Last night (February 5), the Grammy Awards celebrated Hip Hop’s upcoming 50th birthday. LL Cool J, one of the culture’s first superstars, introduced the special concert, in which he also performed. During the presentation, LL pointed to August 11, 1973, and the Bronx back-to-school jam at a rec center, made possible by DJ Kool Herc and his sister, Cynthia Campbell.

The concert followed LL presenting his friend and collaborator Dr. Dre the first-ever Grammy Global Image Award, now named after the N.W.A. co-founder-turned-mogul. The ensuing concert was curated by The Roots’ Questlove, who joined his band behind the drums. The result was an iconic moment featuring well over 15 songs from a who’s who of legends that go back to the culture’s genesis into today. The performance showed Hip-Hop’s 50-year impact throughout the generations, regions, and styles.

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