,

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

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince were among the highlights at The Recording Academy’s tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS

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.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Queen Latifah and Monie Love

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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.

MC Sha-Rock

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The tribute to hip-hop’s baddest women continued MC Sha-Rock bringing Funky 4+1’s “That’s the Joint” to the kids.

J.J. Fad

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Roxanne Shanté

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

MC Lyte

Photo: Getty Images Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

T.I.

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Public Enemy

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Digable Planets

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

De La Soul

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Rakim

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

And Rakim is always brilliant.

Akon

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Doug E. Fresh

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

Rick Ross

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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

https://twitter.com/leaningcowboy/status/1734057514646552591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Steve Harvey's Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

Steve Harvey’s Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

With a 70,000 gallon infinity pool to a home theater and wine cellar, Steve Harvey's mansion is one of the most expensive properties in Atlanta, Ga ...
The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...

Tupac Associate Young Noble's Death Illuminates Alarming Fact About Suicide Rates Among Black Men

Tupac Associate Young Noble’s Death Illuminates Alarming Fact About Suicide Rates Among Black Men

On July 4, 2025, emcee Young Noble-- member of Outlawz and Tupac affiliate-- died of an apparent suicide ...
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Recent Dissent Proves She's Unafraid to Challenge Her Colleagues—Unlike Clarence Thomas

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Recent Dissent Proves She’s Unafraid to Challenge Her Colleagues—Unlike Clarence Thomas

Compared to Thomas, Jackson is a breath of fresh air. As one of the youngest members on the court, she often uses her platform to connect with all Americans ...
After Three Open-Heart Surgeries, This Black Father Discovered an Unusual Cure

After Three Open-Heart Surgeries, This Black Father Discovered an Unusual Cure

Donnie Seals, Sr. and his son, Eric share a transformational trip in a PBS documentary they hope will help other Black people ...
Tory Lanez's Dad Just Shared This Surprising Message About His Son's Prison Sentence

Tory Lanez’s Dad Just Shared This Surprising Message About His Son’s Prison Sentence

Lanez and his camp have been relatively quiet following the shocking stabbing he endured back in May ...
Skip Bayless' Says Has 'White Guilt' Over 'Sinners,' But Black Internet Has Questions

Skip Bayless’ Says Has ‘White Guilt’ Over ‘Sinners,’ But Black Internet Has Questions

The longtime sports commentator took a detour from hot takes to share his emotional reckoning and social media wasn't feeling it ...
Black America Reacts To Elon Musk's Plans to Start a Third Political Party

Black America Reacts To Elon Musk’s Plans to Start a Third Political Party

Despite Black folks' overwhelming criticism towards President Trump, they weren't too happy about Elon Musk's America Party either ...
Why The Black Guy Who Severely Beat A Man on Frontier Airlines Wasn't The One Arrested

Why The Black Guy Who Severely Beat A Man on Frontier Airlines Wasn’t The One Arrested

During a flight from Philadelphia to Miami, the man was allegedly minding his business until he noticed something sinister happening right behind him ...
Why Many Believe Trump Suggested Slavery to Farmers Who Want to Keep Their Long-term Undocumented Workers

Why Many Believe Trump Suggested Slavery to Farmers Who Want to Keep Their Long-term Undocumented Workers

The President accidentally (?) said what was exactly on his mind when talking about illegal immigrants ...
Rapper Threatens to 'Blow Somebody Up' With July 4 Fireworks. Prepare Your Stomach For What Happened Next

Rapper Threatens to ‘Blow Somebody Up’ With July 4 Fireworks. Prepare Your Stomach For What Happened Next

Rapper and podcast host 4extra learned a painful lesson after posting a now-viral July 4 video ...
Indiana Dad Learns His Fate After Drowning His 3-Month-Old Son in a Bucket of Laundry Detergent

Indiana Dad Learns His Fate After Drowning His 3-Month-Old Son in a Bucket of Laundry Detergent

During an initial search of the family home, police could not locate the infant child, but the following day, they made an unthinkable discovery ...
You'll Never Believe How Diddy's Jail Inmates Reacted to His Verdict

You’ll Never Believe How Diddy’s Jail Inmates Reacted to His Verdict

It looks like the celebration over Diddy's not guilty verdict carried over in the most unexpected place. We've got the tea! ...
New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are <i>Pissed</i>

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are Pissed

Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. And yes, you should be offended ...
Rumi Carter's Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi Carter’s Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi's latest moment on the Cowboy Carter World Tour was her most adorable yet ...
Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

If you are rich, Black and get caught up, there is only one number you should call ...
'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...