The Reunion for the Ages: A Grammys Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop.

As the curtain falls on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the Recording Academy orchestrated a grand finale to pay homage to the culture’s pillars.

Teaming up with CBS, the Recording Academy presented “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop,” a remarkable auditory spectacle serving both as an ode to hip-hop culture and a documentation of its evolution. The two-hour special brings together various rappers, DJs, dancers, and presenters to celebrate the genre’s roots that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s, spreading globally and leaving an indelible impact. Performers include Queen Latifah, Common, Public Enemy, Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri, YG, Too Short, E-40, De La Soul, Akon, Black Thought, Nelly, Gunna, and Chance the Rapper. Each artist took the stage, contributing to medley performances that showcase the diversity in style and substance within rap music.

The special pays tribute to the queens of hip-hop like Queen Latifah and Monie Love, delivering a historical journey through verses from Sha-Rock, J.J. Fad, Roxanne Shante, and MC Lyte. Female artists like Remy Ma and Latto joined in for a powerful rendition of “U.N.I.T.Y.,” an anthem addressing gender inequality.

Jermaine Dupri curates a segment focusing on the influence of Southern hip-hop, featuring performances by Jeezy, T.I., Three 6 Mafia, UGK’s Bun B, GloRilla, Boosie Badazz, and Uncle Luke from 2 Live Crew. (Wishing Outkast was there.)

Big Daddy Kane, Black Thought, and Rakim deliver a powerful performance introduced by Regina Hall, while Akon leads an international segment featuring Styles P, Jeezy, and Blaqbonez.

Public Enemy, introduced by host LL Cool J, takes center stage with Questlove on the turntables, delivering hits such as “Fight the Power,” “Bring the Noise,” and “Don’t Believe the Hype” with the same enthusiasm they’ve displayed since the 1980s.

Seth Rogen introduced the West Coast segment with a robust lineup, including Warren G, Luniz, Lady of Rage, YG, Tyga, Rody Ricch, DJ Quik, Yo-Yo, and Cypress Hill, culminating in performances of Too Short’s “Blow the Whistle” and E-40’s “Tell Me When to Go.”

Machine Gun Kelly shares a personal connection to hip-hop before introducing a segment led by 2 Chainz, featuring Gunna, Coi Leroy, Nelly, and Rick Ross, culminating in a lively performance of “No Problem” with Chance the Rapper.

The special also honored the Native Tongues collective from the ’80s and ’90s, featuring performances of classic tracks such as Common’s “I Used to Love H.E.R.,” Arrested People’s “People Everyday,” Digable Planets’ “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like That),” and De La Soul’s “The Bizness” and Commemorates hip-hop culture’s losses, with Doug E. Fresh beatboxing to honor figures like DMX, Nipsey Hussle, Tupac Shakur, Mark the 45 King, and Trugoy the Dove from De La Soul.

A standout moment occurs towards the end when Will Smith, aka the Fresh Prince, reunites with DJ Jazzy Jeff for a medley of solo and collaborative hits. Questlove, the acclaimed drummer of the Roots, provides a glowing introduction, acknowledging their historic achievement as the first hip-hop act to receive a Grammy award in 1989 for “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” Harvey Mason Jr. closes the night, reflecting on the enduring impact of hip-hop, describing it as the universal language that transcends division. He acknowledges hip-hop’s vital role in shaping the music industry and celebrates the legacy, impact, and contributions of hip-hop to the culture and the world.

The special was a fitting tribute to hip-hop’s 50-year legacy and a comprehensive documentation of its influence, diversity, and enduring relevance in global culture.