Hip-Hop Pioneering Producer Marley Marl Gets “I Am Hip Hop” Award At 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland presented Marley Marl with the “I Am Hip Hop” Award during the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards. One of the greatest rap producers of all-time, Marley had a highlight reel that captured his most significant wins, including producing Roxanne Shante’s “Roxanne’s Revenge” and LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out.” “The energy that LL had with Marley’s production lit a fire under LL to make that album what it was,” said Eminem.

The famed producer doubled down on Em’s statement by detailing their efforts in the ’90s. “Me and LL had something to prove, and we proved it,” said Marl during his acceptance speech. Swizz Beatz elaborated on Marl’s greatness by telling the audience, “He said something that’s very G, that I don’t think a lot of y’all heard. He invented sampling on a record. This is Marley Marl right here.”

LL Cool J and Rakim delivered a rousing performance in honor of the hip-hop pioneer. First, Rakim, clad in a black hoodie, delved into his fistful of classics, including “Eric B. Is President” and “Paid In Full” with Technician The DJ and Jazzy Jeff on the 1’s and 2’s. Then, LL Cool J paid homage to his frequent collaborator by performing “Jingling Baby,” “Around The Way Girl,” “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Rock The Bells.”

Source: Billboard