50 and Fresh: The Best Moments from ‘A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop’

Throughout 2023 we’ve been celebrating 50 years of hip-hop’s influence and impact. Turns out, there was room for one more celebration with “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop.” In a concert that aired on CBS Sunday, The Recording Academy gathered some of the biggest, most influential acts of all-time to showcase the wide range of the genre’s music, as well as its longevity. LL Cool J hosted the party, which featured performances from legends like Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, Nelly and DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.

Queen Latifah and Monie Love

After a passionate opening from host LL Cool J, the festivities started the way all parties should: with “Ladies First.” The song is just as empowering now as it was when it first came out.

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“We’re JJ Fad and we’re here to rock.” And with that opening line, it was 1988 all over again.

Roxanne Shanté

The one and only Roxanne Shanté showcased her legendary skills on “Roxanne’s Revenge.”

MC Lyte

You can’t highlight the impact of hip-hop’s female pioneers without MC Lyte, one of the greatest lyricists of all time. This was followed by Remy Ma, Latto and all the women joining Queen Latifah for her classic “U.N.I.T.Y.”

Jeezy

Actress/singer Chloe Bailey took us to the South, which kicked off its segment with Jeezy.

T.I.

The “King of the South” T.I. got the enthusiastic audience going with “What You Know.” He was followed by Three 6 Mafia, Bun B, GloRilla, Boosie Badazz and Uncle Luke.

Jermaine Dupri

And you can’t shout out the South without Jermaine Dupri reminding everyone how it goes down in “Welcome to Atlanta.”

Public Enemy

Chuck D and Flavor Flav’s thought-provoking message was just as powerful as ever with a medley of “Fight the Power,” “Bring the Noise” and “Don’t Believe the Hype.”

Warren G

Since the special was filmed at the You Tube Theater in Inglewood, Calif., you know the crowd was ready to celebrate the West Coast. Warren G got everyone singing for Nate Dogg on “Regulate.”

DJ Quik

After Luniz, Lady of Rage, YG, Tyga and Rody Ricch took us back to those amazing house parties, DJ Quik got in the time machine for “Tonight.”

Yo-Yo

And you can’t have a West Coast party with Yo-Yo who fit right in with the event’s showcase of hip=hop’s powerhouse women.

Too Short

We headed to the Bay Area with Too Short and E-40 delivering the ultimate party-starters, “Blow the Whistle” and “Tell Me When to Go.”

Common

From there it was time to get thoughtful with hip-hop’s poets, including Common performing “I Used to Love H.E.R.”

Arrested Development

We all went back to our ‘90s activist phase with Arrested Development’s “Everyday People.”

Digable Planets

Things got a little jazzy with Digable Planets’ “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like That).”

De La Soul

After Black Sheep, The Pharcyde, Talib Kweli and Queen Latifah all performed some of their most popular hits, Common returned to the stage to join De La Soul for “The Bizness.”

Big Daddy Kane

A segment on exceptional lyricists brought out Big Daddy Kane, much to the delight of the internet, who thinks he’s definitely still got it.

Black Thought

Seriously, when it comes to rhyming, Black Thought is an artistic genius.

Rakim

And Rakim is always brilliant.

Akon

The international section featured Akon performing a medley of his hits, including “Locked Up” and “Soul Survivor.”

Doug E. Fresh

Alongside DJ D-Nice, the legendary beat boxer paid tribute to some of the greats who’ve passed away in a moving In Memoriam.

Nelly

Another medley of hitmakers included Coi Leray, 2 Chainz, Gunna and Nelly.

Rick Ross

And you know they couldn’t have a party this big without Rick Ross showing up to take over.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince took us back to 1988, opening their medley of hits with “Brand New Funk.” We also got “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” “Miami,” a crowd sing-a-long of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme and the ultimate summer jam, “Summertime.” Will needs to start his comeback by returning to his rap roots.

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