The legendary Rakim will be making his debut appearance in Newport on Wednesday, September 18th.

This Long Island, NY native has been revered by hip-hop fans worldwide since the 1980s. His musical legacy has consistently grown over the years and he recently released a book entitled, Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius. He typically performs in much larger venues so it will certainly be a unique experience to see him in an intimate setting like the Newport Blues Cafe. 

Rakim will be joined by a strong team of openers. Newport’s own Freddie Black and Demmene Syronn,from Providence, RI via New Bedford, MA.  Rounding out the bill is New Fame, a full-time touring lady hip-hop/soul duo originally from New York. DJ Franchise will kick off the night.

Music begins for this 21+ event at 9 pm. Tickets are now available. $30 general admission tickets and $100 meet & greet passes are available at newportblues.com while they last. $38 at the door. 

The event is presented by Newport Blues and rhymeCulture.
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Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp. Although not the founder or original owner, Belmore has been with What'sUpNewp since its early beginnings in 2012.

Belmore was born in Providence, Rhode Island; grew up and graduated high school in Coventry, Rhode Island; and lived in Newport, Rhode Island for more than ten years. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board Of Directors for Fort Adams Trust and on the Board of Directors for Potter League For Animals.

He and his wife, Jen, as well as their two dogs (Aero and June), recently moved to Alexandria, Virginia. Belmore travels back and forth to Newport every couple of weeks to cover events, work on story ideas, to meet with What'sUpNewp's on-the-ground contributors, to visit friends, and to eat as much seafood as possible.

Belmore is a member of Local Independent Online News Publishers, Society of Professional Journalists, and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.