In this discussion, freelance music and culture journalist Rihanna Cruz and culture writer Shamira Ibrahim dive into the highlights of the Grammys. They celebrate Beyoncé's historic win for Album of the Year and Kendrick Lamar's big night with Record and Song of the Year. The duo analyzes unexpected victories and the evolving landscape of music genres at the awards. They also reflect on the emotional responses within the music community and tackle the complex balance of celebration and tributes amid recent tragedies.
Beyoncé's historic win for Album of the Year underscores her status as the biggest Grammy winner, reflecting a shift towards genre diversity in music.
Chappell Roan's triumph as Best New Artist highlights the importance of community support in the music industry and addresses emerging artists' challenges.
Deep dives
Beyoncé's Historic Grammy Win
Beyoncé won Album of the Year for 'Cowboy Carter,' marking a significant moment as she became the biggest Grammy winner of all time with 35 awards. This victory was long-awaited, with many feeling it was overdue, evidenced by the emotional reactions from her peers during the ceremony. The win was not just a personal achievement for Beyoncé but also a testament to the increased diversity within the Grammy voting body, which is now comprised of 13,000 members. Her success in the Country Album category was notable, as it showcased a shift in genre acceptance, highlighting her ability to resonate across different musical styles.
Kendrick Lamar's Sweeping Success
Kendrick Lamar achieved an impressive sweep at the Grammys, winning all five awards he was nominated for, including Record and Song of the Year for 'Not Like Us.' The song, which began as a diss track, transformed into an anthem reflecting the culture of Los Angeles, resonating strongly with audiences during its live performance. The momentum carried into the awards night, where the audience's excitement highlighted its significance to the community. Lamar's subsequent stadium tour plans signal his monumental impact on the music scene, particularly as a rap artist.
Chapel Roan's Emergence as a Star
Chapel Roan won Best New Artist, capping off a breakout year marked by her captivating performances and relatable speeches addressing the struggles of emerging artists. Her on-stage performance of 'Pink Pony Club' was widely praised and showcased her ability to engage the audience, emphasizing her star potential. In her acceptance speech, she called for better support and infrastructure for artists, particularly regarding health insurance—a message that resonated with many in the audience. Roan's victory and her commitment to advocating for artists reflect a shift towards more open conversations about the industry's challenges and the importance of community support.
This year's Grammys was a huge night for Beyoncé, who finally won album of the year for Cowboy Carter. Kendrick Lamar picked up record and song of the year for "Not Like Us." And Chappell Roan edged out a crowded field to win best new artist.