Grammys 2020: A Poignant Tribute Honoring the Enduring Legacies of Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant

The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, held on January 26, 2020, at the iconic Staples Center in Los Angeles, became an unforgettable and deeply emotional event for reasons far beyond musical accolades. What was planned as a powerful tribute to the tragically departed rapper, entrepreneur, and activist Nipsey Hussle, evolved into a dual homage that also encompassed the sudden, devastating loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, which occurred just hours before the ceremony. The collective grief and profound respect for two monumental figures in their respective fields created an atmosphere of both sorrow and celebration of life, leaving few dry eyes in the house and touching millions watching worldwide.

The planned musical tribute for Nipsey Hussle brought together an incredible ensemble of talent to honor his enduring impact. Gospel star Kirk Franklin, the legendary record producer and hype man DJ Khaled, soulful crooner John Legend, and a dynamic lineup of rappers including Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, and YG, graced the stage. Their performance was a vibrant, heartfelt celebration of Nipsey’s life and artistry, a testament to his influence not just in music but also within his community. Nipsey Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was senselessly gunned down at the age of 33 on March 31, 2019, outside his Marathon Clothing store in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, a community he tirelessly worked to uplift. This Grammy moment served as a powerful reminder of the light he brought into the world and the void his absence created.

The tribute commenced with an impassioned rap from Meek Mill, a verse he penned specifically in Nipsey’s honor, setting a somber yet determined tone for the performance. The heart of the tribute then transitioned to DJ Khaled’s “Higher,” an uplifting track that originally featured Nipsey Hussle and John Legend. John Legend delivered a powerful and moving vocal performance from behind his piano, pouring emotion into every note. His rendition underscored the song’s message of perseverance and hope, resonating deeply with the collective sentiment of loss. Roddy Ricch and YG then joined the stage, adding their unique lyrical contributions and raw energy, further elevating the performance. The segment reached a climactic spiritual crescendo as Kirk Franklin and a full gospel choir joined the artists, infusing the performance with an incredible sense of unity and spiritual upliftment. The stage was awash with emotion, with each artist giving their absolute all in honor of their friend and collaborator. The Grammy recognition for Nipsey Hussle extended beyond the tribute itself, as his song “Racks in the Middle” posthumously won Best Rap Performance. Later that evening, “Higher” was also honored with the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance, further cementing his musical legacy and acknowledging his significant contributions to the genre.

The weight of the day’s events profoundly impacted the ceremony, particularly the tribute. Just hours before the Grammys began, the world was shaken by the tragic news that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, around 10 AM local time. The sudden and devastating loss of the basketball icon, who had called the Staples Center his home court for two glorious decades and brought five NBA championships to Los Angeles, cast a pall over the entire event. The artists performing the Nipsey Hussle tribute swiftly and respectfully adapted their segment to pay homage to Bryant as well. At the conclusion of the performance, a visibly emotional DJ Khaled shouted, “Rest in peace Nipsey Hussle. Rest in peace Kobe Bryant, Gianna. Long live Nip. Long live Kobe,” as the faces of both Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant were simultaneously displayed on a giant screen behind him. This powerful visual and vocal declaration served as a poignant moment of collective mourning, uniting two distinct but equally beloved figures in the hearts of millions.

John Legend, DJ Khaled and more end their Nipsey Hussle #GRAMMYs tribute with an image of Kobe Bryant next to Nip pic.twitter.com/0l4STVoRcY

— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020

@MeekMill you killed it for Nip…got the chills! #nipsey #meek pic.twitter.com/wwVZjroka6

— Danny Noble (@NobeSwp) January 27, 2020

Nipsey Hussle’s untimely death sent shockwaves through the music industry, his local community, and beyond. He was standing outside his beloved Marathon Clothing store when a man, later identified as Eric Holder, 29, approached and opened fire. LA County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Holder on April 2, 2019, and he was subsequently charged with Nipsey’s murder. According to LAPD officials, Eric Holder had confronted Nipsey multiple times on the day of the killing, engaging in discussions regarding a personal dispute before returning with a gun and fatally shooting the beloved music artist. Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, left behind his loving partner Lauren London, 35, and their two children, daughter Emani, 11, and son Kross, 3. His tragic passing left an indelible mark of sorrow on his family and countless fans.

The senseless murder of Nipsey Hussle deeply impacted not just the music world but also the broader community he championed. His dedication to reinvesting in his Crenshaw neighborhood, establishing businesses, and inspiring youth through his entrepreneurial spirit made him a true community hero. Even former President Barack Obama, 58, released a powerful statement acknowledging Nipsey’s vision: “While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential.” This recognition from such a high office underscored the profound positive influence Nipsey exerted. The outpouring of grief and respect was so immense that his April 11 memorial service was held at the very same Staples Center that hosted his Grammy tribute. The event saw poignant eulogies from figures like Snoop Dogg and Big Boi, and a moving musical performance by the legendary Stevie Wonder, cementing his legacy as a leader and visionary.

Nipsey Hussle’s multifaceted identity as an activist, entrepreneur, and rapper ensured his lasting impact would transcend generations. As Ken Ehrlich, Grammy Awards executive producer, highlighted in a January 21 announcement, “There is no denying the influence he had and his legacy will be felt for generations to come. We are honored to bring together this amazing group of artists to celebrate Nipsey’s life and pay tribute to his many contributions to music.” This statement perfectly encapsulated the sentiment that permeated the Grammys tribute. It was a celebration not just of his artistry but of his unwavering commitment to his community and his powerful message of self-reliance and empowerment. The 2020 Grammys, therefore, became a powerful platform for collective remembrance, acknowledging the lives and profound legacies of two giants — Nipsey Hussle, the neighborhood hero and visionary, and Kobe Bryant, the unparalleled sports icon — whose sudden departures left the world grappling with immense loss but also inspired by their enduring contributions.