Lil' Wayne dedicated his Best Rap Album gong at last night's Grammy Awards to his native New Orleans.

The acclaimed rapper, who scooped for coveted gongs at the annual ceremony, also performed the New Orleans homage 'Tie My Hands' on the night alongside Robin Thicke, Allen Toussaint and Terence Blanchard.

While performing the sombre song, images of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina flashed on the screens at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Later picking up his Best Rap Album honour, the 26-year-old said: "I just want to say, thank God, thank you New Orleans, thank you to these people you see right here.”

As reported previously, Wayne courted controversy last week when he defended his marijuana smoking.

(by Scott Colothan)