Rhythmic Chronicles

As the 50th anniversary of hip-hop concludes, the Recording Academy and CBS present "A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop." Airing Sunday night from 8:30-10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, the two-hour special is more than a celebration — it's a meticulous documentation of hip-hop's evolution.

Event Overview

Step inside Inglewood's YouTube Theater, where on Nov 8, the heartbeat of hip-hop resonated through an eclectic gathering of rappers, beatboxers, dancers, DJs, and presenters. A captivating homage to the Bronx roots in the 1970s and the subsequent global explosion of hip-hop.

Diverse Artist Lineup

Dive into a sonic journey with icons like Queen Latifah, Common, Public Enemy, Rakim, and an array of talents spanning decades and regions. From Doug E. Fresh to Chance the Rapper, each takes the stage, weaving a vibrant tapestry of rap's diverse styles and substance.

Pinnacle Moment

The crescendo arrives as Will Smith, the Fresh Prince, reunites with DJ Jazzy Jeff for a historic medley, revisiting their groundbreaking Grammy win in 1989. Questlove's introduction is more than a mere prelude — it's a nod to their enduring impact on hip-hop history.

Genre and Regional Highlights

Travel through hip-hop's eras and geographic beats, from the early queens of hip-hop to the Southern boom curated by Jermaine Dupri. The medleys are not just performances; they are living chronicles of hip-hop's profound influence.

Personal Touch and Anecdotes

Amid the beats and rhymes, personal anecdotes pepper the narrative, offering intimate glimpses into the artists' journeys. Machine Gun Kelly's heartfelt reflection and Seth Rogen's West Coast introduction infuse warmth and relatability.

Culmination and Legacy

As the night crescendos, Big Daddy Kane, Black Thought, Rakim, and Akon take center stage, weaving an international narrative. Doug E. Fresh's beatboxing tribute to fallen hip-hop heroes and Harvey Mason Jr.'s closing reflections weave a poignant tapestry, highlighting hip-hop's role as a universal language, disruptor, unifier, and cultural antidote.