The Grammys Announce Concert Special Celebrating 50 Years Of Hip-Hop
The Grammys Celebrate 50 Years of Hip Hop with 'A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop' Concert Special Featuring Legendary Artists. We discuss it here!
50 Years of Hip Hop
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE RECORDING ACADEMY
By: Joshua Martin
Amazingly, it's been a half a century since DJ Kool Herc invented arguably the most popular music genre on the planet. Now the celebration is set to go prime time with an all new special entitled, ‘A Grammy salute to 50 years of Hip Hop’. The Grammys is set to air the tribute Sunday, December 10th on CBS as the world acknowledges 50 years of Hip Hop’s existence. The special two hour Grammy telecast will feature some of the culture’s most legendary artists, as the Recording Academy continues its year long celebration of Hip Hop’s anniversary.
“For five decades, Hip-Hop has not only been a defining force in music, but a major influence on our culture. Its contributions to art, fashion, sports, politics, and society cannot be overstated. I’m so proud that we are honoring it in such a spectacular way on the Grammy stage. It is just the beginning of our year-long celebration of this essential genre of music.”
The concert special will include performances by Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common and over a dozen other Hip-Hop legends.
The show will be taped on November 8th at the Youtube Theatre in Inglewood, California with LL Cool J and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson dubbed as executive producers, alongside Jesse Collins Entertainment, Claudine Joseph, Fatima Robinson and others. Marcello Gamma will serve as the show’s director. Other artists slated to take the stage include Black Thought, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, Bun B, Uncle Luke, Yo-Yo, Talib Kweli, J.J. Fad, The Lady of Rage, MC Sha-Rock, Monie Love, The Pharcyde, Questlove, and Remy Ma. With more performers to be announced at a later date.
“A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” airs Dec. 10 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. ET/8-10 p.m. PT on CBS. The special will be available to stream live or on demand Paramount+.
The “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” live concert is open to the public. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 14, beginning at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Ticketmaster.com.
Full concert details are below:
Concert:
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023
Doors: 6 p.m. PT
Concert: 7 p.m. PT
Location:
YouTube Theater
1011 Stadium Dr
Inglewood, CA 90305
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H.E.R. to Make Broadway Producing Debut with 'Here Lies Love' Musical
Grammy-winning R&B sensation H.E.R., makes her Broadway producing debut with ‘Here Lies Love,’ adding to her impressive list of accomplishments and expanding her diverse career. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
R&B sensation H.E.R., at the young age of 26, continues to achieve amazing milestones in her career, from multiple Grammy wins to an Oscar triumph. Now, she is venturing into Broadway as a producer, further expanding her impressive resumé.
During an announcement made on Sunday July 16th, the talented singer revealed her transition into the behind-the-scenes realm with her involvement in ‘Here Lies Love"‘starting this week, adding to the array of exciting ventures she's embarked upon this year. “I am so happy to make my Broadway producing debut!” she quoted on her personal Instagram post. “‘Here Lies Love’ opens on July 20th, and could not be prouder to bring this important story to the stage! See you on the dance floor! Mabuhay!”
Three months following H.E.R.'s statement about joining the production team, the exciting announcement of her involvement in the musical arrives, showcasing her continued dedication to the project. “Filipinos are a global people. We come in all colors and build bridges across cultures. I am beyond excited to produce my first Broadway musical and forge a unique and meaningful partnership with ‘Here Lies Love,'” she stated.
Although this will be H.E.R.'s first experience working behind the scenes, she is no stranger to the musical world, having previously taken on the role of Disney's princess Belle in the live 30th-anniversary celebration of Beauty and the Beast. Reflecting on that unforgettable experience, she shared her thoughts on Instagram post below.
As H.E.R. ventures into the world of Broadway, she sets her sights on the prestigious Tony Awards, aiming to add this coveted accolade to her already impressive collection. We wish her the best of luck in her Tony Award pursuit here at 247 Live Culture.
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20 Nominations, 0 Wins: Why Hasn't Snoop Dogg Won A Grammy?
20 times Snoop Dogg has been nominated for a Grammy and never won. What’s the holdup? We discuss it here!
