HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE RHODE ISLAND HIP HOP HALL OF FAME ON ITS INAUGURAL CEREMONY HELD MARCH 8, 2026, AND HONORING ITS INDUCTEES

H8340

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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
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WHEREAS, Hip hop culture, encompassing the artistic elements of DJing, emceeing
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(rapping), breakin’ (breakdancing), and graffiti art, has for more than fifty years served as a
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powerful vehicle for creative expression, community building, and cultural identity; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island has long been home to a vibrant and influential hip hop
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community whose pioneers and practitioners have made lasting contributions at both the local
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and national levels; and
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WHEREAS, The concept of the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame was first envisioned
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in 2024 by dedicated leaders within the community, including Donald “DJ Donnie Battle / BBoy
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Keebla” Senna and Vincent “Bad Lad” Lopes, whose combined experience of more than eighty
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years reflects a deep and enduring commitment to the advancement of hip hop culture; and
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WHEREAS, Through their vision, leadership, and collaboration, this long-envisioned
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initiative came to fruition with the inaugural Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame Ceremony, held
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on March 8, 2026, at 39 West Restaurant and Lounge in Cranston; and
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WHEREAS, This historic event marked the first-ever formal recognition in Rhode Island
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of the pioneers and contributors across all elements of hip hop culture, including breakin’,
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graffiti, DJing, and emceeing, as well as honoring individuals who have provided vital support to
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the growth and sustainability of the culture; and
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WHEREAS, The ceremony brought together honorees and community members from
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across the nation, including participants traveling from North Carolina, Maryland, Florida, and

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Illinois, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of Rhode Island’s hip hop legacy; and
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WHEREAS, The occasion was especially meaningful as it reunited individuals who had
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not shared the same space in more than forty years, underscoring the enduring bonds and shared
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history within the hip hop community; and
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WHEREAS, The founders of the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame have established a
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vision for this event to continue annually on the first weekend of March and aspire to create a
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permanent physical venue to preserve and showcase memorabilia, artifacts, and the rich history of
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hip hop for future generations; and
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WHEREAS, Among those recognized and honored for their outstanding contributions
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include:
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• Vincent “Bad Lad” Lopes, co-founder of the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame, a
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longstanding supporter of the arts and a prominent figure in the nightlife and comedy community,
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previously recognized as a 2024 inductee; and
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• Mason “DJ Finesse” Santos, a 2026 inductee for DJing, who is also a published
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author, motivational speaker, and life coach, inspiring others through both his artistry and
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community engagement; and
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• Paris Fisher, a 2026 inductee recognized for his foundational role in Rhode Island’s
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hip hop culture and his work through POAM Actionwear, as well as his dedication as a youth
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activist and involvement in his faith community; and
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• Donald “DJ Donnie Battle / BBoy Keebla” Senna, founder of the Rhode Island Hip
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Hop Hall of Fame, president of the nationally recognized breaking crew Ground FX, host of the
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prominent East Coast b-boy event Spin Factor, and founder of the nation’s first 2-vs-2 national b-
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boy tour championships; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the
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creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of artists and advocates who have shaped and
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sustained hip hop culture throughout the State and beyond; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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congratulates and honors the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame on the successful occasion of
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its inaugural ceremony held on March 8, 2026, commends its founders, organizers, and
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supporters for their vision and dedication in establishing this important cultural institution, and
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recognizes all inductees for their invaluable contributions to hip hop culture and to their
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communities; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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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
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Battle/BBoy Keebila" Senna.
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