The 2024 Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards will pay tribute to legendary emcees Grandmaster Caz, Roxanne Shanté, and Kool Moe Dee for their lasting influence on the rap genre. The event, hosted by Terry Crews, will take place on October 5 at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This marks the second annual celebration organized by the Paid In Full Foundation (PIFF), a non-profit founded by Benjamin and Felicia Horowitz.
Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards Honoring Legends and Empowering Artists
The Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards are designed to honor transformational artists who have shaped the genre and continue to inspire future generations. Grandmaster Caz, known for his groundbreaking work with The Cold Crush Brothers, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Being acknowledged for what we’ve done in this culture means everything.”
Roxanne Shanté, one of the first female rappers to gain widespread attention, and Kool Moe Dee, a pioneer in the transition from old school to new school rap, will also be recognized for their contributions. This year’s honorees were selected by a board that includes Nas, Fab 5 Freddy, and Ralph McDaniels, among other influential figures in hip-hop.
A Night of Celebration
The night will be a star-studded affair, with appearances from icons like Nas, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Doug E. Fresh. Last year’s honorees, Rakim and Scarface, who each received $500,000 as a token of appreciation, will also be in attendance. Event organizers have promised similar rewards for this year’s honorees, underscoring the foundation’s mission to financially support legendary artists.
Doug E. Fresh, reflecting on the importance of the event, said, “It’s crucial that we give back to the people who laid the groundwork for this culture.”
With a focus on celebrating pioneers and empowering them, the 2024 Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards aims to ensure that the legacy of these trailblazers is honored and remembered for generations to come.