Sukihana jumps into the crowd at Rolling Loud

 The 50th-anniversary celebrations of hip-hop came to a close with a bang as the Recording Academy, in partnership with Jesse Collins Entertainment and CBS, hosted a Grammy Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop concert at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA on Nov. 8. The concert was broadcast on Sunday, December 10th. The concert featured guest performances from legendary veterans like Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff alongside newer popular artists including Latto and Roddy Ricch. 

Last February, during the 2023 Grammy Awards, rap pioneers stole the spotlight on the grand stage with a star-studded performance to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th Anniversary. In a special segment dedicated to honoring the golden era of the genre, hip-hop icons Ice-T ("New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)"), LL COOL J, and the Roots' Black Thought ("El Shabazz Skit"), De La Soul ("Buddy"), and Scarface ("My Mind’s Playing Tricks On Me") guided fans through the diverse flavors of hip-hop across the decades. 

Interestingly, one obvious omission from the performance was Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, who were the first to win a “Best Rap Performance Grammy” in 1989 for “Parents Just Don't Understand.” Exactly one year later, the duo achieved the historic feat of being the first hip-hop act to grace the Grammy stage. Smith expressed gratitude during the performance, dedicating it to the fellow rappers who supported them in the previous year, playing a crucial role in earning them the privilege to stand on that prestigious stage. His words preceded a performance with D.J. Jazzy Jeff as they delved into the rendition of "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson." 

The concert was a fitting tribute to the genre that has been a cultural force for half a century. It showcased the diversity of hip-hop and celebrated its profound impact around the world. The Recording Academy, in partnership with Jesse Collins Entertainment and CBS, did an excellent job of bringing together the legends of the game with newer popular artists. The concert was a reminder of the genre's profound history and its vibrant future.