Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop with a Star-Studded Grammy Concert Special

Marking a half-century of influential beats and rhymes, the Recording Academy has orchestrated a majestic two-hour special to honor the rich history of hip-hop. Aptly titled 'A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop,' this exclusive concert event will be broadcasted on Sunday, December 10th, at 8:30 p.m. on CBS and will also be available for streaming on the Paramount+ platform.

A Monumental Lineup

Enthusiasts of the genre can expect a remarkable display of talent during the tribute with performances by a remarkable cast of hip-hop icons and modern stars. Filmed at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood on November 8th, the show aligns a breadth of artists representing the genre's evolution and its ongoing legacy.

Record Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed the importance of properly honoring hip-hop, which he refers to as a cornerstone of music culture. He emphasized that the genre has been a source of creativity and that its influence spans across all aspects of the music industry.

A Blend of Generations

The celebration isn't the first time the Grammys have showcased hip-hop's powerful impact. A 15-minute performance curated by Questlove during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards featured a medley of hip-hop history through the talents of acts like Grandmaster Flash, Missy Elliott, and Queen Latifah, spiced with the contemporary flare of artists like Lil Baby. The aim was to harmonize the past and present of hip-hop.

This carefully curated list of around 40 artists for the 'A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop' concert looks to do the same. With a delicate selection process, Mason and his team have brought together a lineup designed to represent hip-hop's diversity through the ages.

Historic Moments and Inclusivity

Prestigious moments such as Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff's win for the first best rap performance Grammy in 1989 and Three 6 Mafia's groundbreaking performance and win at the 2006 Grammy Awards embody hip-hop's impactful journey. As Mason leads the Academy as CEO, he aims to rectify past overlooks and champions a more inclusive and representative future.

The selection of the Inglewood location, significant to hip-hop's heritage, also reflects this commitment to inclusivity. Mason shared his excitement about the energy on the night of the taping, with performers and fans creating an atmosphere that he believes will resonate with viewers.

The executive producer's hope for this televised event is for viewers to recognize the significance and cultural power of hip-hop. From honoring its pioneers to highlighting new talents, the special aims to inspire a deeper love for the genre.

hip-hop, Grammy, concert