittsburgh
Date: Sept. 20, 2013
Success: Celebrated for his contributions to music and dedication to his city.
Reason: Recognized for his significant contributions to music and unwavering dedication to his city.
20. Yo Gotti – [City Not Specified]
Date: [Date Not Specified]
Success: Honored during his own birthday bash.
Reason: Awarded a key to the city and “Yo Gotti Day” for his legendary impact and contribution to the hip-hop scene.
21. Pitbull – Miami
Dates: Aug. 20, 2009 (Miami), July 30, 2012 (Kodiak, Alaska)
Success: A vocal advocate for his city and a successful businessman.
Reasons: Recognized for his advocacy for Miami and protecting its reputation. Additionally, awarded a key in Kodiak, Alaska, after a creative marketing campaign.
22. Rah Digga – Newark, New Jersey
Date: April 4, 2000
Success: Made a significant impact on hip-hop, known for her lyricism.
Reason: Honored for her influential contributions to hip-hop, breaking barriers for female artists, and putting Newark on the global map.
23. Rick Ross – Miami, FL.
Date: Jan. 15, 2024
Success: Renowned for his contributions to the rap scene, Rick Ross has achieved acclaim for albums like “Teflon Don” and “Port of Miami.”
Reason: Honored with a key to Miami during the 5000 Role Models’ 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast.
Ross was recognized for his substantial contributions to the city, and he was additionally inducted into the Library of Congress.
His acceptance speech at the event highlighted the influence of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who was also being honored.
In closing, Honored Rappers And Hip-Hop Executives continue to wield their influence not just through music.
But also as pillars of inspiration and benevolence within their communities. Making a legacy celebrated with keys to the cities they’ve forever changed.
