Mayor Zohran Mamdani has proclaimed Aug. 14, 2026, “Lyricist Lounge Day,” recognizing 35 years of the hip-hop institution founded by Anthony Marshall and Danny Castro and its influence on the city’s music and cultural history.
"As the first mayor of New York City to have previously attempted a career as a rapper, I am acutely aware of how central music is to the identity of the Big Apple," said Mamdani in his proclamation.
The proclamation coincided with Lyricist Lounge’s 35th anniversary celebration at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. Presented as part of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, the free Aug. 14 concert was headlined by Jadakiss and featured performances from established and emerging hip-hop artists.
Marshall and Castro founded Lyricist Lounge in 1991, beginning with an open mic on Manhattan’s Lower East Side before the platform grew into an influential showcase for hip-hop artists.
Over the years, it provided an early platform for artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, 50 Cent, The Roots, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Common.
Lyricist Lounge also expanded beyond its live events with the “Lyricist Lounge, Volume One” compilation with Rawkus Records and “The Lyricist Lounge Show” on MTV, extending the platform’s reach to broader audiences.
For Marshall, the anniversary is about more than looking back. He has described the lounge’s work as “cultural wellness,” arguing that concerts and other shared cultural experiences can create joy, connection and community.
The Prospect Park celebration brought Lyricist Lounge’s 35-year legacy to a Brooklyn audience while marking its official recognition by the city. The anniversary also highlights the platform’s continuing role in creating spaces where artists and communities can connect through hip-hop.
