Gast Waltzing

58th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Waltzing, Gast

2020 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony | Photo Gallery

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/photo

2020 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony Photo Gallery

Esperanza Spalding

Photo:&nbsp;Charley Gallay/Getty Images

gettyimages-1202135404.jpg

Imogen Heap

gettyimages-1196586225.jpg

Lil Nas X

gettyimages-1196587459.jpg

Hildur Guðnadóttir

gettyimages-1196587687.jpg

Koffee

gettyimages-1196587843.jpg

Morten Lindberg

gettyimages-1196587671.jpg

Delbert McClinton

gettyimages-1196587919.jpg

Ranky Tanky

gettyimages-1196588039.jpg

Tracy Young

Photo:&nbsp;Timothy Norris/Getty Images

gettyimages-1202134257.jpg

Chick Corea

gettyimages-1196588090.jpg

Jon Samson

gettyimages-1196588006.jpg

Jacob Collier

Photo:&nbsp;Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

gettyimages-1202137797.jpg

Tanya Tucker

gettyimages-1202138464.jpg

Luis Fonsi

gettyimages-1202138435.jpg

I'm With Her 

gettyimages-1202139019.jpg

Kimie Miner 

gettyimages-1202138776.jpg

Angelique Kidjo

gettyimages-1202139955.jpg

Kirk Franklin

Photo:&nbsp;Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

gettyimages-1202142677.jpg

Gloria Gaynor

gettyimages-1202142597.jpg

Rosalía

gettyimages-1202142492.jpg

Erinn Williams

gettyimages-1202140170.jpg

PJ Morton

gettyimages-1202144074.jpg

Angelique Smith And Samiel Asghedom

gettyimages-1202148083.jpg

Grammy Global Header

Grammy Hamburger Menu

Global Hamburger Menu

GRAMMY_lockup_stacked_black

Subscribe Nav

Subscribe Nav Newsletter Form

Be the first to find out about GRAMMY nominees, winners, important news, and events.

checkmark-gold

Subscribe Social Links

Join us on Social

Homepage

Homepage Google Ad 2

Subscribe to GRAMMY's Newsletter

Be the first to find out about GRAMMY nominees, winners, important news, and events

Thank you for subscribing to the GRAMMY Award Newsletter!

grammys-gramophone-grey-background

Get notified of exciting GRAMMY Award news and upcoming events!

Latest Videos

Latest Videos & Exclusive Performances

Curated Content: 2024 GRAMMYs: Highlights & Performance

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/news-article

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/slide

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/video

GRAMMY News, Performances & Highlights

Homepage Google Ad

Awards History Carousel

66th GRAMMY Awards

2024-grammys-poster-art-66th-grammy-awards

66th Annual GRAMMY Awards

65th GRAMMY Awards

GRAMMY.com Assets_Show Poster_640x853 (3)

65th Annual GRAMMY Awards

64th GRAMMY Awards

64thposter

64th Annual GRAMMY Awards

63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards

63rd-gramophone-art_1880x1100.jpg

62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards

62_grammy_poster.png

61st Annual GRAMMY Awards

gramophone_v_01b

60th Annual GRAMMY Awards

For any music lover, GRAMMY Sunday is very much like the Super Bowl or World Series to a sports fanatic.

The only difference being, while sports teams typically find out who will be the final competition within a week or two of the showdown, GRAMMY nominations arrive months prior to the big show. The ceremony is arguably a culmination of all of that energy and anticipation. The 60th GRAMMY Awards was no different, as James Corden returned to host the Music's Biggest Night.

Returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 15 years, the milestone telecast proved to be a celebration that broke down barriers — with the wins, performances, and acceptance speeches showing that the power of music can literally change the world.

Of course, the GRAMMYs' return to the Big Apple was cause enough for excitement. (Cut to [Tony Bennett](/artists/tony-bennett/1073) and [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994) singing "New York, New York" before presenting Best Rap/Sung Performance). And there was [Bruno Mars](/artists/bruno-mars/5082) netting six wins and nearly doubling his career output to 11 in one fell swoop. But there was plenty of excitement to go around.

Whether you were there, watching on TV or live streaming, here are 12 moments from the 60th GRAMMY Awards that made it a night to remember.

### 1. Kendrick Lamar, U2, Dave Chappelle Open With An Army

[Kendrick Lamar](/artists/kendrick-lamar/17949) has a steady track record of impactful performances on the GRAMMYs, and this time he opened the ceremony with a groundbreaking performance before winning the first award of the evening for Best Rap/Sung Performance ("LOYALTY." with Rihanna). Opening with "XXX" before an American flag backdrop and U.S. soldiers marching, the rapper was joined by [U2](/artists/u2/7858)'s Bono and The Edge. A war simulation followed before [Dave Chappelle](/artists/dave-chappelle/187041) hit the stage to punctuate segues in between heated musical vignettes performed by Lamar. It was history in the making, much like everything he touches.