Concord, CA/USA - 8/28/16: Snoop Dogg performs during The High Road tour in California. He is a multiple Grammy Award nominated artist. He has also won Billboard awards, AVN awards, MTV awards.
Credit: Sterling Munksgard via Shutterstock
By: Omar Cook
Rappers have had beef with the Grammy Awards dating back to 1989 when Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff decided to boycott the event after the awards show decided not to televise the rap category. It’s 2023, and Hip Hop royalty is still at odds with the Grammys.
It’s safe to say Snoop Dogg is easily one of the most accomplished hip hop artists alive, but even with that being said, Snoop has yet to win a grammy. 20 times the hip hop legend has been nominated for the prestigious award and zero times has he been the recipient. That’s crazy.
It has to open up the question; are the Grammy’s biased towards certain winners? Snoop of all people has every right to feel the way he does with his work being able to speak for itself. 20 nominations and no wins is pretty wild and anyone in that position would be upset.
Although any artist would love to take home the Grammy honor, it’s not the end all to be all for determining how successful one’s career was. Snoop was stamped off his Doggystyle alone. Will we ever see Snoop get a Grammy? Comment what you think below?
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Kendrick Lamar Wins Best Rap Album at 2023 Grammy Awards
Kendrick Lamar takes home the Grammy for Best Rap Album for his groundbreaking album "Mr. Morales & The Big Steppers" at the 2023 Grammy Awards, solidifying his position as a leading force in hip hop. We discuss it here!
BARCELONA - MAY 30: Kendrick Lamar (rap artist) performs at Heineken Primavera Sound 2014 Festival (PS14) on May 30, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.
Credit: Christian Bertrand via Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
Kendrick Lamar took home three awards at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards for his critically acclaimed album, Mr. Morales & The Big Steppers. He won Best Rap Album and added two wins Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his lead single “The Heart Part 5”. This marks K. Dot with 17th Grammy wins and solidified his place as one of the most influential and successful rappers of his generation.
The album which was released in 2022, was a venture from Lamar's previous works and saw him explore new themes and styles in his music. Mr. Morales & The Big Steppers was met with widespread praise from fans and critics, who hailed the album as a triumph of hip hop and a testament to Lamar's artistry.
In his acceptance speech, Lamar thanked his family, friends, and fans for their support, and dedicated the award to the next generation of rappers who he hopes will continue to push the boundaries of the genre. He also used the platform to address social and political issues, calling for change and encouraging young people to be active in their communities.
Lamar's win was a triumphant moment for the hip hop community and a testament to the genre's growing influence and impact on popular culture. K. Dot, who has always stood out from most of his peers, once again demonstrated his ability to create innovative and meaningful music that resonates with audiences around the world.
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Reggae Sensation Etana Talks Grammy Nomination And Breaking Barriers For Women In Reggae
Female reggae sensation, Etana, was the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. We talked with Etana about her Grammy awards experience and breaking barriers for women in Reggae!
By: Omar Cook
Female reggae sensation, Etana, was the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. The last time a female artist was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. Etana’s Reggae Forever album was nominated alongside Black Uhuru for As the World Turns, Ziggy Marley for Rebellion Rises, Protoje for A Matter of Time and Grammy Award winners for Best Reggae Album, Sting & Shaggy for 44/876.
Etana, whose real name is Shauna McKenzie, is a soulful singer and songwriter. She made international waves with her fifth album Reggae Forever which debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one. Her fourth album I Rise also debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one and her album Better Tomorrow debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number seven. Etana made history as the first female with back-to-back top albums on the Billboard Reggae Chart. Her unique sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz.
Etana is an artist that is breaking barriers for women in Reggae and her success is giving other women pursuing a music career inspiration to keep pushing. Etana speaks about her 2019 Grammy Awards experience and hitting the red carpet at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA!
Etana - Free Part 2
We talked with Etana in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING MUSIC AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Etana: I've been singing since I was eight years old. I wanted to be a nurse or a doctor but music called me in and I knew music was it for me. I started professionally in music in 2000.
