The red curtain has finally closed on the Late Show With David Letterman and a historic 22-season run. The only contender to rival the legacy of the great Johnny Carson went out with a bang for his final sendoff last night, May 20, by achieving his highest ratings night in two decades.
Although the Foo Fighters ended things in classic fashion, the Late Show With David Letterman has given a humongous platform for Hip-Hop artists over the years to bring their music to a mainstream crowd.
Here’s some of the best, YouTube-willing, rap sets from over the years.
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Photos: CBS, HRC/WENN
Jay-Z ft. Eminem – “Renegade” (2010)
From NYC to Detroit and back again.
Outkast – “Roses” (2004)
Caroline was real-life fine, Fonzworth Bentley was a fool and Paul Shaffer on the opening keys was priceless.
J. Cole – “Be Free” (2014)
Cole World put his blood, sweat and soul in this performance, all while being shackle free. R.I.P. to Mike Brown and Eric Garner.
Jay-Z ft. Mary j. Blige – “Can’t Knock The Hustle” (2008)
Back when a B-sides concert was just a twinkle in his eye, Jigga and The Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul put their elbows into Reasonable Doubt‘s opening track.
Lupe Fiasco ft. Jill Scott – “Daydreamin'” (2006)
These two were setting their dreams on the Grammy (and they eventually got it).
Beastie Boys – “Ch-Check It Out” (2004)
The late, great Adam “MCA” Yauch left his mark on the culture in more ways than one and this performance is just one of the countless highlights.
Snoop Dogg – “Gin & Juice” (2011)
The Boss Dogg never needs a reason to go back down memory lane. He performed this classic a few years ago when the crowd was able to accept him as a pop culture icon opposed to a perceived criminal.
Run-DMC – “Christmas In Hollis” (1999)
It never failed to get anyone in the holiday spirit.
Run The Jewels – “Early” (2014)
A powerful performance from Killer Mike, El-P and Trackstar the DJ because nobody expected anything less.
Kanye West ft. Syleena Johnson, Miri Ben Ari & John Legend – “All Falls Down” (2004)
My, my, my. How far they have all come since then.
10 Incredible Hip-Hop Performances From Late Show With David Letterman