### 2. Lady Gaga's Tearjerker Performance with Mark Ronson

"This is for love and compassion …even when you can't understand," [Lady Gaga](/artists/lady-gaga/3611) uttered before a white piano wrapped in lace as she opened her performance with "Joanne." Mark Ronson assisted on guitar as the acoustic set segued into another moving ballad, "Million Reasons." The emotional performance was poignant, but most importantly showed Gaga's unreal vocal range. It's OK if you shed a tear while watching. We were all cutting onions when it happened.

### 3. James Corden Rapping For Jay-Z

If you watch "The Late Late Show With James Corden" or are tuned into any episode of his "Carpool Karaoke" series, you'll know that Corden was the perfect return host for this year's telecast. On the eve of the show, [Jay-Z](/artists/jay-z/9815) was honored at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Corden informed the crowd, but began riddling off his knowledge of Jay-Z facts — including Jay’s former apartment address of 560 State Street in Brooklyn. Corden then launched into spitting a few bars for an amused Mr. Carter. "You call it the Big Apple, I call it the Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of …just something I made up," Corden joked.

### 4. Bruno Mars And Cardi B's #TBT Performance Of "Finesse (Remix)"

A few weeks back — when the video for Bruno Mars' remix to "Finesse" featuring [Cardi B](/artists/cardi-b/186981) hit the internet — we were all bit by the nostalgia bug. The video (directed by Mars himself) was not only a clear nod to the sketch comedy series "In Living Color," but it was also a Polaroid of a bygone era of ‘90s R&amp;B and hip-hop—complete with bright colors. Cardi B donned a legendary Cross Colours bucket hat with Mars dancing onstage like a New Jack Swing-era frontman before a dance-off to House Of Pain’s "Jump Around." It was #ThrowbackThursday on a Sunday night.

### 5. Alessia Cara Claims Best New Artist

"I've been pretend winning GRAMMYs since I was a kid in the shower," [Alessia Cara](/artists/alessia-cara/186976) said with a shaky voice before a towering microphone as she accepted her first GRAMMY. While the Canadian was already considered a strong candidate for the award, the competition was fierce — including [SZA](/artists/Solana-Rowe/32514) and newcomer [Julia Michaels](/artists/julia-michaels/188121). But as Cara continued into her speech, she acknowledged and showed support for her peers, which included her fellow nominees and indie acts. "Support real music and real artists," she said. Then she thanked her fans, because there will be no more pretend GRAMMYs in the shower from now on.

### 6. Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee Bring On More "Despacito"

Over the course of 2017, the infectious "Despacito" hasn't left our brains. [Luis Fonsi](/artists/luis-fonsi/3346) and [Daddy Yankee](/artists/daddy-yankee/9370) hit the stage to perform the diamond-certified single and brought former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera in two. Rivera also appeared in the music video, but took center stage to dance amid a mock club scene. "That is a catchy song. I've never heard that song before," Corden deadpanned after the performance.

### 7. "Subway Carpool Karaoke"

Corden's viral "Carpool Karaoke" series made a cameo during the evening. How could it not? This time, however, it was a special "Subway Carpool Karaoke," featuring Corden, [Sting](/artists/sting/10244) and [Shaggy](/artists/shaggy/10082). The former Police frontman couldn't even get through "Every Breath You Take" before being shushed by a construction worker on the train. And Shaggy barely sang "It Wasn't Me" before another passenger hushed even Corden. Then a fight broke out on the train and Corden got a bloody nose. It was a dangerous karaoke scene. You had to be there.

### 8. Janelle Monáe Says #TimesUp, Kesha Sings #MeToo

All one has to do is read the news in recent months to know that injustice to women is no longer an option across industries. As [Janelle Monáe](/artists/janelle-monae/4464) introduced [Kesha](/artists/kesha/187816)'s performance of "Praying," she delivered a powerful speech hooked to the sexual harassment initiative Time's Up. "We are also daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, humans," Monáe told the crowd. "We come in peace, but we mean business." When Kesha hit the stage, her performance was that much more intense, especially understanding all she's been through in the music industry. With [Cyndi Lauper](/artists/cyndi-lauper/4198), Camila Cabello, Bebe Rexha, Julia Michaels, and [Andra Day](/artists/andra-day/18980) joining on background vocals, the performance ended with the women hugging and in tears. They weren't alone.

