Thug Life Army

Long Beach son and hip-hop rap artist Warren G is being honored by the City of Long Beach and will perform a concert at the Queen Mary Sunday, August 6 from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Queen Mary Seawalk.

Born Warren Griffin III, super rap star Warren G exploded out of the burgeoning Long Beach hip-hop and rap scene in 1994 with the smash single "Regulate," a duet with longtime friend hip-hop artist Nate Dogg, and its accompanying album, Regulate...G Funk Era.

Warren G grew up in Long Beach listening to his parents'' extensive collection of jazz, soul and funk records. As a teenager, he and his friends Nate Dogg and future hip-hop rap superstar Snoop Dogg formed a rap group called 213, after their area code.

A break came when his vocal collaboration with Mista Grimm, "Indo Smoke," appeared on the Poetic Justice soundtrack. Soon after that, Warren G recorded his debut album for Suge Knights infamous Death Row Records. The album eventually went triple platinum, with "This D.J." becoming his second Top 10 hit. Warren G will release a new CD in the fall of 2005.

Special well-known guest stars will also participate in the Gala Benefit that will support the Willie McGinest Freedom School Education Enrichment Program in Long Beach.  In honor of this event, Long Beach residents will receive free admission to the Queen Mary on August 5. Residents must present a utility bill or I.D. for free admission.

Tickets are $40 and are available at the Queen Mary ticket booths Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or by contacting the Queen Mary Special Events Department at 562-499-1650. Tickets are also available at the following locations: International Realty & Investment, Inc. 1100 E. Wardlow Rd. in Long Beach, for Information please call (562) 427-8626 and Success in Challenges, Inc. 5239 Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach, for information please call (562) 423-1030 or 423-8111.

The concert will conclude a weeklong celebration in honor of Warren G that will begin with an opening day ceremony including a special presentation by Mayor Beverly O''Neill Monday, August 1 at Sutton Academy.  Various activities will take part during the week leading up to Friday, August 5 on which Long Beach residents can spend the day touring the historic ship on a self-guided tour free of charge. The Scorpion Submarine, Haunted Encounters Tour, Behind- the-Scenes or World War II Guided Tours are available for an additional fee.

The parking fee is $10.00.  Free Passport shuttles from downtown Long Beach and the AquaBus water taxi from the Aquarium of the Pacific will both be operating, and access from the Los Angeles area is available via the Metro Blue Line Trains.

The Queen Mary offers great event entertainment as well as an ideal close-to-home getaway in its 365-room on-board hotel.  The ship is also home to three award-winning restaurants.  While enjoying the special events at the Queen Mary, explore a real Russian submarine, or the Haunted Encounters Passport. The public may call 562.435.3511 or 562-499-1650 to inquire about special events, hotel packages, or to make hotel, restaurant or Sunday Brunch reservations.  Inquire about the Queen Mary Annual Pass program.  Please visit http://www.queenmary.com  for more information.