Brow Beat Inside Spike Lee and Questlove’s Emotional New York Tributes to Prince By Aymann Ismail April 22, 20161:08 PM Tweet Share Share Comment Tweet Share Share Comment In the wake of Prince’s untimely passing, New Yorkers mourned through celebration of his music and life. Following a public invite on Twitter, crowds gathered outside Spike Lee’s production company headquarters in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Spike Lee hosted the gathering from a stoop, in Prince-approved colors. Aymann Ismail/Slate VH1 host Sway, until recently of MTV News, made his way through the crowd. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Spike Lee was emotional, asking the crowd to raise their phones in honor of Prince as his crew played the final song of the night, “Purple Rain.” Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire street, lined with fans, obliged. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement At Spike Lee’s request, the New York Police Department extended the block party, allowing “Purple Rain” to play again one last time. Aymann Ismail/Slate It was a cool, clear night, but there is never a wrong time for a Prince umbrella. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Advertisement As the encore of “Purple Rain” reached its climax, many in the street were visibly weeping. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Advertisement A fan held her chest during the song’s final moments. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement A fan looked on before the crowd dispersed. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement As midnight approached, Questlove began a Prince tribute DJ set across town at Brooklyn Bowl. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Revelers danced to Prince’s music under giant monitors playing Finding Nemo, a reference to a famous story Questlove told about Prince. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Advertisement As the crowd settled in, the music—and the dancing—were decidedly ‘80s. Aymann Ismail/Slate Advertisement Advertisement The dancing, of course, went very late. Aymann Ismail/Slate Read more from Slate on Prince. Tweet Share Share Comment Music Prince Advertisement