Last Sunday, the Grammys hosted its 64th annual awards show after being postponed in February. This edition marks a big year for the show, following the no in-person attendance show and record low viewership from last year. As always, the always-controversial awards show came with its fair share of busts and highlights. Let’s dig in with some of the key takeaways from this year’s Grammy awards.
Silk Sonic are MVPs of the Night
Silk Sonic is somewhere taking their victory lap after last night Grammy’s. Anderson .Paak summed it up best, calling the results in their favor a “clean sweep”. That’s fair to say, .Paak and Bruno Mars brought home Record of the Year and Song of the Year for their smash hit “Leave the Door Open”. They ended up capping up the night with four Grammys altogether, including Best R&B Song and a tie for Best R&B Performance. The night was a perfect sendoff for the era of An Evening with Silk Sonic, the duo’s funk-filled collaborative LP.
… Exactly why didn’t Wizkid take a Grammy home?
Wizkid did more with one song that most can do with an entire album last year. His “Made in Lagos” album became a fan favorite among afrobeats lovers, a genre still considered a delicacy in mainstream. Within that album was “Essence”, a hidden gem that would bring the African sound to the forefront. Not only that, it introduced the world to rising artist in Tems, as well as becoming the first Nigerian song to hit the Billboard top 10. Not to take anything away from any other nominees or the winner. But for the cultural moment that Wizkid created with “Essence”, it’s a shame he at least didn’t win a Grammy for that out of his two nominations.
Doja Cat and SZA bring home their first GRAMMY
It was at one point that Doja Cat broke the ice with a joke about taming their fatesr piss of her life. Which she even had to admit, was downplaying the significance of the moment. ”Kiss Me More” winning is the cements both women’s positions in musical superstardom today. The Grammy grab solidifies a run that’s ascended the “Woman” rapper to new heights since her successful album Planet Her. The same can be said for SZA, whom has shook up the industry with her last two single releases alone. It’s unclear if either will have a project offer in the near future, it’s a marveling moment for both of their careers.
Tyler, the Creator won a Grammy for an actual rap album
This is in no a way a moment shade Tyler, the Creator. If anything, this is a full circle moment for the Golf La Fleur general. One year ago, he won a Best Rap Album for his previous effort IGOR. He was thankful for the win, but he was uncertain that the album would have to be ’rap’ or ’urban’ for recognition. Also, he received backlash from rap enthusiasts stating the album didn’t deserve the Grammy. This time around, he wins Best Rap Album with his own Gangsta Grillz album. The ”WUSYANAME” rapper delivered a full-length that was hard to deny being the best. Amongst the likes of ’Ye, Cole, Drake, and Nas, he has emerged with the best rap album. The subtle flex in the accomplishment says everything without him having to.
