Gold-album certified R&B artist, Millie Jackson, also known as the mother of hip-hop, will be back at Black Spectrum Theatre for one night only on Nov. 25, Saturday at 7 p.m.
The “It Hurts So Good” singer, whose music also encompassed soul, disco and country, is considered a proto-rapper, according to Offbeat Magazine, because of her history of creating songs with long spoken-word sections, which were sampled 262 times, including by the likes of such hip-hop artists as J. Cole, Meek Mill, Ja Rule and 50 Cent, to name a few.
“I am excited to come to the Black Spectrum Theatre and see everyone,” said Jackson in a statement.
This will be her first appearance in New York City in more than twenty years, according to a spokeswoman from the theater, which is located 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard in St. Albans.
The live conversation with Jackson is part of a holiday concert series and will feature guest performances by Raine Torae, Jackie Poindexter, Ebony Autum and Andrea, said Chris Curry, a board member of Black Spectrum and a longtime friend of the artist.
“Ms. Jackson will be coming in town and it’s going to be a fabulous, invigorating and uncensored conversation with the real first lady of rap,” Curry told the Chronicle.
“We have other performers who are going to be singing and celebrating Ms. Jackson.”
Broadcaster Bob Law and actor Kerry Jones are expected to host the event and Jackson will discuss her experience in the music industry, which dates back to 1964.
“… it will be quite informative as only Millie can tell it,” Curry said. “She has a lot of followers from the hip-hop community. Da Brat is one of the people that loves her … She really is the first female artist of rap.”
Curry said that “Ask Me What You Want” is one of his favorite songs by Jackson.
“I’m so proud to have my dear and darling friend come …” said Curry, a Jamaica resident. “I’m honored to be able to do so for someone of her stature to be able to come here to our theatre … I’m elated. She took time on a busy holiday weekend to share her wisdom, knowledge and humor with our audience … She’s had hit, after hit, after hit and she is also a playwright and a songwriter.”
Carl Clay, the director of Black Spectrum, said Jackson is an original.
“She’s really the first female rapper and probably should have gone into the hall of fame …” Clay said via email.
