BET has unveiled an ode to hip-hop to rejoice its fiftieth anniversary, delivered within the traditional rhyme model of The Roots’ frontman Black Thought.
In a black-and-white video directed by revered video director Benny Growth, Black Thought tells the story of the origins and fast ascent of hip-hop, along with the significance to those that like it. He narrates as scenes from rap’s historical past play out on display.
In a press release, Black Thought stated, “I bear in mind a time earlier than hip hop and it’s one thing that we have to cherish and admire and never take without any consideration as a result of it’s not assured. Despite the fact that it’s all the time been there for individuals for the previous few generations, it’s not assured that it’s going to all the time be there if we don’t, you understand what I’m saying, deal with it the best way we’re alleged to and proceed to pour ourselves and to speculate into it in an genuine approach.”
Hip-Hop 50 has been celebrated throughout a variety of platforms. LL Cool J launched an enormous tribute to the fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop on the sixty fifth annual Grammy Awards by introducing Black Thought to kick off the festivities.
The efficiency included options from Run-DMC, LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Questlove, and extra. LL Cool J introduced out his trademark boombox, earlier than ceding the stage to Salt-N-Pepa. Rakim adopted, with Questlove accomapaying him on the drums.
Chuck D and Flava Flav from Public Enemy stormed the stage instantly after, earlier than a short interlude launched a bar-for-bar verse from Cool J and Black Thought. Houston legend Scarface got here by means of with bars from “Thoughts Taking part in Tips On Me” by his group Geto Boys earlier than ceding the stage to Ice-T. Queen Latifah adopted, earlier than Technique Manhit the stage rocking the Wu-Tang brand behind him. Jay-Z, within the crowd, couldn’t assist however rap alongside. Huge Boi rolled by means of shortly after, inflicting Pharrell within the crowd to bust out an enormous smile.
Hearken to the perfect of The Roots on Apple Music and Spotify.