Former Bad Boy artist Ma$e has proudly represented Harlem, New York throughout his career, and now his hometown has returned the favor. Ma$e was honored with his very own day in New York City at a proclamation ceremony held outside Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater on Tuesday January 24, 2023.

The 47-year-old whose born name is Mason Betha received a framed proclamation from New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley declaring January 24 “Ma$e Day” in Harlem.

The proclamation, which coincides with Hip Hop’s 50th birthday this summer, cites Ma$e’s “outstanding achievements and enduring contributions” throughout his career as multi-platinum artist, performer, songwriter, label executive and pastor.

Joined by his wife and two sons, Ma$e graced the mic and said a few words in front of a gathering of family, friends, colleagues and fans.

“I want to thank all of you for coming out here today, but most of all, I want to say this because this really matters in our community: a win only feels great when you win with family,” he said.

“Today, I have my whole family here — my wife of 22 years and a bunch of people in the crowd, a bunch of great artists…Thank you, and thank you Harlem for making me great.”

He added: “And most of all, my pastor is here. This is the guy that prayed for me when I left Hip Hop, so y’all all wanna know who changed me? This is the guy that changed me.”

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The ceremony comes just days before Ma$e is due to hit the stage and dust off his catalog of hits at the Apollo Theater alongside fellow New York rappers Cam’ron and Jadakiss.

The special one-night-only concert takes place on Saturday January 28, 2023 and comes courtesy of the venue’s 2022-2023 season, dubbed “The Next Movement”, which is described as “an exploration of what’s new, now and next in music, dance, art and ideas.”