Now that’s how it’s done. While there were many incredible performances at the 2023 Grammys, one of the most powerful moments came with some of the greatest performers of the last 50 years came together to celebrate Hip Hop. The genre’s rich history was on full display right from the start, as LL Cool J came out to introduce the show-stopping featuring so many of his friends.
There was Lil Baby & Scarface & Swizz Beatz; pioneers of the genre like Grandmaster Flash, RUN-DMC, and Method Man; some of the greatest women to ever contribute to the hip hop nation, like Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, and Salt-N-Pepa reunited once more. And that was just the beginning!
Questlove served as producer and musical director, meaning that music was provided by The Roots, with Black Thought narrating the hip-hop journey. Then, even more talents made their way to the stage, including Ice-T, Big Boi, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, Future, GloRilla, Nelly, Public Enemy, and Too $hort. All in all, it was a sight to behold and a beauty to listen to, having such an incredible group come together for this once in a lifetime celebration. In case you missed it, here is the set list from the historic performance:
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “Flash To The Beat”
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “The Message” Run-DMC – “King Of Rock”
LL Cool J – “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”
DJ Jazzy Jeff – “Rock The Bells”
Salt-N-Pepa – “My Mic Sounds Nice”
Rakim – “Eric B Is President”
Chuck D & Flavor Flav – “Rebel Without A Pause”
De La Soul – “Buddy”
Scarface – “My Mind’s Playing Tricks On Me” Ice-T – “New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)”
Queen Latifah – “U.N.I.T.Y.”
Method Man – “Method Man” Big Boi – “ATLiens”
Busta Rhymes & Spliff Star – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” / “Look At Me Now”
Missy Elliot – “Lose Control”
Nelly & City Spud – “Hot In Herre”
Too $hort – “Blow The Whistle”
Swizz Beatz & The Lox – “We Gonna Make It”
Lil Wayne – “A Milli”
Lil Baby – “Freestyle”
GloRilla – “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” Future – “F*ck Up Some Commas”
LL Cool J – “Just Wanna Rock”