Grammys 2020: Performers Pay Tribute to Nipsey Hussle In Traditional Eritrean Attire

The 2020 Grammys have been one of great reflection, as various artists and public figures that we've lost recently have received tributes.

One of the artists commemorated tonight was the late Eritrean-American rapper, Nipsey Hussle who was killed in March of last year in his hometown of Los Angeles. His tribute featured performances from artists like John Legend, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, Kirk Franklin, as well as fellow LA rappers YG and Roddy Rich.

The tribute opened with a heartfelt performance from Meek Mill. Later, during a rendition of their collaboration "Higher," DJ Khaled and John Legend brought out a group of dancers dressed in traditional zurias and other Eritrean attire—a tribute to the late rapper's unique heritage. "I'm half American and half Eritrean—as much as I am a black person from America, I am a black person from Africa too," Nipsey once said in an interview.

Several online have reacted to the significance of the rapper's Eritrean culture being represented on stage.

Musical icon Prince as well as the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who passed away on Sunday in a tragic helicopter crash, also received musical tributes at tonight's awards.

Earlier in the show, Nipsey posthumously won his first Grammy award for Best Rap Performance for the song "Racks In The Middle" with Roddy Rich and Hit-Boy. His partner Lauren London and other members of his family accepted the award on his behalf.

The emotional tribute ended with the words "the marathon continues," a phrase that has come to encapsulate the rapper's mission and far-reaching influence. Watch the full Nipsey Hussle tribute below.

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