Congratulating the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame on Its Inaugural Ceremony Held March 8, 2026, and Honoring Its Inductees

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 3 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, Vincent "Bad Lad" Lopes, Mason "DJ Finesse" Santos, Paris Fisher, and Donald "DJ Donnie Battle/BBoy Keebila" Senna.