The office of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams hosted a street co-naming ceremony on Saturday, May 17, to honor the legacy of pioneering Southeast Queens hip-hop artist Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers.
Hundreds of community members and family members gathered for the event, where the newly named Raymond ‘Freaky Tah’ Rogers Way was unveiled at the intersection of 134th Avenue and Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, near Rochdale Village.
Rogers was best known as a member of the South Jamaica-based hip-hop group the Lost Boyz, which he co-founded in 1993 alongside Mr. Cheeks, DJ Spigg Nice, and Pretty Lou. The group’s 1996 debut album climbed the Billboard Hot 200, and they followed with two more albums in 1997 and 1999. Their most well-known tracks include “Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless,” “Renee,” and “Me & My Crazy World.”
Born on May 14, 1971, Rogers was raised in South Jamaica, Queens, and attended several local schools, including P.S. 155, M.S. 226, John Adams High School, and Richmond Hill High School.
In March 1999, Freaky Tah’s rising music career was tragically cut short when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Queens. He is survived by his family, including his eldest son, Kahlil Emery, who now performs with the Lost Boyz under the name Freaky Kah, continuing his father’s legacy.
Beyond music, Rogers was deeply committed to giving back to his community, particularly by mentoring local youth throughout Southeast Queens.
Rogers’s family members spoke at the event, reflecting on his life and legacy as an artist, father, and family member.
“Freaky Tah was a loving, caring, and dedicated father who was all about community. He did so much for the community, and it’s important that we keep his legacy alive. I’m proud to carry on his legacy alongside members of the family through the work of our foundation,” said Cecilia Moody, Roger’s first cousin and CEO of Ladies and Lost Boyz.
“My brother played a major part in representing Jamaica, Queens,” said James Grant, the youngest brother of Raymond ‘Freaky Tah’ Rogers. “He fought hard to make sure the kids in our community got a good education, got good grades, and stayed off the streets. To this day, young people still tell me what an impact he had on them. I’m so excited that after all these years, he’s finally getting his roses, and his name will be on a block he loved so much. I’m honored and humbled, and I appreciate everybody who made sure this exists.”
Speaker Adams also reflected on how Rogers’ musical contributions helped to shape the renowned hip-hop culture in Southeast Queens.
“Southeast Queens’ role in hip hop is well-established, and the Lost Boyz and Freaky Tah hold an indisputable place in that history. I’m proud to support the co-naming of 134th Avenue and Guy R. Brewer Boulevard as “Raymond ‘Freaky Tah’ Rogers Way,” in honor of his enduring legacy,” Adams said. “Freaky Tah’s life will never be forgotten, and through the work of his family and friends, his memory will be uplifted for future generations to come. I thank his family, community leaders, and everyone who helped make today’s street co-naming ceremony possible.”
Following the street co-naming ceremony, family members and community members celebrated the 2025 Freaky Tah Day Festival at the nearby Springfield Park.
