Belmaachi Cigars at the Hip-Hop Museum Fundraiser Gala
An Evening of Culture and Legacy at the Cipriani Wall Street
A week before the gala, Hollywood The King — through Rob Beatty — sent a simple message: “Can you be in New York next week?” Seven days later, Belmaachi was inside Cipriani Wall Street, surrounded by hip-hop legends and black-tie energy. Rob also brought Trey from Blue Run Bourbon, creating a premium pairing for the night’s inductees.
Legends of the Night
Swipe through the photos below to see some of the icons who shaped the culture and were celebrated on stage.
Sam Falaki, alongside Rob Beatty, Hollywood The King, Trey from Blue Run Bourbon, and the sponsor group, hit the red carpet for the official partner walk. Cameras rolled, the lineup stepped forward, and the night officially kicked off. The walk — seen in the main photo — happened just before the mezzanine happy hour.
Happy Hour on the Mezzanine — The Vibe Kicked In and the Crowd Got Energized
Before dinner, the mezzanine came alive — a full house moving to the DJ, champagne glasses stacked at the bar, and a crowd mixing artists, executives, media, and supporters of the culture. It was the moment where everyone mingled, connected and loosened up before heading downstairs for the main program.
Dinner, Entertainment, and Honoring Hip-Hop Icons
Inside the main hall, the program moved between performances, speakers, and inductee moments. Each award brought a different era of hip-hop into the spotlight — legends stepping up, giving thanks, and adding another chapter to their story.
Closing the Night — Sunrise Over Manhattan
After the gala wrapped, the night settled a few blocks from Cipriani — in the apartment of my uncle’s grandchildren, whose name Belmaachi honors.
The next morning opened with a clear sunrise over the East River. Manhattan waking up, Brooklyn in view, and a quiet moment to take in everything that had just unfolded.
A calm, simple ending to a big night.
The Night in Pictures
Good Times!
Trey (Blue Run Whiskey), Sam Falaki (Belmaachi Cigars), and Rob Beatty who brought us in.
THE D.O.C.
Doc Curry, Co-founder of Death Row Records and part of West Coast hip-hop’s early movement.
DOUG E. FRESH
The Human Beatbox — a foundational figure in hip-hop performance and stage culture.
SLICK RICK
A storytelling pioneer whose style shaped generations.
FAT JOE
A Bronx icon and long-standing pillar of New York hip-hop.
NAS
One of the most influential lyricists in music history.
HOT 97 VIP Room
With Hollywood The King — Belmaachi table in the back.
Over Wall Street
Cigar break on the Cipriani balcony, looking over Wall Street.
Rob Beatty
Vibin’ in the HOT 97 VIP room.
Belmaachi Table
Cigars for guests in the HOT97 VIP room.
Dinner Vibes
Candlelight, cognac, and a sparkling table setting.
The Menu
A throwback touch: dinner menu on a CD.
Before the Crowd
The calm before a dazzling, black-tie evening.
K.O.N.Y. CROWN
The legendary K.O.N.Y. Crown — Biggie’s ‘King of New York’ symbol — on display at the Hip Hop Museum Gala
Grandmaster Flash Memorabilia
The pioneers, legends, sampled and resampled to this day.
Fat Joe Memorabilia
Artifacts from Fat Joe’s early days in hip-hop.
Open Bar Mode: Activated
Open bar, killer music, and electric energy. Happy hour in New York’s Cipriani hits different
Cutting Up the Classics
Old-school cuts, clean transitions, and a black-tie backdrop, giving happy hour that timeless New York energy.
Live performances lighting up the stage.
Live performances energized the room as everyone settled in.
The Honors
One by one, cultural icons took the stage to accept their awards and share their words.
Doc Curry – D.O.C.
Reconnecting — only two weeks after the Celebrity Softball Classic in Frisco.
Big Daddy Kane
Off-stage exchange — showing respect to a hip-hop legend.