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This weekend was one that will go down in the history books, and we really mean that. 

On the eve of President Barack Obama’s second inauguration, Russell Simmons hosted the second Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball to not only celebrate President Obama’s victory, but also pay homage to those who dedicated time, money and effort to re-elect the President during his campaign, in addition to celebrating some of the names that shaped hip-hop.

PHOTOS: Our President Is Back! Russell Simmons Hosts Star-Studded Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball II

GlobalGrind’s Sharon Carpenter was on the star-studded hip-hop red carpet, catching up with everyone from Wayne Brady to John Legend. 

Check out all the happenings from the red carpet below. 

While on the carpet, Sharon caught up with Knicks forward Chris Copeland, where he spoke about what it means to him to be a part of the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball II. Although he does admit that his voting habits are not as on point as his game, the New Jersey native says listening to Meek Mill and 50 Cent helps him get in the right mindset.

When asked his thoughts on how the youth and hip-hop impacted the election, Copeland responds by asserting his belief that Obama’s victory was due to the unified efforts of the nation as a whole.

Wayne Brady was in the house to perform alongside Doug E. Fresh, but not before performing a very special impromptu song for the lovely Sharon, and we even got a GlobalGrind drop in the melody! He also revealed how hip-hop helped shape him into the entertainer he is today. Check it out above. 

Victor Cruz and Swizz Beatz were on the scene dropping political knowledge to the people, and also teasing a collaboration between the two in the near future. Hmm, maybe a specific pair of Reeboks for salsa dancing purposes?

John Legend discussed how happy he was to be honored, and the strong influence hip-hop has on communities, both local and global, which is why it should be used for good.

He also expressed why he was relieved President Obama was re-elected and what America’s youth should do to stay involved in the political process.

Jadakiss spilled the beans on his latest role in the upcoming film Must Be The Music, and what he learned working on the set with director Charles “Roc” Dutton. Although he expressed further interest in acting, including lending his voice in animated films, the rapper dropped a potential release date for his fourth studio solo album Top Five Dead Or Alive. He also revealed his thoughts on Love and Hip-Hop’s Wynter Gordon’s tell-all book.