
Queen Latifah performs during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend
Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Queen Latifah Delivers Soulful Performance Of Stevie Wonder's "Love's In Need Of Love Today" At The 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend
Last night (Feb. 15), GRAMMY winner Queen Latifah performed as part of the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend.
In the lead-up to the NBA All-Star Game tonight (Feb. 16), the rapper-singer performed a soulful cover of Stevie Wonder's inspiring ballad "Love's In Need Of Love Today," a featured track off the latter's 1976 classic album, Songs In The Key Of Life.
In the middle of her performance, Queen Latifah added her own flavor when she rapped a few original bars during the song's breakdown.
"I smile at the thought of love/Unconditional, it taught me never how to judge/How I feel about myself/See the world, empathize/Realize we can never, never have enough," she rapped.
Read: Jennifer Hudson Delivers Touching Tribute To Kobe Bryant At The 2020 NBA All-Star Game
In a nod to Kobe Bryant, who died, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, in a tragic accident last month (Jan. 26), Queen Latifah dedicated a few lyrics to the basketball legend during her performance.
"Home is where the heart is/Don't gotta pay a mortgage/It's free, not a fee you ever owe me/Give love a shot/When you do, say, 'Kobe'/24 hours, 8 days a week—trophies," she rapped, referencing Bryant's jersey numbers—No. 24 and No. 8—during his 20-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Read: Watch Chaka Khan Sing The National Anthem At The 2020 NBA All-Star Game
The tributes to Bryant and the other accident victims will continue at the NBA All-Star Game tonight. GRAMMY-winning singer Jennifer Hudson is set to open the 69th annual game with a tribute to the late NBA icon.
Later tonight, Chance The Rapper, DJ Khaled, Migos rapper Quavo and Lil Wayne will deliver a star-studded halftime show at the game.
Ahead of the game, 10-time GRAMMY winner Chaka Khan will sing the U.S. national anthem. Canadian country music artist Tenille Arts will sing the Canadian national anthem.
The 2019 NBA All-Star Game featured performances and appearances from J. Cole, Meek Mill, Carly Rae Jepsen and Anthony Hamilton.