Photo Credit: Fat Joe for SportsCenter (ESPN)
The championship parade to honor the Knicks for their historic win will feature a who’s who of NYC rappers, per unofficial team ambassador Fat Joe.
As a regular at Madison Square Garden during the New York Knicks’ championship games this season, Fat Joe has been tapped by Knicks and MSG owner James Dolan to lead a hip-hop themed float during the Knicks championship parade on Thursday. Some of the iconic guests to join him were revealed during Joe’s interview on SportsCenter, including Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Mary J. Blige, and Fabolous.
“My float, we got Wu-Tang, we got Mobb Deep, we got M.O.P., we got Mary J., we got Remy Ma, we got Q-Tip, we got Fabolous, we got Ja Rule, The LOX, and my partner Jadakiss. [And] Yung Miami,” said Joe. “We got the Planet Earth coming in.”
“There’s nothing like winning the chip,” he added, explaining the “euphoria” he feels as a New Yorker during the Knicks’ first NBA championship win in 53 years. “In New York City, we ain’t been able to act up and feel like this. […] Tomorrow’s gonna be incredible. […] The whole hip-hop community. This is gonna be like the hall of fame of hall of fame.”
The championship parade takes place starting in New York City’s Battery Park at 10 AM ET on Thursday (June 18), heading through the Canyon of Heroes and concluding with a ceremony at City Hall, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani will present the Knicks with a ceremonial key to the city. At City Hall, there will also be a performance of “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys.
“From a playoff run that left New Yorkers breathless to a tip-in that will be talked about for decades, the Knicks have earned a hero’s welcome,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We have dreamed of this moment for generations. This Thursday, our city will rise to the occasion.”
The Knicks secured their first championship victory since 1973 on Saturday with a win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five.
