Nas Pays Tribute to Hip-Hop Legends at the 2025 ‘Grandmaster Awards’

Nas may be celebrated as one of the greatest rappers of all time, but he’s never forgotten the legends who paved the way for him and the entire hip-hop culture. Over the weekend, the Queensbridge icon honored some of the genre’s biggest trailblazers at the 2025 ‘Grandmaster Awards’, a special event dedicated to recognizing the pioneers who helped build the foundation of hip-hop.

Held in Las Vegas and sponsored by Nas’s Paid in Full Foundation, the gala was packed with star power and hip-hop royalty. Nas took the stage to pay tribute to icons like Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, and Roxanne Shanté, each of whom played a pivotal role in shaping the culture we know and love today. These artists set the tone for generations to come, and Nas made sure to give them their well-deserved flowers.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future

For Nas, this night wasn’t just about celebrating the music—it was about honoring the history and influence of the hip-hop greats who helped make his career possible. “We wouldn’t be here without them,” the King’s Disease rapper said during his speech, stressing the importance of remembering those who started it all. “These are the true masters of the craft.”

The event wasn’t short on other legends, either. Hip-hop icons like E-40, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Doug E. Fresh were in attendance, making it a night to remember for all the pioneers and fans of the genre.

The Power of the ‘Grandmaster Awards’

Nas’s Paid in Full Foundation hosted the awards as part of its mission to give back to the hip-hop community and keep its rich history alive. The ‘Grandmaster Awards’ spotlighted the trailblazers who laid the groundwork for today’s rap stars, giving them the recognition they deserve for their contributions.

For many in the audience, seeing artists like Kool Moe Dee and Grandmaster Caz on stage was a reminder of just how far hip-hop has come, from its humble beginnings in the Bronx to a global cultural movement. Nas’s tribute wasn’t just about the past—it was also about ensuring the future generations of hip-hop fans and artists understand the legacy behind the music.

A Night of Legends

The night’s honorees were visibly moved by the recognition. Kool Moe Dee, one of the pioneers of battle rap, expressed gratitude for being remembered after all these years. “It’s an honor to still be here and to see how far hip-hop has come,” he said. Roxanne Shanté, who paved the way for women in rap, echoed his sentiments, sharing her excitement about the future of female emcees in the industry.

The 2025 Grandmaster Awards was more than just a celebration—it was a necessary reminder of the roots of hip-hop and the influence these legends continue to have on today’s culture. Nas’s efforts to highlight the greats who came before him show his dedication not only to his craft but to the culture at large.

As the night came to a close, the energy in the room was electric, with Nas reminding everyone that hip-hop isn’t just about who’s hot right now—it’s about paying respect to those who built the genre brick by brick.