By Edwin Freeman
Photos: Edwin Freeman
The intersection of 134th Avenue and Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in South Jamaica, Queens was officially co-named in honor of Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers on Saturday, May 17th. For those of us who grew up in these streets, this corner now stands as something far more significant – a place that properly memorializes a man who changed lives and shaped careers before his own was tragically cut short.
Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers, founding member of the influential hip-hop group Lost Boyz, wasn’t just a rap legend who put South Side Jamaica, Queens on the map. His presence extended to numerous artists who would go on to define hip-hop culture. Perhaps most notably, Rogers served as a role model to Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who grew up on the same Queens block. While Rogers didn’t teach 50 Cent how to rap, his success and approach to the craft inspired 50 Cent to pursue his own path in hip-hop, eventually becoming one of music’s most successful entrepreneurs. This mentorship also extended to fellow G-Unit members Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, creating a legacy of musical talent emerging from our South Jamaica streets.
For me personally, Rogers was the catalyst that launched my entertainment career spanning both music and Hollywood. Before I graced screens in the blockbuster film “Notorious” portraying legendary hip-hop deejay Mister Cee or appeared in Marvel’s acclaimed series “Luke Cage” as Young Pop, I was an aspiring rapper known as Billy-D from the same South Jamaica, Queens neighborhood as Rogers. When others turned away, it was Freaky Tah alone who recognized my potential, taking me under his wing and providing the guidance, connections, and encouragement needed to navigate the competitive entertainment landscape.
This mentorship transcended professional boundaries. Freaky Tah became a big brother figure to me, offering not just career advice but life lessons that would prove invaluable as I later transitioned from music to acting. Rogers’ belief in my talents came at a crucial moment when support was scarce, making his impact on my life immeasurable.
I am now working to honor this legacy through my work as a filmmaker and educator. Currently in preproduction is my highly anticipated documentary “Diary of the Lost Boyz: The Spigg Nice Story,” which I am directing and producing. The film chronicles the life of Lost Boyz founding member Ronald “Spigg Nice” Blackwell, who served 17 years of a 37-year sentence for bank robbery following the tragic death of Rogers. This documentary continues my commitment to powerful storytelling, following my highly successful 2023 documentary “Beats & Lyrics: The Essence of Rap” and my critically acclaimed 2019 work “Modern Day Slavery: From Plantations to Prisons,” which exposed injustices within America’s criminal justice system.
My efforts to preserve and honor hip-hop’s legacy extend beyond filmmaking. I’ve created “Hip-Hop Harmony,” a highly successful and sought-after social-emotional curriculum based on the elements of hip-hop culture. This innovative program currently operates in several NYC Public Schools, using the power of hip-hop to foster emotional intelligence, communication skills, and community building among students. The curriculum embodies the same mentorship principles that Freaky Tah showed me, passing on valuable life lessons to the next generation.
The co-naming of this intersection serves as more than just a street sign – it stands as a permanent reminder of Rogers’ contributions to both the hip-hop community and to the personal journeys of artists like myself, 50 Cent, and countless others. It honors a legacy cut short in 1999 but whose ripple effects continue through the careers of those he mentored and inspired.
As someone whose life was forever changed by Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers, I am proud to see this intersection now bearing his name – a testament to a man who helped so many of us find our way at the crossroads of our lives.
