While this week has been filled with tragedy and the world currently mourning the death of one of the greatest NBA players of all-time in Kobe Bryant, this year’s Super Bowl festivities are commencing in commemoration of his life and this Sunday’s big game. With Super Bowl LIV set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL, A-list celebrities are lining up their appearances and performances in celebration of the NFL’s final game of the season. With performances from the likes of DJ Khaled, Post Malone, Cardi B, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Diddy, Shaquille O’Neal, and more, this year’s Super Bowl gatherings have the potential to be a historic moment in the entertainment realm.  

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DJ Khaled, who took home the Grammy Award for Best rap/Sung Performance for his single “Higher,” featuring the prolific and late-Nipsey Hussle and John Legend, will be performing at several parties in his hometown of Miami including the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest’s EA Sports Bowl, the VEWTOPIA Music Festival, and Rolling Stone’s party. In an interview with the Associated Press, the mega-producer had this to say about his Super Bowl plans:

“Oh yeah, we’re definitely celebrating (this) week. I remember Super Bowl came here 10 years ago and it was a special time. We want to make this special, too. I’m excited it’s in Miami.”

Coming off of her Grammy Award victories, Lizzo will also be making an appearance in Miami performing at the SiriusXM & Pandora Opening Drive Super Concert Series and then at the Planet Pepsi Zero Sugar party alongside Harry Styles and others. 

Cardi B has been booked to perform at an upcoming trailer reveal party for Fast & Furious 9 as well as a late-night performance at LIV and VEWTOPIA as a headlining act. Lady Gaga, who performed during the 2017 Super Bowl halftime show will provide entertainment for the AT&T TV Super Saturday Night audience while Post Malone hits the stage at the Bootsy On the Water pop-up. 

Shaquille O’Neal, who’s been struggling immensely with the death of Kobe Bryant, will be bringing his carnival-themed music festival, Shaq’s Fun House to Miami for Super Bowl LIV. The festival featuring performances by Diddy, Diplo, Pitbull, himself as DJ Diesel, and more will donate 100% of its proceeds to the Vanessa & Kobe Bryant Foundation as well as the families who lost loved ones in this past week’s helicopter accident. 

In an Instagram post, the Hall of Fame center revealed that he almost canceled his upcoming event stating:

“Part of me wanted to stay to myself as I reflect what my brother and his family mean to me and my family. But in thinking what would Kobe want, what would he do? Kobe would want us to push through and celebrate life. So let’s just do that.” 

While the world might not have Kobe and Gianna Bryant to provide us with the drive we need to be our best selves, life will continue on and force the masses to be accountable for our own greatness. Check out Shaq’s post about the loss of his brother below and tune into Super Bowl LIV this Sunday at 6:30 P.M. EST on FOX. 

It wasn’t easy for anyone to accept the death of Kobe Bryant this past Sunday (Jan 26), especially those who had to attend the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards just a few hours after news broke. It proved to be particularly hard for soul siren Alicia Keys, who was tasked with opening the show as the host for the night. However, the Songs In A Minor singer pulled it off effortlessly and was even able to give the Black Mamba a fitting tribute with help from equally soulful R&B legends Boyz II Men. We now have a better idea of how it all came together with such short time to prepare.

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As group member Nathan Morris recently told GQ, the guys actually found out just one hour before showtime. They were originally there to just sing background alongside Charlie Wilson for GRAMMY-winning rapper Tyler, the Creator’s stage-rocking performance. However, following the shocking news of Kobe’s fatal helicopter crash, the guys immediately agreed to sing their 1991 hit “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” with Alicia joining as well after her manager contacted theirs to ask if they’d be down. “We were in the dressing room rehearsing the actual song we had come to the Grammys to perform,” Morris confirmed, adding a more extensive breakdown by stating, “The show wasn’t too far from starting, and we got the call asking if we wanted to do ‘It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.’ We always try to be ready vocally, but I mean, when you care about somebody in this manner, you can be vocally ready, but you may not be mentally ready. We sat around and tried to figure it out. Alicia wanted to sing it with us, so we went to her dressing room and created a little something in like 10 minutes.”

Even their attire was completely unplanned, as Nathan also told GQ that they guys wore their street clothes onstage because they didn’t have anything else to wear given such short notice. Alicia gave a similar recollection during her visit to The Ellen Show, telling the talk show host they were all “freaking out” due to having something completely different planned for the show opener. “We had to really figure out how could we properly honor him in his house on this night,” she said in reference to the Staples Center being the home of Kobe’s former LA Lakers team. With meditation music and a minute to think, Alicia tells Ellen that she wanted to do something special with Boyz II Men and that it was comparable to magic. We couldn’t agree more.