### 9. Elton John, Miley Cyrus Transcend Generations Onstage

[Elton John](/artists/elton-john/12074)'s "Tiny Dancer" is one of those classic songs that can bring you immediately back to a moment or an era (or a movie scene, like that bus ride in Almost Famous). However, tonight a new moment was made with [Miley Cyrus](/artists/miley-cyrus/18384). With John seated at his piano, he opened the song and Cyrus joined to help carry the song home. While the "Wrecking Ball" singer is no stranger to classic music — especially given her godmother is [Dolly Parton](/artists/dolly-parton/17205) — this performance was particularly special. Call it onstage chemistry, or call it bridging the gap, but this "Tiny Dancer" performance was one for the ages.

### 10. Ben Platt, Patti LuPone Wow With Broadway Style

This special [Leonard Bernstein](/artists/leonard-bernstein/896)-[Andrew Lloyd Webber](/artists/andrew-lloyd-webber/4044) tribute kicked off properly, as [Ben Platt](/artists/ben-platt/188321) from "Dear Evan Hansen" gave the audience a rousing dose of "Somewhere" from the former's "West Side Story." But as James Corden could barely stand as he introduced [Patti LuPone](/artists/patti-lupone/5059), we soon found out why. LuPone delivered a riveting rendition of “Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from Evita. Posted at a podium, just as the musical/movie depicts, she belted like it was her first time singing the song and it was our first time hearing it.

### 11. Logic, Khalid, Alessia Cara Bring Hope 

There's a reason why "1-800-273-8255" was nominated for Song Of The Year. The powerful track comes with a real message of suicide prevention. When the trifecta of [Logic](/artists/Sir-Robert-Bryson-Hall-II/32370), [Khalid](/artists/khalid/187821), and Alessia Cara hit the stage to perform the monumental hit single, there was no denying the magic. Performing on opposite stages before an army of survivors in "You Are Not Alone" shirts, Logic addressed the crowd and closed the performance with a speech pointing out many societal injustices — from the treatment of women to neighbors from other countries. There are no weak individuals, per Logic, just people waiting to realize the power of their voice.

### 12. Bruno Mars' Magical Evening: 6 For 6

Bruno Mars emerged above the stiff competition in Album Of The Year, taking home the final GRAMMY of the evening for 24K Magic. The nod topped off a GRAMMY sweep for the Hawaii native, with Mars winning all six categories for which he was nominated. He also earned R&amp;B Album, Record Of The Year for "24K Magic," Best R&amp;B Performance, Best R&amp;B Song and Song Of The Year for "That's What I Like." As he explained in his Album Of The Year speech, Mars' mission was to spread love and he did just that — even shouting out previous greats like [Babyface](/artists/babyface/985) who paved the way for him.

grammy60th

Find all the Winners of 2017 Grammys. For any music lover, GRAMMY Sunday is very much like the Super Bowl or World Series to a sports fanatic. The only difference being, while sports teams typically find out who will be the final competition within a week or two of the showdown, GRAMMY nominations arrive months prior to the big show. The ceremony is arguably a culmination of all of that energy and anticipation. The 60th GRAMMY Awards was no different, as James Corden returned to host the Music's Biggest Night.

59th Annual GRAMMY Awards

During a period in our nation's history in which people are constantly reminded about the political and social issues that can divide us, the 59th GRAMMY Awards served as a convincing testament to the undeniable unifying power of music.

[Adele](/artists/adele/528), whose voice is a powerful force unto itself, emerged the top winner of the night, taking home five GRAMMYs: Best Pop Vocal Album and Album Of The Year for 25 and Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Hello." The now-15-time winner also made GRAMMY history by becoming the first artist to sweep Record, Album and Song Of The Year twice in her career.

Fittingly, it was Adele who ushered in Music's Biggest Night with a mesmerizing performance of her smash "Hello." A stark black backdrop provided a blank canvas over which the British singer/songwriter painted an aural masterpiece, her potent vocals reverberating throughout Los Angeles' Staples Center.

The mercurial [David Bowie](/artists/david-bowie/4819), who died just days before releasing his album Blackstar on Jan. 8, 2016, won four posthumous GRAMMYs, including Best Alternative Music Album. [Greg Kurstin](/artists/greg-kurstin/9943), Adele's producer and songwriting partner, also won four awards, including Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical.

[Chance The Rapper](/artists/chancelor-bennett/19614) earned three awards, including Best New Artist, making him the first streaming-exclusive artist to win a GRAMMY. "This is for every indie artist who's been doing this mixtape stuff for a long-a\*\* time," the Chicagoan said during his acceptance for Best Rap Album for Coloring Book. He punctuated his GRAMMY debut with a feel-good performance medley of "How Great" and "All We Got," with his cousin Nicole and 59th GRAMMY winners [Kirk Franklin](/artists/kirk-franklin/9067) and Tamela Mann adding soulful flourishes.

