Nas paid tribute to Hip Hop trailblazers Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, and Roxanne Shanté at the 2025 Grandmaster Awards, celebrating their lasting contributions to the genre. Held in Las Vegas this past weekend and organized by the Paid in Full Foundation, the event honored the pioneers who shaped Hip Hop history.
The Queensbridge rapper shared several pictures from the event on social media, emphasizing the impact of these icons. “The 2nd @paidinfullfoundation Grand Master Awards Congratulates pioneers Roxanne Shante, GrandMaster Caz and Kool Moe Dee!” Nas wrote. “These innovators were at times uncredited, slept on and if not for them there would be no us in Hip Hop. They changed the World. We thank you.”
In addition to praising the honorees, Nas thanked the organizers, writing: “Thanks to The Horowitz’s, and many others who helped make this possible.”
Nas also highlighted his admiration for fellow rap legends Rakim and Scarface, sharing a photo of the three of them together. “Standing with ICONS, the Event curators who helped pick out some honorees. New Emcee’s killed the stage as well. I took a picture of Rakim after he handed Kool Moe Dee his Award! That moment has so much meaning.”
The Illmatic rapper also gave a special shoutout to Roxanne Shanté, who hails from the same Queens neighborhood as Nas. “With The Queen @imroxanneshante, a honoree of the @paidinfullfoundation Grand Master Awards happening later this eve. Thank You Big Sis for your contributions to Hip Hop. What a moment to honor a game changer who comes from where I’m from!! She started it all!” he wrote.
The event was hosted by actor Terry Crews, with Hip Hop heavyweights like E-40, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Doug E. Fresh also in attendance. Organized by the Paid in Full Foundation, the Grandmaster Awards aim to recognize and empower influential figures from Hip Hop’s early days who might not have received proper recognition during their careers.
The foundation’s mission is to celebrate transformational artists who have made significant cultural impacts, helping them to continue pursuing creative and artistic endeavors. Last year’s event honored Rakim and Scarface, who each received $500,000, though it’s unclear if Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, and Roxanne Shanté received the same financial prize this year.
Nas serves on the foundation’s advisory board alongside Hip Hop legends like Fab 5 Freddy and Ralph McDaniels. Together, they work to ensure that the foundation’s grantmaking program benefits Hip Hop legends, enabling them to pursue creative projects that continue to enrich society.
