Hip-hop icons crowded the 2023 GRAMMYs stage in Los Angeles, uniting for a bombastic and memorable performance in celebration of the genre's 50th anniversary.
Spearheaded by Questlove, who served as musical director, the star-studded performance began with an introduction from LL COOL J and kicked off with the Roots' instrumentation and a narration from Black Thought. Early hip-hop stars Grandmaster Flash and RUN-DMC swiftly lit a fuse that ran through the show, all the way until the 15-minute performance's electrifying end with GloRilla, Future, and LL.
"I’m deeply inspired that I was able to help bring together this incredible and iconic group of artists to the stage on Sunday," LL COOL J said. "This special moment will sit with me for a long time to come.”
The landmark performance never faltered, from Chuck D and Flavor Flav performing "Rebel Without A Pause," to Busta Rhymes' "Look at Me Now," Missy Elliott's "Lose Control" and Lil Wayne's "A Milli." Honoring the genre's spirit and diversity, the tribute underscored both tradition and modernity across three main acts. Rising stars joined forces with living legends, reminding audiences that hip-hop's powerful legacy will continue to live on well past 50 years.
Relive the thrill of Music's Biggest Night with the playlist below, featuring every artist who celebrated hip-hop's spectacular 50th anniversary at the 2023 GRAMMYs ceremony.
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