Watch Alicia Keys’ full breakdown of her tribute to Kobe Bryant alongside Boyz II Men during the 2020 GRAMMYs below, and continue to keep Black Mamba, his daughter Gianna and everyone who perished in that tragic accident in your prayers: 

Everyone is feeling the unexpected tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, especially those who attended the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards last night (Jan 26) at Los Angeles’ Staples Center, otherwise known as the Black Mamba’s former stomping grounds as a loyal Lakers legend. For Meek Mill, who was tasked with paying tribute onstage to another fallen Cali legend, Nipsey Hussle, the feeling was almost too much to maintain. However, along with fellow hitmakers John Legend, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled and Roddy Ricch, he pulled through to perform one unforgettable tribute to both of them that won’t soon be forgotten.

Reflecting back on the moment Instagram (seen above), Meek shared a touching flick of all five men looking up at a monitor that broadcasted an image of Nip and Kobe side by side. The fact they were able to add in Bryant at the last minute was a miracle in itself, although it never will truly feel right knowing that we lost two of arguably the most influential people in today’s pop culture to unexplainable fates that still don’t seem real. We can only agree wholeheartedly in regards to Meek’s caption that reads, “NIPSEY X KOBE FOREVER! Even tho this will never look right to me.[sic]” Our sentiments exactly. 

Watch a fan-recorded clip of Meek’s tribute performance to Nipsey at the 2020 GRAMMYs below, and keep both of these men and their families in your prayers: 

While Usher's tribute to Prince at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards last night (Jan 26) was more of a miss than a hit amongst many fans, no one could deny that FKA Twigs killed it as the lead dancer throughout the performance. However, lots of viewers felt like the "Cellophane" singer was, well, not treated as a singer when she rightfully should've been. Surprisingly enough, Twigs had something to say on the subject in her own words.

Those tuning in last night to the 2020 GRAMMYs may have been surprised to see Usher giving a grand tribute to music icon Prince, but unfortunately praise for his performance wasn't exactly universal. However, before we get into public opinions, check it out in its entirety below, featuring longtime Prince collaborator Sheila E. and a show-stealing pole performance by FKA Twigs:

Lil Kim is one of the original sex symbols of Hip-Hop, laying down the blueprint for women like Megan Thee Stallion, Kash Doll, Cardi B and, yes Barbz, Nicki Minaj to show a little skin while spitting bars in the booth. For GRAMMYs 2020 weekend, the Queen Bee decided to step out for a little afterparty action to show us once again who started the “Hip-Hop vixen” trend.

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Showing to all off while heading to Tao in West Hollywood following the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony, Kim was decked out head to toe in a form-fitting black outfit. Actually, the only thing not matching her all-black-everything get-up was the equally fresh alligator skin handbag in blue that she rocked to accessorize it all. With a see-through skirt and a blazer that did little to cover what lied beneath, areola included, we couldn’t help but be reminded of Kim’s debut with her classic first album Hard Core where she hit the most infamous squat in a leopard bikini that the rap world has seen thus far. It’s a clear reminder that, while fame may come and go on a music tip, fly fashion is forever. Kim, as we can clearly see above, has no problems keeping up in the latter department. 

Check out more fly examples of Lil Kim’s sex bomb fashion sense below:

The Grammys took place last night with some pretty big performances. Tyler, The Creator was joined by Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men for a beautifully chaotic rendition of “EARFQUAKE” and “New Magic Wand,” Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, DJ Khaled, YG, and more paid tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant, and Aerosmith and Run DMC reunited on stage to perform “Walk This Way.”

Lil Nas X also came through with a major performance including special appearances from Diplo, BTS, Mason Ramsay, and Billy Ray Cyrus for his hit single, “Old Town Road” and their many remixes. However, he also did a rendition of “Rodeo” which included a delightfully surprising guest verse from Nas. Yes, the NAS — or Big Nas as the legendary MC refers to himself as on the “Rodeo” remix. Draped in a Godly-white outfit that contrasted Lil Nas X’s cowboy/cybergoth drip, Nas came out of nowhere with the co-sign that many have been wondering existed in the first place.

Lil Nas X was nominated for six awards last night and went home with two the Billy Ray Cyrus-assisted, “Old Town Road.” The video itself took home “Best Music Video” and the song was awarded Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. It was certainly a big night for Lil Nas X.

Check out Lil Nas X’s star-studded Grammy performance below.