Hip-hop was celebrated gloriously in the most distinguished and epic way at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
During music’s biggest night at the Gala on Feb. 5, a couple of hip-hop G.O.A.Ts took the stage to celebrate the genre’s 50th anniversary.
LL Cool J made the first impression by shining the stage to present the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, with Dre making a speech when accepting the trophy as LL proceed to introduce the performance.
He noted that some major players were missing but that it would be a can’t-miss show.
The performance that featured ‘The Roots’, was split into three chapters narrating the history of hip-hop.
Other artists like Run-DMC, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes joined on stage, while the Grammys audience including Jay-Z, Pharrell and Shania Twain , among others, including Twitter could not contain their excitement.
With the spotlight kept on Jay-Z and his crew, showing the bewilderment on his face as more artist streamed to the stage.
DJ Khaled was spotted holding a lighter up to express his thrill.
“For the culture,” LL Cool J concluded the star-studded performance.
On Twitter, fans and some celebrities were ecstatic and praising the artists.
“The Women of Hip-hop!!” actor Sheryl Lee Ralph tweeted.
Actor Jackée Harry tweeted, “This is a fantastic reminder that hip hop has produced more than beautiful artists. The #Grammys2023 stage is full of inventors and visionaries!”
“This hip-hop tribute is amazing!! #grammys!! Y’all did that!!!” one person tweeted.
“HIP-HOP IS SO IMPORTANT. AMAZING TRIBUTE, THANK YOU GRAMMYs,” one user tweeted.
Read Also: Beyoncé Makes History at the 2023 Grammys
Others shared screenshots, GIFs and more of their reactions while watching.
“That damn @questlove is a genius. That tribute to hip hop was insane,” Jemele Hill wrote.
Chapter one:
Black Thought Narration
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “Flash To The Beat”
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “The Message”
Run-DMC – “King Of Rock”
LL Cool J – “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”
DJ Jazzy Jeff – “Rock The Bells”
Salt-N-Pepa – “My Mic Sounds Nice”
Rakim – “Eric B is President”
Chuck D & Flavor Flav – “Rebel Without A Pause”
Chapter Two:
Black Thought w/ LL Cool J – “El Shabazz Skit”
De La Soul – “Buddy”
Scarface – “My Mind’s Playing Tricks On Me”
Ice-T – “New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)”
Queen Latifah – “U.N.I.T.Y.”
Method Man – “Method Man”
Big Boi – “ATLiens”
Busta Rhymes & Spliff Star – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” / “Look At Me Now”
Missy Elliott – “Lose Control”
Chapter Three:
Queen Latifah narration
Nelly & City Spud – “Hot In Herre”
Too $hort – “Blow The Whistle”
Swizz Beatz & The Lox – “We Gonna Make It”
Lil Wayne – “A Milli”
Lil Baby – “Freestyle”
GloRilla – “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)”
Future – “F— Up Some Commas”
LL Cool J – “Just Wanna Rock”
