Returning to hip-hop’s birthplace, traditional rappers who pioneered the sound — in addition to those that have proudly carried the rap torch — joined forces to honor the style’s fiftieth birthday and rejoice its historic and international affect on popular culture.
It was solely becoming {that a} venue as iconic as Bronx’s Yankee Stadium turned the house for the eight-hour celebration, which included three dozen performers and almost 50,000 viewers members.
The common love for rap was on the heart of the evening, and rappers like Nas and Snoop Dogg owned the evening whereas additionally honoring those that got here earlier than them.
Throughout his set, Nas introduced out hip-hop founding father DJ Kool Herc and instructed the group: “That is our love. That is our bloodline.” Herc, 68, earned a standing ovation and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame this yr. Kool G Rap additionally appeared onstage alongside Nas, and the latter known as the previous “my motherfucking inspiration.”
Nas and Lauryn Hill carry out at Hip Hop 50 Reside Live performance at Yankee Stadium.
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Lauryn Hill shocked the group by performing her collaborations with Nas, “If I Dominated the World” and “No one.” She then gave a fiery efficiency of a few of her previous hits, together with “Doo Wop (That Factor)” and the Fugees’ “Killing Me Softly” and “Prepared or Not.” Nas took off his hat and bowed all the way down to Hill, who instructed the viewers: “Comfortable Birthday hip-hop!” As Hill left the stage, Nas instructed her: “I like you queen.”
Snoop Dogg had related camaraderie onstage. The West Coast legend danced like a proud fan as Slick Rick carried out and Doug E. Recent beatboxed with ardour and excessive ability, because the viewers cheered: “Go, go Dougie!” After EPMD carried out throughout his set, Snoop Dogg thanked the rap kingpins “for what you’ve achieved for me.”
Snoop Dogg additionally introduced out DJ Hollywood and Too Brief, whose efficiency gained over the group, in addition to more energizing faces in hip-hop with FloMilli and Scar Lip. Wiz Khalifa additionally appeared onstage throughout Snoop Dogg’s set. When he carried out the Paul Walker tribute tune, “See You Once more,” the faces of rappers who’ve died appeared on the bigger display, together with the Infamous B.I.G., Tupac, DMX, Nipsey Hussle, Nate Dogg, Takeoff, Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion and extra.
“Shout out to all of the fallen troopers on the market,” Khalifa stated. “This evening is about y’all as properly.”
Going onstage at 1:20 a.m. on Saturday morning, Run-DMC closed the historic occasion that started on Friday at 6 p.m. with an explosive efficiency. Different prime performers included Lil Wayne, who earned roaring cheers from the viewers, and Fats Joe — who proudly carried out shirtless — and introduced out KRS-One, Peter Gunz, Remy Ma and Ashanti.
Darryl McDaniels and Joseph Simmons of Run-D.M.C. carry out at Hip Hop 50 Reside Live performance at Yankee Stadium.
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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, who was born and raised within the Bronx, carried out and likewise obtained the NYC Council Proclamation. He fortunately held the framed honor above his head because the viewers screamed for him.
Different performers included Wu-Tang Clan, Ice Dice, Lil Kim, T.I., Cam’ron, Mobb Deep’s Havoc, Trina and extra. Child Capri shocked the viewers with Yankee all-star Derek Jeter, who thanked the famed DJ for inviting him to the occasion.
“We’re right here celebrating 50 years of hip-hop,” Jeter stated. “On the identical time, I need you to sit up for the subsequent 50 years.”
