Photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Los Angeles – CA 12/11/2023 .- In a groundbreaking achievement, the Recording Academy, in collaboration with Jesse Collins Entertainment and CBS, orchestrated a remarkable historic concert – the Grammy Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop – at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA, on November 8. This high-energy and celebratory event, recorded on that memorable night, was broadcast to viewers on CBS on Sunday, December 10, delivering a show that resonated with the very essence of hip-hop.

Under the masterful direction of Marcelo Gama, the spectacle showcased an eclectic lineup of artists, ranging from iconic trailblazers like Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, who etched their names in history as the inaugural recipients of the “Best Rap Performance Grammy,” to undisputed hip-hop legends such as Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, De La Soul, and many others. Together, they wove a musical narrative that paid homage to a culture leaving an indelible mark on both music and society.

The executive producers behind this groundbreaking event included notable figures such as Shawn Gee, Dionne Harmon, Claudine Joseph, Fatima Robinson, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, and Gladys Fumia as Associate Director, alongside the Thinking Lion team.

This wasn’t merely a commemorative event marking half a century of hip-hop existence; it served as an emotive reminder of its enduring impact on the music industry. The blending of generations and styles underscored the continuity and lasting influence of this vibrant culture on the global music scene, solidifying its status as a phenomenon that transcends time.