This year’s Grammy Awards is paying homage to hip-hop for a star-studded celebration of the music genre’s 50th anniversary.
Sunday’s highly anticipated ceremony, which will see Beyoncé battle it out for Album of the Year, will also showcase a stunning mega-performance featuring some of rap’s most decorated acts. Nelly, RUN-DMC, Queen Latifah, DJ Drama, Future, Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz, and newcomer, GloRilla are among the entertainers hitting the stage during the segment. Questlove is producing the tribute, which Black Thought will narrate. Missy Elliott will also join in on the fun, fresh off the heels of her 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination.
Over 15 rappers will touch the mic during the massive set in addition to the many other performances of the evening. Mary J. Blige, who is also nominated for Album of the Year, will lend her vocals to the event. Grammy nominees Bad Bunny and Lizzo are sure to put on a show for the crowd as well.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the tribute is necessary to highlight hip-hop’s contributions to every aspect of culture. Rappers such as Lil Durk, Kodak Black, and Offset have walked high fashion runway shows, while the likes of Jeezy, Diddy, and even Kanye West have lent their voices to political causes. These are just a few ways hip-hop is seen in day-to-day life outside of music, which is why Mason is proud to highlight such accomplishments on the main stage.
With Trevor Noah returning as host for the third year, the 2023 Grammy’s will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Sunday, February 5th at 8:00 p.m. Viewers can watch on CBS or stream the show on Paramount+.
