Lil Cease to perform with tribute band in Syracuse

Rapper Lil' Cease will perform in Syracuse on May 16. He will take the stage at the Westcott Theater, starting the show at 8 p.m. Doors will open an hour earlier. Tickets are available for $42, with meet-and-greet packages priced at $89. Lil' Cease, whose real name is James Lloyd, was part of the legendary '90s hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A. The group included the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., known as Christopher Wallace. Together, they produced hits like “Get Money” and “Player’s Anthem.” Cease is also famous for his collaboration with Lil' Kim on “Crush On You.” Joining Lil' Cease will be The Frank White Experience, a local tribute band dedicated to Notorious B.I.G. The band is currently touring in Europe. Emanuel Washington, their drummer, believes it is important to keep Biggie's music alive. He emphasizes that the concerts celebrate the timeless nature of Biggie’s work. Notorious B.I.G. is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. He wrote well-loved songs such as “Hypnotize,” “Big Poppa,” and “Juicy.” Tragically, he was killed in 1997 at the age of 24. His influence continues today, with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. In addition to performing as The Frank White Experience, the group also has a project called Grateful for Biggie. This combines the music of Notorious B.I.G. with that of The Grateful Dead. Washington has plans to create more productions, potentially including a Broadway show to honor Biggie's legacy.