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Last year, the Grammy Awards were historic for Black artists like Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyoncé. Artists broke new boundaries in Country, Hip-Hop, and R&B. After the 2023 Grammys ceremony, culture critics, fans, and industry members started a difficult conversation. What do award shows mean when Black art is snubbed despite technical excellence?
With this feedback, the academy expanded its voting body including over 15,000 voting members of the awards ceremony. And this year, Black artists are bringing the heat with major wins and impressive performances. EnVi is here to recap the highlights of the night.
Kendrick Lamar Sweeps the Rap Categories and Takes Home Record of the Year with “Luther”
“Kendrick just opened his mouth, someone go hand him a Grammy right now.” Looks like Drake might’ve accidentally spoken it into existence! The Compton-born rapper just became the most Grammy-awarded rapper of all time with 27 wins, breaking Jay-Z’s record. On a night packed with heavy hitters, Lamar also swept every rap category, walking away with four trophies: Best Rap Song for “tv off,” Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips” with Clipse, Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther” with SZA, and Best Rap Album for GNX.
The sweep is a reminder of what Lamar does best: move culture, push boundaries, and rack up trophies. While accepting his award for GNX, the multi-hyphenate made it clear the moment was bigger than the accolades: “Every time I tell you this Hip-Hop is gonna always be right here … We gon’ be having our folks with us. We gon’ be having the culture with us.”
He took home the award for Record of the Year with SZA for “Luther,” which was presented by Cher. Joined by Sounwave, he reflected on the legacy of icon Luther Vandross, “It was very very important to keep the integrity of this record.”
Sinners Is Recognized with Two Grammys
Sinners was a definitive movie of 2026. The original screenplay by director Ryan Coogler has taken the culture by storm. In this genre-bending film, Coogler builds a horror film, soundtracked by soulful blues music through the eyes of the Mississippi Delta. And during music’s biggest night, the film’s soundtrack was honored with Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Score Soundtrack Album for Visual Media.
The blues are foundational to popular music as we know it. Country, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Jazz are all built off the sounds of Black America. Music has been the soul of Black people through the diaspora, bringing forth our joys, our pain, our wonder, and our culture.
D’Angelo and Roberta Flack Tribute
Last year, we lost the talented trailblazer and R&B legend D’Angelo and iconic singer Roberta Flack. And on Grammy night, music’s greatest took to the stage to honor the legacies of these talents. Lauryn Hill graced the Grammy stage after 27 years to honor their lives. She performed a rendition of tracks like “Brown Sugar,” “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” and “Where Is The Love” with guest performers like Lucky Daye, Jon Batiste, and the queen of funk herself, Chaka Khan.
The performance also recognized the passing of acts like Angie Stone, and D’Wayne Wiggins from legendary group Tony! Toni! Toné!
Tyler, The Creator bring CHROMAKOPIA and DON’T TAP THE GLASS to the Grammy Stage
CHROMAKOPIA was brought to the world on October 28, 2024 with rapper Tyler, The Creator breaking the traditional release cycle. Releasing his eighth studio album on a Monday, he rejected the standard Friday release schedule, meeting his fans on their morning commutes. The album went on to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart making way for hits like “Sticky” featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne.
Paired with impressive storytelling, Tyler, The Creator took over the soundwaves, continuing that momentum with the project DON’T TAP THE GLASS — this time, more relaxed, joyful, and fun. The track “Sugar On My Tongue” furthered Tyler, The Creator’s career highs becoming an international hit. Leaning into the visuals of CHROMAKOPIA, the Californian rapper came dressed in a military uniform as cameras dipped in and out of color. With a surprise guest interlude from Regina King, Tyler, The Creator delivered a charismatic performance of “Sugar On My Tongue.”
KATSEYE’s Manon Is Gnarly on the Grammy Stage
As HYBE’s first global group, KATSEYE continues to be a reminder that for girls of color, anything is possible. Born from the survival show program The Debut: Dream Academy, the septet composed of Sophia, Lara, Yoonchae, Daniela, Megan, and Manon has made waves with a diverse catalog. Taking over the cultural zeitgeist with infectious tracks like “Gabriela” and “Gnarly,” one name has caught the hearts of many: Manon. Manon proudly shares her Ghanaian culture through fashion, food, and beauty. And on February 1st, she took the Grammy stage for the first time with fierce energy.
Doechii Rains Supreme With Win for Best Music Video
It’s no secret that Doechii has risen to become Hip-Hop’s “it girl.” After a meteoric year taking over the charts, it comes as no surprise that Doechii’s artistry has been recognized on music’s biggest night. Last year, Doechii took home the Grammy for Best Rap album, making her the third woman in history to win the award following Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. And when Doechii officially released an old fan favorite “Anxiety,” the song took the world by storm. Paired with an immersive, and cinematic music video, “Anxiety” brought performance art to a new level. This Grammy officially makes Doechii a two-time Grammy winner.
FKA Twigs Scores First Grammy With EUSEXUA
Taking home the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album, FKA Twigs emphasized the importance of artists believing in their craft. Twigs made her musical debut in 2012 and has steadily built a discography filled with hits across various genres. “I know that to a lot of people I may be new, but I’ve actually been doing this a really long time. So to any artist, don’t give up.”
Her award winning album EUSEXUA explores experimental expression across music, visuals, and dance features. Her first full-length album since MAGDALENE in 2019, EUSEXUA debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance Albums chart. Following her first Grammy win, FKA Twigs kicks off the “Body High” tour in March.
Olivia Dean is Music’s Darling with Best New Artist Win
While the name Olivia Dean may be new to some, she’s been putting a decade of work into her craft. In 2025, she’s only risen as an artist. Following the release of her sophomore album The Art of Loving, she’s become a darling within the industry. “I just want to say that an artist is really nothing without their team … we’ve been doing this for 10 years.” “I’m up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant … I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Aura V Takes Home Historic Win
At only eight years old, Aura V makes history as the youngest individually-credited Grammy winner. Nominated for Best Children’s Music Album, Aura V took home the award alongside her father Fyütch for their debut album Harmony. The young winner comes from a family of musicians, her father being a singer-songwriter, producer, and educator. In the duo’s acceptance speech, Fyütch highlighted the important impact children’s music has on the youth. “Children’s music is more than a genre. It is an intention of artists who have dedicated our crafts to educating, entertaining, and empowering the next generation,” he said.
These values are reflected in the music the daddy-daughter duo makes. As Aura V made an acceptance speech of her own, she expressed her enthusiasm for making it to the Grammys, followed by a shoutout to her favorite artist Laufey. After wrapping a summer tour across seven states and now winning her first Grammy, Aura V’s career is off to a historic start.
Shaboozey Spotlights Immigrants in Winning Speech
After kicking off his career in 2018 with his first debut album, Shaboozey has quickly climbed the charts with his endless release of hits. His 2024 release of the hit song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” took him from being a household name to being in the spotlight, selling out multiple tour stops to widespread recognition.
The past few years have been without a doubt a whirlwind for Shaboozey, and he started off the new year as a first-time Grammy winner for his song “Amen” in collaboration with Jelly Roll. As a country artist, Shaboozey’s win further cements the importance of Black American musicians and influences that have come before him. After all, country is a genre rooted in Black American culture and contributions.
And while the win alone was a memorable moment, Shaboozey elevated it further by dedicating his speech to immigrant communities. Coming from an immigrant mother himself, Shaboozey looked at his award in tears, giving thanks to all the immigrants out there saying, “Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here, you give America color.”
Still not over the highs from the Grammys? Read our 2025 ceremony highlights to dive into past winners and nominees!
