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If you don’t know, now you know: 10 times WSB-TV paid tribute to hip-hop on-air

As if there was any question that Channel 2 anchor Fred Blankenship and Channel 2 traffic reporter Mark Arum are kings of the hip-hop traffic report niche, we’ve listed our top 10 favorite moments of the decade the two paid tribute to those who’ve heavily influenced the music genre.

#10

Wu-Tang Clan

Just a couple of Wu-Tang Clan drops from Fred and Mark as they prepared for the group’s de facto leader RZA’s studio visit.

Just a couple of the Wu-Tang Clan drops that Fred Blankenship and I made on WSB-TV this morning getting ready for RZA’s studio visit and the A3C Festival & Conference!!!

Posted by Mark Arum WSB on Friday, October 5, 2018

#9

Lil’ Kim

Wanna bumble with the Bee, huh? Fred and Mark honored Grammy Award-winning rapper, Lil’ Kim, on her 45th birthday.

Happy Birthday Lil Kim!!!

Happy Birthday to The Queen Bee!!! 🐝🐝🐝 Lil Kim Fred Blankenship @WSB-TV

Posted by Mark Arum WSB on Thursday, July 11, 2019

#8

Jay-Z

He’s revered as one of the best to ever do it, so, of course, Fred had to drop some bars from H.O.V. in honor of the rapper-mogul’s 50th birthday. “Look for me!”

🎉 Today is hip-hop star turned mogul Jay-Z's 50th birthday. So, naturally, Fred Blankenship did what he does best... 🎤

Posted by WSB-TV on Wednesday, December 4, 2019

#7

Prodigy

It’s always tough when the hip-hop community loses one of its own. Here are Fred and Mark paying tribute to the late Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy.

As if there was any question that Fred Blankenship and Mark Arum WSB are kings of the hip-hop traffic report niche... check out this tribute to the late Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy. 🙌🎤🔥🎧http://2wsb.tv/2sCyDQG

Posted by WSB-TV on Wednesday, June 21, 2017

#6

A Tribe Called Quest

Midnight Marauders is the third studio album from the legendary group, A Tribe Called Quest -- and you know we weren’t going to be silent about its 25th anniversary.

MM Turns 25!!

25 years ago today A Tribe Called Quest dropped Midnight Marauders and our lives were never the same. Fred Blankenship A Tribe Called Quest WSB-TV

Posted by Mark Arum WSB on Friday, November 9, 2018

#5

Rakim

Known for his lyrical skills, rapper Rakim turned 50 in 2018 and Fred and Mark reminded us all why he’s considered one of the most influential MCs of all time.

Celebrating Rakim's Birthday During Channel 2 Action News This Morning

🎉 Yesterday was legendary rapper Rakim's 50th birthday... and you know Mark Arum WSB and Fred Blankenship are celebrating in true Channel 2 Action News This Morning fashion! (While still giving great traffic updates. We love them for it!)

Posted by WSB-TV on Monday, January 29, 2018

#4

Montell Jordan

“This is how we do it!!!!” Just because Mark and Fred make hip-hop references in traffic reports look easy, doesn’t mean it is. Check out the time they honored Atlanta resident Montell Jordan on his 50th birthday.

This Is How We Do It!!!

Happy 50th Birthday to Atlanta resident and legend, Montell Jordan from all of us at WSB-TV! Fred Blankenship Sophia Choi Karen Minton Ashley Frasca Mark McKay

Posted by Mark Arum WSB on Monday, December 3, 2018

#3

Craig Mack

'90s hip-hop star Craig Mack died at the age of 46 on March 12, 2018. He brought that “flavor in your ear," and Fred and Mark paid tribute in their own special way.

Channel 2's Fred Blankenship, Mark Arum Pay Tribute to Craig Mack

RIP Craig Mack! The 90s hip-hop star has died at the age of 46. He brought that "Flavor in your ear" and Fred Blankenship and Mark Arum WSB are paying tribute in their own special way. http://2wsb.tv/2DoZHq1

Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, March 13, 2018

#2

Tupac Shakur (2Pac)

He’s considered one of the most significant rappers in history -- and on what would have been Tupac’s 46th birthday, Fred and Mark did what they do best.

Tribute To Tupac During Channel 2 Traffic Reports

🎶TUPAC TRIBUTE! Today he would've turned 46, so you know Fred Blankenship and Mark Arum WSB had to wish one of the greatest a happy birthday in their own special way.

Posted by WSB-TV on Friday, June 16, 2017

#1

The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)

“It was all a dream!” He gave us songs like Big Poppa, Juicy, Hypnotize and many more before his untimely passing in 1997. Fred and Mark honored rap legend Biggie Smalls on what marked the 22nd anniversary of his passing.

Fred Blankenship and Mark Arum tribute to Biggie

Tomorrow marks the 22nd anniversary of the passing of The Notorious B.I.G. So, naturally, Fred Blankenship and Mark Arum WSB did what they do best...

Posted by WSB-TV on Friday, March 8, 2019

Honorable Mention:

That time Mark and Fred dropped an insane number of “Coming to America” quotes during the newscast in honor of the classic film turning 30.

Mark Arum and Fred Blankenship drop "Coming to America" quotes

👑 They're at it again! Mark Arum WSB and Fred Blankenship dropped an INSANE amount of "Coming to America" (The movie turned 30 this week) quotes in yesterday's newscast -- Can you catch them all?

Posted by WSB-TV on Saturday, June 30, 2018