The Roots 7th Annual Grammy Jam – Grammy Weekend re-cap

I met up with The Roots Crew late Friday afternoon, over at 30 Rock, the studio where they film Fallon.  The energy was abuzz with anticipation and excitement – Grammy weekend had arrived.  After a late late flight to LA, and an even later Hennessy hosted Roots tribute party, it was clear that the sleep depravation had begun.  Saturday’s 7^th Annual Grammy Jam was a whirlwind of celebrity infused with truly epic musical performances.  The jam kicked off with Jimmy Fallon doing a folk-rock version of Willow Smith‘s “Whip My Hair” and some disco-riffic “Stayin’ Alive” action, backed by The Legendary of course.   The night continued with Bobby McFerrin, Sara Bareilles, Guy Sebastian, Wayna, Blu, Donnis, Trombone Shorty and Chuck Brown who brought the go-go straight from D.C.  There were true legends in the house, and we were treated to amazing performances from the one and only Chaka Kahn (“Tell Me Something Good”), Booker T. (“Melting Pot”), Taj Mahal and Betty Wright (“Tonight Is The Night”).  The night continued with B. Howard, Ryan Leslie, Melanie Fiona, Lalah Hathaway, Ana Tijoux, Asher Roth, Young Chris, and Spree Wilson.  Raheem DeVaughn did justice to Marvin Gaye with “Let’s Get It On,” and Anthony Hamilton, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosious and Ne-Yo all impressed.  Will.i.am made an appearance, sharing the keyboards alongside James Poyser.  Too Short rocked the stage, and the night closed out with an awesome set from Doug E. Fresh. Craig Robinson (from The Office) even made an impromptu appearance, rapping a Slick Rick classic and clowning on stage. Plenty of friends and fam were in the house showing support as well, including Prince (!!!), K’naan, MC Lyte, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Strong Arm Steady, Chamillionaire, Skillz, Martin Luther, YahZarah, Tyga, Mario, Sway, Maurice Brown, Kid (from Kid N’ Play), and more.  Check out a full photo gal from Mel D. Cole, below.  We’ll have a video re-cap of the night coming shortly as well.  And as we continued on… The Roots went on to win 3 Grammys the next day, and smash the official Grammy after-party where they played along with Keri Hilson.  HUGE CONGRATS to the hardest-working, most deserving-est, shoulda-won-the-best-Hip-Hop-album-of-the-year band ever, THE ROOTS.

- gingerlynn