Here's What Went Down at Spike Lee's Birthday Party for Prince Today

Spike Lee paid homage to the late Prince who would have turned 58 this month in Brooklyn.

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Complex Original

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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:

"Y'all came to celebrate Prince today? Will you celebrate him tomorrow? Will you celebrate him next week? Will you celebrate him next year? Will you celebrate him the rest of your life?"

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.

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