Nas Honors Rakim and Scarface at Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards
Hip hop icon Nas paid tribute to fellow legends Rakim and Scarface during the Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards held on November 18. The event, organized by Nas himself, served as a platform to honor Rakim and Scarface as the first recipients of a generous grant from the Paid In Full Foundation.
The ceremony started with Nas reciting lyrics from the iconic track Paid in Full, setting the tone for the evening. He then expressed his gratitude to Rakim, recognizing his immense influence and contribution to the hip hop genre. Nas also acknowledged other hip hop pioneers such as Doug E. Fresh and Flavor Flav, emphasizing the impact they had on his own career.
The tribute continued as Nas turned his attention to Scarface, further highlighting the rapper’s significance in shaping the hip hop culture. Nas credited these legends for paving the way and being instrumental in his own success, expressing his eternal gratitude towards their contributions.
The event was organized in collaboration with Ben Horowitz, co-founder of venture capital firm Andreesen Horowitz, and his wife Felicia. Horowitz, a long-time friend of Nas, has been actively involved in the hip hop industry, having invested in platforms like Genius (formerly known as Rap Genius).
The Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards, which took place in Las Vegas, aimed to recognize artists who have made remarkable cultural contributions but have not received adequate financial rewards for their impact. Through the Paid In Full Foundation, a charity founded by Nas, Horowitz, Felicia, Steve Stoute, Fab 5 Freddy, and QD3, the event aimed to rectify this by awarding a grant of half a million dollars along with healthcare benefits to deserving recipients.
The foundation’s website sheds light on the objective of their grantmaking program, stating that many influential original hip hop artists have not received the recognition they deserve for their exceptional contributions to arts and culture. The Paid In Full Foundation seeks to rectify this by honoring these pioneers and enabling them to further pursue their creative and intellectual endeavors for the betterment of society.
The Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards served as a testament to the ongoing impact of Rakim and Scarface in the hip hop community. Their influence has resonated with artists and fans alike, shaping the genre into what it is today. Nas’ heartfelt tribute highlighted their significance while emphasizing the need to honor and support these cultural icons.
The event concluded with the hope that the grants presented and the recognition bestowed upon Rakim and Scarface would shine a light on the contributions of other deserving hip hop pioneers who have yet to receive their due acknowledgment. It is a step towards bridging the gap between their cultural influence and financial rewards, ensuring that their legacy continues to thrive in the ever-evolving hip hop landscape.
