Nipsey Hussle wins posthumous Grammy, stars pay musical tribute at ceremony

Rapper-activist Nipsey Hussle posthumously received his first Grammy award taking the best rap performance trophy for "Racks in the Middle" featuring Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy. Members of Nipsey's family accepted the Grammy on his behalf.

"I wanted to thank all of you for showing all the love that I have felt for him all of his life and will always live in my heart. So thank you, thank you, thank you," his grandmother said. Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was fatally shot in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. He was 33 years old.

Later in the ceremony, Hussle was honored by his collaborates DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill Pay, Kirk Franklin, Ricch and YG. Director Ava DuVernay introduced the tribute to the rap icon.

"Tonight we celebrate the enduring memory of an artist and a leader who made brave, brilliant strides to unite this community here in Los Angeles and around the world," DuVernay said. Meek and Roddy Ricch started the performance with a new tribute song. It was followed by a spirited rendition of "Higher" by DJ Khaled, Kirk Franklin, YG and John Legend on the piano.

The act featured dancers clad in white, with garments paying tribute to Hussle's Eritrean. At the end of the tribute, a graphic of both Hussle and NBA legend Kobe Bryant was projected on the stage and DJ Khaled took the mic to remember the basketball star, who died in a helicopter crash hours before the ceremony.

The crash also claimed the life of Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)