With the 58th annual Grammy Awards set to air Monday evening (Feb. 15), LL Cool J has unveiled details about the show, including a surprising performance from Kendrick Lamar.
In an interview with The Wrap, the actor and rapper says this year’s show will feature elements like Grammy-cams and highly talked about performances. Taylor Swift will open the show with other performances from Adele, Rihanna and more.
In addition to Lady Gaga’s tribute to the late David Bowie, Kendrick Lamar will also take the Grammy stage. A moment, the host says fans don’t want to miss. “Kendrick Lamar is going to do something very controversial,” the artist said. “And that’s what art is about. It’s not about whether you agree or disagree, it’s about it stimulating conversation and provoking people to have conversations about society.”
The rapper took home two gramophones last year including, Best Rap Song for “i.” Lamar has been nominated for 11 awards including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
Kendrick’s previous performance at the BET Awards was the center of controversy after conservative pundits shunned the rapper for standing on top of a graffiti-covered police car.
Meanwhile, the rapper is enjoying the love from his hometown. Pitchfork reports the “Alright” rapper received the key to the city of Compton earlier today (Feb 13.)
“Kendrick Lamar is a phenomenal artist whose work has served as a catalyst to raise a new level of consciousness for this generation,” said Mayor Aja Brown in a statement. “His message challenges the status quo and motivates listeners to rethink our society’s institutions.”
Brown reportedly joked Lamar’s key was better than Drake’s Toronto key. Ouch.
Are you ready for Kendrick’s performance?