Los Angeles, CA – 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.