I never understood why sports fans feel like it’s a personal win when their team wins the game. After all, it’s not like the fans did any of the work. However, after seeing some of my favorite artists win at the Grammys, I finally understood the shared excitement.
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, and Alicia Keys have influenced and shaped who I am today. Their music has impacted my life from adolescence into present-day adulthood. Seeing them get the acknowledgment and honor they deserve felt like a win not just for them but for the Black community.
Let’s recap these glorious moments and consider what these wins mean for Black artists, communities, and people in a time when Black greatness is being tested.
Kendrick Lamar Wins 5 Grammys
Record of the year, best rap performance, best rap song, best music video, and song of the year for Not Like Us all went to Kendrick Lamar.
When Not Like Us was released, it saturated the internet with its repetitive chorus and head nodding beat. A song that was crafted during a rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake became the anthem for Black people.
This diss track received one of the highest levels of musical accomplishments which is an honor to the roots of hip-hop. To take a song as raw, direct, and unfiltered as Not Like Us and say that it was the best rap song is honoring not the song but the hip hop culture. Especially since rap battles are part of the fabric of the music genre. This award values what rap is, and proves you don’t need to water down your music for it to be impactful or popular.
While the chorus is without a doubt catchy, and the lyrics make some strong accusations against Drake, it also stands out against mainstream rap by addressing issues of race and cultural appropriation. This was a win for Lamar and a win for the culture.
Beyoncé Has Earned 35 Grammys
Album of the year, best country album and best country duo/group performance for Cowboy Carter went to Beyoncé.
Finally, Beyoncé got the award she is more than worthy of. When they announced Beyoncé’s name it seemed that she was in shock, as her whole body froze for a second and her face showed disbelief. However, her fans were waiting for her name to be called.
Beyoncé, winning this award that only three other Black women have received was a momentous victory. What is even more impactful is that her country album won the award. An album she was criticized for yet, it was a collection of songs that most represented her roots. People said time and time that she wasn’t country, but she proved them wrong. Her victory is a reminder that Black artists belong in all spaces.
Best R&B Performance Made For Me (Live On BET) Went to Muni Long
Another Black star to receive her flowers was Muni Long. Her live performance of Made For Me captivated audiences and made her a second-time Grammy winner. Being awarded for a live performance of a song is extra special. There’s nothing quite like the rawness and vulnerability of singing in front of a crowd.
Her speech when receiving her reward, was a great reminder to the underdogs, to not give up. With her award in one hand and her phone in the other, she read off a powerful quote that reminded us all that change is possible. However, we have to choose ourselves to make that change a reality.
Best Rap Album Goes to Doechii for Alligator Bites Never Heal
This win felt personal, for many reasons. Doechii is a 26-year-old singer, songwriter, and rapper from Tampa, Florida. She is somewhat of a chemist when it comes to Hip Hop music. Her unique talent for blending different beats with various musical elements makes her a stand-out artist. In a USA Today article, her album Alligator Bites Never Heal, is described to be a lyrical exhibition, mixed with introspective yet fun hip hop.
With three Grammy nominations, she took home the Grammy for Best Rap Album, making her the third woman to ever receive the award. The first was Lauryn Hill and the second was Cardi B.
When Doechii’s name was called she put her hand to her chest and her eyes began to water. Her emotions were felt through the screen. Her body expression was a reaction of knowing that her hard work paid off.
I watched anxiously as she stood on stage taking in deep breaths. I could tell that whatever she was going to say next would be influential. When she finally spoke she reminded us that in the last 36 years, only three women have won Best Rap Album.
She continued her speech by recognizing her community and giving respect to her mother and her team. Her most impactful words came at the end when she spoke directly to Black girls. She reminded them that no matter what anyone says about their skin being too dark or their voices being too loud they can achieve anything they want. They are meant to be exactly where they are.
With the government attempting to eradicate Diversity Equity and Inclusion many Black Americans are being told they don’t deserve to be where they are. Yet all of these Grammy wins remind Black people that are important. No matter if it’s in the recording studio, a corporate office, an operating room, or onstage. Black art, intelligence, and leadership are here to stay.
While I only mentioned a few of the Black Excellence that were honored on the Grammy stage, you can check out the full list of winners on their official website.
Lastly, Alicia Keys said it perfectly when she accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. After she reminded audiences that women can not only sing,write, rap but they can also produce, she addressed the current political state. Her words were “ DEI is not a threat it’s a gift. The more voices the more powerful the sound when destructive forces try to burn us down, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix.”
May these Grammy wins be the start of more Black recognition this year.
