The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will celebrate hip-hop history and hometown pride on February 28 with a special Black History Month program honoring one of the genre’s local pioneers.
Titled Strong Island Forever: Legacy, Longevity & the Return of JVC FORCE, the event will feature AJ “AJ ROK” Woodson, a founding member of the influential Long Island hip-hop group JVC FORCE. The program begins at 1 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook location, 97 Main Street. Admission is free for members and included with general admission for non-members.
Woodson is best known for JVC FORCE’s classic single “Strong Island,” an anthem that helped cement Long Island’s place in hip-hop’s golden era. At a time when New York City’s boroughs dominated the rap conversation, JVC FORCE emerged as a defining voice from outside the city, delivering sharp lyricism and a proud celebration of their Long Island roots.
“Welcoming AJ ‘ROK’ Woodson to the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is a powerful celebration of hip-hop history and Strong Island pride,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. “His legacy with JVC FORCE helped put Long Island on the rap map.”
During the event, Woodson will reflect on his music career, the cultural impact of JVC FORCE and his return to performing at age 60. Following his talk, attendees will have the opportunity to meet him, take photos and receive autographs. Copies of his books and JVC FORCE T-shirts will be available for purchase.
Beyond music, Woodson has built a career in journalism and community advocacy, further expanding a legacy rooted in culture, resilience and the enduring spirit of hip-hop.