In light of the passing of another California-based legend just hours before the 62nd Annual GRAMMYs Awards, Sunday's (Jan. 26) tribute to rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle took on an even more retrospective and powerful resonance.
The performance featured some of Hussle’s collaborators and some of the most respected figures in hip-hop, R&B and gospel: DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, Roddy Ricch and YG.
Meek and Ricch kicked off the performance with what is believed to be a new tribute song to the slain rapper. Afterward, DJ Khaled, Kirk Franklin, YG and John Legend on the piano brought the crowd to their feet with a spirited rendition of "Higher." The performance featured dancers clad in white, with garments paying tribute to Hussle's Eritrean heritage. The end of the performance illuminated a photo of both Hussle and Kobe Bryant.
Hussle, who was tragically killed in March 2019 at the age of 33, posthumously received one GRAMMY Award during the Premiere Ceremony, Best Rap Performance for "Racks In The Middle" featuring Ricch and Hit-Boy.
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