2026 -- H 8340

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LC006195

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING THE RHODE ISLAND HIP HOP HALL OF FAME ON ITS

INAUGURAL CEREMONY HELD MARCH 8, 2026, AND HONORING ITS INDUCTEES

     Introduced By: Representatives Cruz, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Stewart,
Morales, Felix, Potter, Giraldo, and J. Brien

     Date Introduced: March 24, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Hip hop culture, encompassing the artistic elements of DJing, emceeing

(rapping), breakin’ (breakdancing), and graffiti art, has for more than fifty years served as a

powerful vehicle for creative expression, community building, and cultural identity; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island has long been home to a vibrant and influential hip hop

community whose pioneers and practitioners have made lasting contributions at both the local

and national levels; and

     WHEREAS, The concept of the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame was first envisioned

in 2024 by dedicated leaders within the community, including Donald “DJ Donnie Battle / BBoy

Keebla” Senna and Vincent “Bad Lad” Lopes, whose combined experience of more than eighty

years reflects a deep and enduring commitment to the advancement of hip hop culture; and

     WHEREAS, Through their vision, leadership, and collaboration, this long-envisioned

initiative came to fruition with the inaugural Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame Ceremony, held

on March 8, 2026, at 39 West Restaurant and Lounge in Cranston; and

     WHEREAS, This historic event marked the first-ever formal recognition in Rhode Island

of the pioneers and contributors across all elements of hip hop culture, including breakin’,

graffiti, DJing, and emceeing, as well as honoring individuals who have provided vital support to

the growth and sustainability of the culture; and

     WHEREAS, The ceremony brought together honorees and community members from

across the nation, including participants traveling from North Carolina, Maryland, Florida, and

Illinois, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of Rhode Island’s hip hop legacy; and

     WHEREAS, The occasion was especially meaningful as it reunited individuals who had

not shared the same space in more than forty years, underscoring the enduring bonds and shared

history within the hip hop community; and

     WHEREAS, The founders of the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame have established a

vision for this event to continue annually on the first weekend of March and aspire to create a

permanent physical venue to preserve and showcase memorabilia, artifacts, and the rich history of

hip hop for future generations; and

     WHEREAS, Among those recognized and honored for their outstanding contributions

include:

     • Vincent “Bad Lad” Lopes, co-founder of the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame, a

longstanding supporter of the arts and a prominent figure in the nightlife and comedy community,

previously recognized as a 2024 inductee; and

     • Mason “DJ Finesse” Santos, a 2026 inductee for DJing, who is also a published

author, motivational speaker, and life coach, inspiring others through both his artistry and

community engagement; and

     • Paris Fisher, a 2026 inductee recognized for his foundational role in Rhode Island’s

hip hop culture and his work through POAM Actionwear, as well as his dedication as a youth

activist and involvement in his faith community; and

     • Donald “DJ Donnie Battle / BBoy Keebla” Senna, founder of the Rhode Island Hip

Hop Hall of Fame, president of the nationally recognized breaking crew Ground FX, host of the

prominent East Coast b-boy event Spin Factor, and founder of the nation’s first 2-vs-2 national b-

boy tour championships; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the

creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of artists and advocates who have shaped and

sustained hip hop culture throughout the State and beyond; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

congratulates and honors the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame on the successful occasion of

its inaugural ceremony held on March 8, 2026, commends its founders, organizers, and

supporters for their vision and dedication in establishing this important cultural institution, and

recognizes all inductees for their invaluable contributions to hip hop culture and to their

communities; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame,

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Vincent "Bad Lad" Lopes, Mason "DJ Finesse" Santos, Paris Fisher, and Donald "DJ Donnie

Battle/BBoy Keebila" Senna.

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