The much-anticipated performance by rapper Ja Rule brought thousands of Long Islanders to Mitchel Field Saturday night.

It was part of a Juneteenth celebration hosted by Nassau County.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

The band Vinyl Revival performed the opening act, and then the headliner took to the stage. Thousands of fans filled the concert to see Ja Rule for the memorable night.

Attendees were excited to see the rap artist in action.

“I’m old school. I came back in the day. Ja Rule is a representation. We love the hip-hop,” said Enrique Vega, of Valley Stream.

“I like the sound, the music. I like to get down,” said Lawrence Lucie, of Uniondale.

Local civil rights leaders and members of the clergy also attended the event, which was part of the county’s free summer concert series, to recognize Juneteenth.