The Grammys Celebrate 50 Years of Hip Hop

As the curtain falls on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the Recording Academy has a final surprise to pay tribute to the cultural bedrock of this genre. In collaboration with CBS, the Academy presents "A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop," an auditory spectacle that not only celebrates the essence of hip-hop but also meticulously documents its evolution. The two-hour special, aired on Sunday night, brought together a diverse ensemble of rappers, DJs, dancers, and presenters to honor the genre that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s and subsequently spread globally.

Filmed at Inglewood's YouTube Theater on Nov 8, the special boasted an impressive lineup of performers spanning multiple decades and regions. Icons such as Queen Latifah, Common, Public Enemy, Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri, YG, Too Short, E-40, De La Soul, Akon, Black Thought, Nelly, Gunna, and Chance the Rapper take turns at the mic, delivering enthralling performances that showcase the diversity of styles and substance within rap music.

The special not only featured performances but also paid homage to the early queens of hip-hop. Commencing with a tribute to pioneers like Queen Latifah and Monie Love performing their 1989 hit "Ladies First," the show traversed through hip-hop history with renditions of classics like Sha-Rock's verse from Funky 4+1's "That's the Joint," J.J. Fad's "Supersonic," Roxanne Shante's "Roxanne's Revenge," and MC Lyte's "Cha Cha Cha." Modern hits like Remy Ma's "All the Way Up" and Latto's "Put It on Da Floor" are seamlessly integrated, leading to a powerful joint performance of "U.N.I.T.Y.," an anthem addressing the inequality and disrespect faced by women in society.

The spotlight then shifts to the South, curated by Jermaine Dupri, showcasing the impact of Southern hip-hop. Jeezy, T.I., Three 6 Mafia, UGK's Bun B, GloRilla, Boosie Badazz, and Uncle Luke of 2 Live Crew take the stage, presenting verses from their influential hits.
Public Enemy, introduced by host LL Cool J, enjoys a dedicated segment, performing their timeless hits like "Fight the Power," "Bring the Noise," and "Don't Believe the Hype" with the same passion that defined their debut in the mid-1980s.

The special continues with medleys representing different regions, including a West Coast segment introduced by Seth Rogen. DJ Battlecat sets the stage for Warren G, Luniz, Lady of Rage, YG, Tyga, Rody Ricch, DJ Quik, Yo-Yo, and Cypress Hill, showcasing the rich tapestry of West Coast hip-hop.
Vignettes featuring Lin Manuel-Miranda and Jelly Roll provide insights into their love for hip-hop, while a segment pays homage to the Native Tongues collective of the 1980s and '90s. Against the backdrop of a library, artists perform iconic tracks like Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R.," Arrested People's "People Everyday," Digable Planets' "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like That)," and more.
The international segment, led by Akon, features renditions of "Locked Up" and "Soul Survivor," highlighting the global influence of hip-hop. Doug E. Fresh pays tribute to lost icons like DMX, Nipsey Hussle, Tupac Shakur, Mark the 45 King, and De La Soul's Trugoy the Dove through beatboxing.

Machine Gun Kelly shares a personal connection to hip-hop before introducing a diverse lineup, emphasizing the genre's ability to bring joy and unity. The celebration concludes with a lively medley led by 2 Chainz for "Birthday Song," featuring Gunna, Coi Leroy, Nelly, and Rick Ross, culminating in Chance the Rapper bringing back 2 Chainz for "No Problem."

Harvey Mason Jr. wraps up the night by reflecting on the enduring impact of hip-hop. Acknowledging its role as the universal language and a force for disruption and change, he asserts that hip-hop is integral to the music business and has permanently cemented its legacy in culture and the world. The celebration not only marks a milestone but ensures that the legacy, impact, and contributions of hip-hop endure forever.