Prince, who died of a drug overdose in April, would have been 58 on June 7. Even though the Purple One is gone, director Spike Lee spent today making sure he's not forgotten by throwing a birthday bash for the legendary artist in Brooklyn that brought out a huge crowd of people dressed in purple.
Lee himself entered the block party carrying a gold Prince symbol-shaped guitar and leading a drum line that played on Prince-themed bass drums.
The party also included Sway Calloway serving as host, a prayer by the Reverend Al Sharpton, and appearances by Rosie Perez and Knicks legend Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.
Here's what Sway had to say, via The Associated Press:
Of course, the event had to include a dance contest.
One ironic thing we have to point out, though. Prince was a Jehova's Witness who didn't celebrate birthdays, which, he famously said, was why he looked so young.