What Is “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” Celebrating?
“A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which took place in August.
Scholars may debate whether the genre’s roots precede Aug. 11, 1973, when DJ Kool Herc debuted his “merry-go-round” technique of playing funk breaks back-to-back to a smattering of teenagers in the Bronx. But it’s beyond doubt that this event was the spark to a flame that lit throughout the boroughs — inspiring DJs, breakdancers, graffiti artists, and, eventually, pioneering MCs like Coke La Rock and Cowboy.
In the ensuing decades, hip-hop has set the world on fire, swelling to become one of the foremost cultural phenomena on the planet. And “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” promises to pay homage to the breadth, depth and ongoing ripple effect of the genre and culture.
The two-hour live concert special will feature exclusive performances from hip-hop legends and GRAMMY-winning artists including Black Thought, Bun B, Common, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, J.J. Fad, Talib Kweli, the Lady Of Rage, LL Cool J, MC Sha-Rock, Monie Love, the Pharcyde, Queen Latifah, Questlove, Rakim, Remy Ma, Uncle Luke, and Yo-Yo.
Rap icons and next-gen hip-hop superstars like 2 Chainz, T.I., Gunna, Too $hort, Latto, E-40, Big Daddy Kane, GloRilla, Juvenile, Three 6 Mafia, Cypress Hill, Jeezy, DJ Quik, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, Warren G, YG, Digable Planets, Arrested Development, Spinderella, Black Sheep, Luniz, and many more will also perform. Plus, hip-hop icons DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince will deliver a highly anticipated reunion on the stage.
View the full performer lineup to date.
Who Is Appearing At “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop”?
Two-time GRAMMY winner and nine-time GRAMMY nominee LL Cool J will guide fans through the “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” experience throughout the night. You can also expect presentations and appearances from Chloe Bailey, hip-hop-meets Broadway mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda, Seth Rogen, Jennifer Hudson, Regina Hall, Machine Gun Kelly, and more.
What Can I Expect At “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop”?
Spanning the past five decades of hip-hop history, “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” is the epitomic embodiment of the profound history of hip-hop. More than just a live concert special, the show will celebrate the infinite ways hip-hop has impacted and changed the world. Plus, with such a heavy-hitter performer lineup, hip-hop fans should expect plenty of surprises and deep dives into the rich evolution of rap music and culture.
The night will feature groundbreaking artists performing the songs that changed hip-hop forever. Expect to experience exclusive performances of such classics from all the influential eras of hip-hop, including T.I.’s “What You Know,” 2Pac‘s “California Love,” Three 6 Mafia’s “Stay Fly,” Cypress Hill’s “How I Could Just Kill A Man,” and many more.
“A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” will also showcase some of the regional sounds and scenes that shaped the rap canon across the decades, including special segments celebrating Southern hip-hop featuring Jeezy, T.I., Bun B, Three 6 Mafia, Jermaine Dupri, and more; West Coast rap featuring Warren G, Tyga, Roddy Ricch, DJ Quik, Too $hort, E-40, and others; and the international rap scene featuring Akon, Blaqbonez and more.
Of course, hip-hop would not be where it is today without the influential women and female trailblazers who pioneered the genre and industry. For the past five decades, women have been essential to hip-hop, and “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” will pay tribute to the ladies who built — and continue to build — rap music and culture. The ladies of hip-hop will take centerstage with a special performance featuring an all-women cast of hip-hop greats performing empowering female anthems, including Queen Latifah & Monie Love performing “Ladies First,” Roxanne Shanté delivering “Roxanne’s Revenge,” Latto holding it down for the next generation with “Put It On Da Floor,” and more.
As one of the highlights of the night, hip-hop pioneers DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince will reunite for a highly anticipated performance featuring their greatest hits, which have since become some of the most celebrated songs in hip-hop history, including, “Brand New Funk,” “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” “Summertime,” and more.
“A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” will pay tribute to this quintessentially American art form like no other. Keep checking GRAMMY.com for more news and updates about “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and make sure to tune in on Sunday, Dec. 10, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.
