The 68th Grammy Awards Exemplify Black Excellence as Black Artists Win in Major Categories During Black History Month
Wins for the culture, just in time for Black History Month, with new milestones reached for Black musicians globally. This year’s 68th Grammy Awards marked a new chapter in a continually growing book of endless accomplishments and achievements for Black people.
A night of celebration was an understatement to say the least. Hours before the Grammys’ main ceremonial event, Black artists were already collecting gold, literally. The Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony set the scene for victories and success in Black history.
Based out of the United Kingdom, English artist FKA Twigs was one of the first Black artists this year to be declared a first-time Grammy winner. Her album Eusexua won the Best Dance/Electronic Album award. FKA Twigs is the second Black woman to ever dominate that category. Her win indicated her dedication to her craft and was also a win for Black history.
The victories for first-time Grammy award winners didn’t stop there; triumphs were scored from near and far. Sprinting to the stage, R&B singer and songwriter Durand Bernarr accepted a Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album.
Honoring this pivotal moment of his career, he began by recognizing it as a contribution to Black history. “Happy Black History month for the rest of my life,” Bernarr said. Expressing that “all of his personalities were weeping with joy,” he thanked his team, family and friends, as well as his parents, who joined him on stage, basking in joy for his win.
Bernarr has been diligently working for years. Singing background for other established artists, his win is the result of dedication.
In addition to wins scored at the premiere ceremony, singer Kehlani’s first time winning a Grammy was doubled. The now two-time Grammy Award winner won for Best R&B performance and Best R&B song for her chart-topping song, “Folded.”
Artists who were long overdue for an award made history as well. Virginia rap brothers, Pusha T and Malice, received their first Grammy after over 30 years of impacting the rap genre. They won Best Rap Performance for their song “Chains & Whips.”
While those five artists outlined major successes, immense happiness continued all night, even through the main ceremony that was broadcast on national television.
Among a competitive list of new artists, British singer Olivia Dean stood out and took home the Grammy for Best New Artist. From an outstanding performance to securing a Grammy win, Dean and her song “Man I Need” had a night that showcased her talent and vocal range.
Brought to tears as she approached the stage to accept her award, Dean explained that she never would have thought she would be at the Grammys or, let alone, be nominated. Dean made connections to her roots, stating, “I’m up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here–I am a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other. Thank you so much.”
As Dean has proven, Black women can really do it all. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is also a reflection of a Black woman who can do it all. Attending the Grammys, Jackson was nominated for Best Audiobook, Narration and Storytelling Recording for her memoir, Lovely One: A Memoir.
Despite not winning, Jackson is proof that this year’s Grammy Awards recognized exceptional Black women.
Echoing that statement, Jazz singer Samara Joy, an exceptionally talented Black woman, won Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Rapper Doechii returned for her second Grammy win this year. Her song “Anxiety” earned her an award for Best Music Video.
Gospel legends Shirley Caesar and CeCe Winans, phenomenal Black women who have consistently praised and worshipped, earned a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song. Tasha Cobbs Leonard was also recognized in this category.
Illustrating talent through nominations and Grammy wins, Black women outperformed, were recognized and highlighted their names in the book of Black history.
The night was sculpted by Black excellence, and we can’t forget to include Pharrell Williams, who accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact award presented by music pioneer, Q-Tip. Honored alongside a montage of videos that highlighted his career as an incredible producer, songwriter, rapper, fashion icon and more, Williams inspired the crowd and advised everyone listening to never stop working.
“Never stop working. Stop doing everything else but working. Work, man. I’m 52, and I get to do this every day. I love what I do. And if you do what you love every day, you’ll get paid for free,” Williams said.
It’s also essential to place a spotlight on record-breaking 22-time Grammy-winning artist Kendrick Lamar, who made history. Lamar surpassed rapper Jay-Z as the rapper with the most Grammy wins. Collecting wins before the main ceremony began, Lamar won awards for Best Rap Song (“TV Off”), Best Melodic Rap Performance for Luther featuring SZA and Best Rap Performance for his participation in “Chains & Whips” with Clipse and Pharrell Williams. During the main ceremony, he also snagged two more awards for Best Rap Album (GNX) and Record of the Year for “Luther” featuring SZA.
Upon accepting his award for Grammy-winning song “Luther,” he was joined by producers of the record and R&B singer SZA. Recognizing Luther Vandross as one of his favorite artists of all time, Lamar was grateful for the privilege of Vandross and his team clearing the “If This World Were Mine” sample originally by Vandross and Cheryl Lynn.
He revealed that when they received the clearance for the record, nearly everyone a part of the record shed a tear because they knew how much Vandross and Lynn poured into it.
“And being able to put our vocals on it proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals. They granted us that,” Lamar said.
Lamar’s victories were among the many that made the night special.
Celebrating the 68th Grammy Awards on the first day of Black History Month was essential. As Black history continued to be made on that same night, it is evident that the bar is set high and there is certainly nothing that Black women and men can’t achieve.
