Chicago sensation Chance The Rapper paid tribute to late boxing legend Muhammad Ali with a performance at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday (July 13).
Introducing the show-capping performance at the awards that honors the best sports moments from the past year, basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar detailed Ali’s legacy as an activist.
“He spoke fearlessly about injustice and he sacrificed tremendously for his principles,” he said. “In this day and age, at this moment in history, that’s what I hope everyone remembers about Muhammad Ali. We’re never going to see his likes again walking down the street, but I hope his death spurs his successors to remember what truly made him the greatest.”
Chance performed the new song in front of a screen showing iconic images of the former world heavyweight champion. He was backed up by Jamila Woods, Peter Cottontale, Teddy Jackson, Donnie Trumpet as well as a full choir.
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The song, which includes interview clips of Ali speaking, features a chorus that Chance sings: “I was a rock/ I was a rock and roller/ Back in my day/ But now I’m just a rock/ I was a rock and roller/ Back in my day/ But now I’m just a rock/ I was a rock.”
Watch the performance below.
After the awards, Chance tweeted about the opportunity expressing his gratitude to be a part of the ceremony.
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Also don’t miss Chance dancing backstage with unanimous NBA 2016 MVP Stephen Curry, singing the jingle from Jones BBQ & Foot Massage to help him prepare for the performance.
