DJ Cassidy didn't become one of the industry's most prominent DJs by leaving things to chance.

The New York native is keen to make sure everything is just right, from the way his signature hat sits on his head to his performances everywhere from Jay-Z and Beyonce’s wedding to the stage at the Democratic National Convention this summer, and especially during his “Pass the Mic Live!” residency in Las Vegas. Cass is so keen to make sure every detail is just right that he printed out the lyrics to “La Di Da Di,” one of hip-hop’s most foundational classics, and gave them to Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, the legendary artists who created and performed the record for the past 40 years.

“You don't give the lyrics to 'La Di Da Di' to Slick Rick and Doug, Cass,” says Ja Rule, standing onstage next to his good friend Fat Joe, with a sly smile that quickly turns to laughter.

It’s July 5, 2024, and Cassidy and his friends are at Planet Hollywood’s Bakkt Theater, about to kick off his next project, “Pass the Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency.” To get to the moment, he’s assembled an Avengers-level roster of talent to take flight. Over the next month, the core five of Cassidy, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh will be joined by a powerhouse roster of Public Enemy, Raekwon, Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Akon, Remy Ma, Vicious, Too $hort and Warren G, all of whom will join the record-spinning maestro as special guest firepower on separate Saturdays.