QUESTION: MUSICALLY, WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN HELPING YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY AND WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
Etana: Bob Marley, Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, Beyonce to Dolly Parton. They sing about their own life experiences. That speaks to me. When you listen to songs that explores life experiences especially to things that we can all relate to, you're sure to love it. I feel my music connects with people as they can relate to my songs either they have those same experiences or may be experiencing it right now.
Etana on the Red Carpet at the Grammy Awards 2019
QUESTION: YOUR ALBUM REGGAE FOREVER WAS NOMINATED FOR BEST REGGAE ALBUM THIS YEAR AT THE GRAMMYS! WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL FEELING WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE NOMINATED AND WHAT WAS THE GRAMMY EXPERIENCE LIKE SHARING THE NOMINATION WITH OTHER GREAT REGGAE ARTISTS SUCH AS STING, SHAGGY, BLACK UHURU, AND ZIGGY MARLEY?
Etana: So excited! It's an honor that Reggae Forever has been recognized by the Recording Academy with a Best Reggae Album nomination and to be amongst these talented nominated artists and award-winning artists. I'm truly delighted to have made an album independently that was well received by so many people around the world.
QUESTION: YOU WERE THE FIRST FEMALE IN 21 YEARS TO BE NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY AWARD IN THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM CATEGORY. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON REPRESENTING WOMEN IN REGGAE AND WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO BREAK BARRIERS?
Etana: Having five albums that have all rocketed to the Billboard Reggae Chart is impressive. Being the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category is monumental. The last time that a female was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. I'm a reggae artist who wants to preserve and grow our music and to promote love and inspire, so that it makes way for endless opportunities for reggae artists to have. Women in reggae have come a long way but we still have a long way to go and I intend on breaking as many closed doors and barriers as much as possible.
Etana - I Rise | Official Music Video
QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BEST SONG/PROJECT EVER RELEASED AND WHY?
Etana: All of them! I'm proud of all of them! My album Reggae Forever. I was extremely happy when I learned that my first independent project made it to number one and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae album. The album is distributed by Tad's Records. I think audiences appreciate that Reggae Forever was independently produced, it's eclectic and the main message is love as well as it tells many stories and keeps the listener engaged.
QUESTION: WHAT PROJECTS CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
Etana: I'm in the process with my sixth studio album and I’m looking forward to releasing a single from that album soon. I will be going on tour in the U.S. this year and will be touring the U.K and other countries.
For up-to-the-minute news and information on my music and shows, visit www.etantathestrongone.com and follow at Facebook @OneEtana and Instagram @EtanaStrongOne and Twitter @EtanaStrongOne.
QUESTION: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC TO PEOPLE AND WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER ARTISTS IN YOUR GENRE?
Etana: My sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz. My music has a bit of everything for everyone. It is wonderful to see many audiences deeply connected to my music.
QUESTION: WHAT SACRIFICES HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE TO SEE YOUR DREAM BECOME A REALITY AND WHAT ARE SOME OBSTACLES THAT YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Etana: We all go through hardships and sacrifices especially experiences throughout our life that shape us. Everything that I have experienced up to now has shaped me into the person I am today. I'm still learning and growing and feel that through hard work, perseverance, determination, knowledge, and self love is important to have and to continue it through life.
QUESTION: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR MUSIC IN 5 YEARS?
Etana: I want to continue to make hits and to continue to make great music that people want to listen to. Two levels up at a time or more.
Etana - Spread Love (Official Music Video)
QUESTION: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Etana: Always work hard, keep improving your music and sound and believe in yourself.
QUESTION: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME KEYS TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC ARTIST?
Etana: Keep learning and growing. Continue to make great music and for longevity. Knowing as much about the business of music is important as well.
QUESTION: WITH IT BEING BLACK HISTORY MONTH, MUSIC HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS! WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU LOOKING TO LEAVE BEHIND WITH YOUR MUSIC?
Etana: African American musicians and producers have made huge contributions to the history of music. As an African American female it is important to continue to enrich the culture of music. I want to make a lasting impression in the minds and hearts of little girls and boys of all races, religion, and lifestyles, all across the world.
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com