VP KAMALA HARRIS & BMC CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF HIP-HOP

Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris, in collaboration with the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban, celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop Saturday (9/9).

Addressing the global impact of the genre, the event was hosted at Harris’ home and featured performances by, among others, Black Alley Band, Common, D-Nice, DJ Domo, Doug E. Fresh, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, MC Lyte, Remy Ma, Saba, Slick Rick, Too $hort and Wale.

Said the Veep: “Hip-hop reflects the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the American people. It is an ethos of ambition and aspiration. Hip-hop shapes nearly every aspect of America's culture."

“On behalf of the Recording Academy, it’s been a true privilege to take part in another incredible event that recognizes hip-hop’s indelible legacy. We’re so proud of the Black Music Collective’s diligent work alongside Vice President Kamala Harris’ office and Live Nation Urban to honor all aspects of hip-hop culture, and we’re excited to continue celebrating and advocating for this revolutionary music,” added Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr.

“This event perfectly embodied everything that we at the Black Music Collective are about, and it’s been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside other industry leaders to curate this historic celebration,” said Recording Academy VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Black Music Collective Staff Advisor Ryan Butler.

(l-r) Britt Mason, Harvey Mason Jr. and U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Craig Emhoff

Lil Wayne

Wale

Too $hort

DJ D-Nice

Slick Rick

Photos: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for the Recording Academy