Carnegie Hall

(NEW YORK, NY; January 23, 2025)—Carnegie Hall presents the third annual Power Network, a groundbreaking Black History Month conversation, celebration, and concert on Thursday, February 27 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage featuring legendary hip-hop artist and MC Rakim performing with Igmar Thomas’ 32-piece Revive Big Band orchestra and DJ Spinderella (Salt-N-Pepa).

Hosted by Ed Lover, the evening blends world-class entertainment with invaluable financial insight from business and economic innovators including Chairman and CEO of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) North America Anish Melwani, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners Robert F. Smith, CEO and Co-founder of AI InnoVision Alicia Lyttle, and AI and high-fashion visionary Desmond A. Brown in conversation with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings—the financial empowerment visionaries of Earn Your Leisure. Additional guest speakers to be announced.

For video highlights from previous Power Network events, please click here.

About the Artists
In the history of the hip-hop, few artists have had as great an impact on the development and progression of the art forms lyrical style as New York’s own William Michael Griffin…known to world as Rakim. Universally referenced as one of the ‘masters of the microphone’ and an influence and inspiration to his peers and followers alike, he helped pioneer a more complex rhyme style, multi-syllable rhyming and cadences that were unusual at the time. Rakim first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic Eric B. is President in 1986 with longtime collaborator Eric B. The single marked a turning point in the rap world—raising the bar for future emcees and revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered to this day. No serious discussion of the music’s greatest performers is held without a deferential accounting of his achievements, and no serious rap artist grips a microphone without channeling some of his legend.

His recordings—including the all-time classics Paid In Full, Follow the Leader, and The 18th Letter—have sold in the multi-millions worldwide. Billboard, Rolling Stone, MTV, and a host of others consistently refer to Paid in Full as “the greatest hip-hop album of all time”—a claim that is often repeated in audience polls. Rakim has been recruited to add his star talents to projects for Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Linkin Park, Mobb Deep, Jody Watley, Damian Marley, Lloyd Banks, Limp Bizkit, Gang Starr, and Truth Hurts among many others.

Rakim’s uncanny innovation was the focal point of the critically acclaimed recreation of Bob Marley’s Concrete Jungle and has helped propel movie soundtracks such as Juice, Brown Sugar, the Rugrats, American Psycho, Ozark, Luke Cage, and 8 Mile to best seller status. His role model status has led world famous brands such as The Coca Cola Company, LVMH, Nike, Adobe, Ford Motor Company, the MLB, NBA, and others to choose him as spokesperson.

With recent tributes such as being named the #1 Lyricist of All Time by The Source magazine, receiving the coveted BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and being nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the world’s eye on the one many call The GOD MC, Rakim Allah continues to lead where others just follow.

DJ Spinderella is a Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer, rapper, writer, and world-class mother. Spinderella is one of the original pioneers of hip-hop music, beginning her career as a member of the iconic rap group Salt-N-Pepa, selling over 15 million albums and singles worldwide. Over two decades after her groundbreaking entrance into hip hop, the Brooklyn native still sets the standard for “turntablist” all over the world and is still a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. “I’ve been blessed to be in the game for so many years, when many others have come and gone,” says Spinderella. “This industry is all about fun and entertainment, but humility and professionalism will take you far. I’ve also had great mentors such as DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Scratch, and the late Jam Master Jay.” Spinderella still performs with her sisters Salt-N-Pepa and is holding down her international reputation as the “Universe’s #1 female DJ.” Spinderella spends her time touring, volunteering for the North Texas chapter of the American Diabetes Association, and teaching people about the art of DJing.

About the Speakers
Anish Melwani is the Chairman & CEO, LVMH for North America. In this role, he oversees and coordinates the activities of the LVMH Group across 75+ maisons and recently launched 22 Montaigne Entertainment, a platform to elevate film, TV and audio format productions. He sits on the board of directors for Fresh, Marc Jacobs, Colgin Cellars, Starboard Cruise Services, Tiffany & Co, and Lotus Tech. Prior to joining LVMH in 2015, he was a Senior Partner in the New York Office of McKinsey and Company where he co‐led the Global Strategy & Corporate Finance practice and supported clients across industries. At McKinsey since 1999, he counseled senior executives of leading global companies on issues related to corporate strategy, M&A, alliances, portfolio management and organization. He worked in McKinsey’s Singapore and Hong Kong offices and was then relocated to the New York office, where he advised leaders of public sector institutions in New York City. Mr. Melwani is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Board of the United Way of New York City where he serves on the Marketing Committee, the National Retail Federation’s Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Harvard University.

Robert F. Smith is a business leader, investor in transformative companies, a champion for diversity and inclusion, and a steward of culture, the environment, equity, and education. Smith founded the technology investment firm Vista Equity Partners. He is dedicated to serving and giving back to his communities and our planet through innovative and expansive philanthropic endeavors and, in 2016, was elected as Carnegie Hall’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Alicia Lyttle, widely known as the ‘Queen of AI,’ is a visionary entrepreneur, AI pioneer, and global advocate for empowering the Black community through technology. An award-winning innovator and TEDx speaker, Alicia has trained thousands worldwide through her CPD-Accredited AI Consultant Certification Program and founded the International Association of Artificial Intelligence Consultants. Her work has earned accolades, such as the 100 Women to KNOW Across America Award by JPMorgan Chase and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Desmond A. Brown is a leading voice on the use of AI in creative industries, bridging his federal expertise with a passion for innovation. As the Executive Director of Small Business at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Brown has spent his career advocating for small businesses and helping entrepreneurs succeed in competitive markets. The author of Million Dollar Prompts: The Blueprint from Prompt to Product to Profit, Mr. Brown empowers individuals to use AI to unlock their creative potential and turn visionary ideas into tangible outcomes. His approachable insights have inspired audiences nationwide to leverage technology for growth and innovation.

Program Information
Thursday, February 27 at 8:00 p.m.
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
Power Network
A Black History Month Conversation and Celebration

MC Rakim
DJ Spinderella
Igmar Thomas' Revive Big Band

Ed Lover, Host
with Panelists
Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of Earn Your Leisure
Robert F. Smith
Anish Melwani
Alicia Lyttle
Desmond A. Brown
Additional panelists and artists to be announced

Power Network is a project of the Carnegie Hall Cultural Council.

Title Sponsor: AT&T

Platinum Sponsors: Fidelity & Vibranium

Gold Sponsors: Greenwood

 

Ticket Information

Tickets priced from $50—$150 are available by visiting the Carnegie Hall website, carnegiehall.org, calling CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 or at the Carnegie Hall Box Office 154 West 57th Street.

For Carnegie Hall presentations taking place in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, a limited number of seats, priced at $10, will be available day-of-concert beginning at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 noon on Sunday until one hour before the performance or until supply lasts. The exceptions are Weill Music Institute and gala events. These $10 tickets are available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis at the Carnegie Hall Box Office only. There is a two-ticket limit per customer.

In addition, for all Carnegie Hall presentations in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, a limited number of partial view (seats with obstructed or limited sight lines or restricted leg room) will be sold for 50% of the full price. For more information on this and other discount ticket programs, including those for students, Notables members, and Bank of America customers, visit carnegiehall.org/discounts. Artists, programs, and prices are subject to change.

 

From Top Left: Rakim, DJ Spinderella, Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal,
Anish Melwani, Robert F. Smith, Alicia Lyttle, Ed Lover