With the culmination of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary approaching, the Recording Academy has devised a final tribute to the foundational members of the genre.
In “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop,” an aural extravaganza presented in collaboration between the Academy and CBS, the program serves as both a tribute and documentation of the culture. Sunday night from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, with live and on-demand streaming on Paramount+, a two-hour special chronicles the influence of a movement that originated in the 1970s in the Bronx and subsequently swept the globe. A formidable lineup of DJs, presenters, beatboxers, and dancers commemorates the occasion.
The special, which was recorded on November 8 at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, features an extensive roster of performers encompassing multiple decades and regions. A brief selection of the artists: During medley performances that demonstrate the diversity of rap music in terms of both substance and style, Chance the Rapper, 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 each take turns rocking the mic and dropping a verse or two.
A highlight of the evening occurred towards its conclusion, when Will Smith, also known as the Fresh Prince, and DJ Jazzy Jeff reunited for a medley of their individual and collaborative greatest songs. Questlove, best known as the percussionist for the Roots, provides a glowing introduction to the duo whose 1989 album “Parents Just Don’t Understand” earned them the first Grammy Award for hip-hop.
Questlove states, “In a year and an evening filled with significant hip-hop events, this is a monumental one.” “These two individuals were idols of mine as a child in my native Illadelpho. They were the first hip-hop artists to ever be awarded a Grammy. They were not invited to perform or claim their award on camera at the time, causing the hip-hop community to abstain from the festivities that year. Fortunately, their hip-hop invitation materialized a year later, and they became the inaugural hip-hop group to perform at the Grammy Awards. And tonight, from all of us in Philadelphia, as a fan and a friend, please join me in extending a warm welcome to the Grammy stage for the legendary, incredible, and unparalleled DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince!”
“Brand New Funk,” a track from their 1988 sophomore album “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper,” begins the proceedings with Jazzy Jeff positioned behind the turntables atop an elevated podium. Smith tours his discography while accompanied by support dancers for “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” and “Miami.” He is attired in an all-red ensemble and sports a Philly’s cap to match. His spouse Jada Pinkett-Smith and their children Jaden and Willow observe from the audience as he performs. Without performing the theme song from his television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” a retrospective would be incomplete. In this regard, the duo delivers a succinct rendition of “Summertime,” their highest-charting single at the time. This rendition also earned them their second Grammy in 1992 for best rap performance by a duo or group.
However, the special includes much more than its signature finisher. The early queens of hip-hop, who begin the performance with a who’s who of veterans and newcomers, are presented with flowers. Monie Love is joined by Latifah, who makes multiple appearances during the broadcast, on their 1989 single “Ladies First.” The following constitutes a historical education of sorts: Sha-Rock’s rendition of “That’s the Joint” by Funky 4+1, “Supersonic” by J.J. Fad, “Roxanne’s Revenge” by Roxanne Shante, and “Cha Cha Cha” by MC Lyte. An element of contemporary music is also incorporated, as Remy Ma performs “All the Way Up” and Latto delivers “Put It on Da Floor.” All the rappers appear at the conclusion of the song to support Latifah on “U.N.I.T.Y.,” an empowerment anthem that denounces the mistreatment and lack of regard for women in conventional society.
The attention soon turns to the south. Presenter Chloe Bailey states, “Fifty years ago, when hip-hop first emerged, it was all about the East Coast and West Coast.” “However, the chat was interrupted by the filthy South.” The performance, curated by Jermaine Dupri, whom Bailey described as “the eternal mayor of the ATL,” focuses on the performers who were instrumental in popularizing and establishing Southern hip-hop. “Int’l Players Anthem” features Jeezy, T.I., and Three 6 Mafia performing verses from some of their biggest singles, while “UGK’s Bun B” pays tribute to the late Pimp C. GloRilla and Boosie Badazz further contribute to the anthem, followed by Uncle Luke of 2 Live Crew performing “Scarred” and “I Wanna Rock.”
