Long Island has a rich historical past. The Battle of Long Island was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War. Long Island has many cultural landmarks as well as breathtaking scenery that inspired mega pop star Justin Timberlake to film his video “Not a Bad Thing.” The video was filmed at various landmarks in Babylon, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Merrick and Wantagh and tells a story of a young couple who met on the LIRR. This isn’t the only time Long Island has been used as backdrops for film and entertainment.
If you’re a fan of Will Smith like I am,you are probably aware of how he left the streets of Philly to brio entertainment’s A-list via movies, a hit TV series and musical career that has spanned for two decades. In Men in Black 2, one of Will’s highest grossing films, had scenes filmed at the Fire Island Lighthouse. Marlon and Shawn Wayans, who will be performing at Westbury’s NYCB Theatre this Saturday, also filmed their breakout hit movie White Chicks in the Hamptons.
Roosevelt, Long Island-born hip hop legend Flavor Flav was featured on an episode of Celebrity Wife Swap, which was filmed in Long Island. In the episode Flavor Flav and musician Dee Snider “swap” and live with the other star’s better half under the same roof. Media Recording Studios, which was a collaboration of both Tommy Mottola and John Storyk is based out of Long Island. Mottola, who is a former CEO for Sony Music helped launch careers like Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Long Island’s own Mariah Carey. Katt Williams also recorded a song in the studio for hip hop producer Steve Young. Williams lends his vocal talent right before his first HBO special The Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1.
In case there are not enough landmarks on Long Island already, Jason Shelowitz aka “Jay Shells,”wants you notice his street signs. What makes his street signs different? Instead of warning about oncoming traffic, Jay posts rap lyrics on each sign. His work has been popping up from Brooklyn to the Smith Haven Mall in Suffolk County. “New York is so full of history, and so many amazing things happen on virtually every corner every day and throughout history.” he explains.
It is the Long Island has beaches, landmarks, towns, streets and railroads that beautify this Island, drawing Hollywood back again and again to capture some of the crux LI has to offer.
What are your favorite landmarks on the Island?
