Before DJ Khaled, John Legend, and a host of others pay tribute to Nipsey Hussle tonight, the Los Angeles rapper became a Grammy winner for the first time.
During the pre-televised segment of tonight’s 62nd Grammy Awards, Nipsey Hussle posthumously received the Grammy for best rap performance for his track “Racks in the Middle,” a collab featuring Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy.
In an emotional speech, 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,” his grandmother said. “So thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“Racks in the Middle” also nominated for best rap song, through that Grammy went to 21 Savage and J. Cole’s “A Lot.” Last year, he earned his first nomination behind his 2018 studio LP, Victory Lap.
Nipsey Hussle died from gunshot wounds on March 31, 2019. Tonight’s tribute performance will feature Kirk Franklin, John Legend, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, and YG.
For more, read Billboard‘s 2019 feature on Nipsey Hussle’s legacy, featuring interviews with collaborators throughout his career.