Engineer/mixer [Tom Elmhirst](/artists/tom-elmhirst/2228) also won three GRAMMYs; [Beyoncé](/artists/beyonce-knowles/12474), [Drake](/artists/drake/12370), [Sarah Jarosz](/artists/sarah-jarosz/13600), [John Scofield](/artists/john-scofield/13908), Franklin, and [Hillary Scott &amp; The Scott Family](/artists/hillary-scott-scott-family/20151) were among those winning two awards.

As presenter Celine Dion so eloquently quoted the legendary [Stevie Wonder](/artists/stevie-wonder/8257), "Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories." In addition to crowning recipients in 84 GRAMMY categories, the 59th GRAMMYs created many new memories in the form of signature GRAMMY Moments that spanned several genres.

Equal parts music, theater and spoken word poetry, a golden-clad Beyoncé radiated during her medley of "Love Drought" and "Sandcastles," two songs from her Best Urban Contemporary Album-winning opus, Lemonade. The trance-inducing performance, which was themed around the celebration of motherhood, featured her own mother, Tina Knowles, and daughter, [Blue Ivy Carter](/artists/blue-ivy/292460), and closed on a poignant note with the pregnant Beyoncé reciting a line from a Warsan Shire poem: "If we're going to heal, let it be glorious/1,000 girls raise their arms."

[Bruno Mars](/artists/bruno-mars/5082) dazzled with his seductive "That's What I Like." Commanding the stage with aplomb, showcasing graceful dance moves and flaunting his rich tenor, Mars once again proved the breadth of his 24-karat talent.

[Ed Sheeran](/artists/ed-sheeran/6178) turned in arguably the most energy-efficient performance of the evening. Armed with an acoustic guitar, synthesizer and a pedalboard that doubled as a looping device, Sheeran proved a veritable one-man band in multitasking his romantic ode "Shape Of You."

[The Weeknd](/artists/The-Weeknd/24884) teamed with fellow GRAMMY winners [Daft Punk](/artists/daft-punk/8207) for a medley of "Starboy" and "I Feel It Coming." The duo's trademark synthesizer soundscapes set the tone for a sci-fi inspired set, with The Weeknd's velvety voice drifting into space.

[Katy Perry](/artists/katy-perry/5726) returned to the GRAMMY stage to debut her brand-new single, "Chained To The Rhythm," with reggae artist Skip Marley. Perry — who wore an armband emblazoned with the word "Resist" — earnestly delivered her new socially conscious anthem, which she closed by declaring "No hate!"

Best New Artist nominee [Anderson .Paak](/artists/anderson-paak/19926) and rappers Busta Rhymes, Consequence and [A Tribe Called Quest](/artists/tribe-called-quest/10719) joined for a politically charged medley of "Award Tour," "Movin Backwards" and "We The People." The latter song, A Tribe Called Quest's anthem addressing topics such as racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and misogyny, proved timely given the recent political climate. A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip put an exclamation point on the performance by shouting, "Resist! Resist! Resist!"

[Metallica](/artists/metallica/10686) and [Lady Gaga](/artists/lady-gaga/3611) turned the volume up to 10 with a driving performance of the band's "Moth Into Flame." Despite a brief technical glitch with Metallica frontman James Hetfield's mic, the heat generated — stoked by pyrotechnics, headbanging and a stage dive from Gaga — set off a genre-bending explosion.

[Keith Urban](/artists/keith-urban/7015) and [Carrie Underwood](/artists/carrie-underwood/10381) went toe-to-toe for their love-affirming duet "The Fighter." GRAMMY-nominated newcomers [Kelsea Ballerini](/artists/kelsea-ballerini/19558) and [Lukas Graham](/artists/lukas-graham/20132) joined together for a seamless mashup of her "Peter Pan" and their "7 Years," which was up for Song Of The Year. R&amp;B/soul legend William Bell, who earlier won his first career GRAMMY, teamed with guitar slinger [Gary Clark Jr.](/artists/gary-clark-jr/17798) for a gritty "Born Under A Bad Sign."

First-time GRAMMY host James Corden got into the musical act as well. During his opening skit, Corden delivered a free-style rap that name-dropped everyone from President Donald Trump to Drake, Rihanna and Sturgill Simpson. "The Late Late Show" host also sped through a hilarious impromptu GRAMMY edition of Carpool Karaoke. Driving a cardboard cutout vehicle, Corden was flanked by [Jennifer Lopez](/artists/jennifer-lopez/14846), [Tim McGraw](/artists/tim-mcgraw/12018), [Faith Hill](/artists/faith-hill/10850), [Keith Urban](/artists/keith-urban/7015), [Ryan Tedder](/artists/ryan-tedder/16130), [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994), Blue Ivy, Jason Derulo, and [Neil Diamond](/artists/neil-diamond/2720) for a singalong of the latter's classic "Sweet Caroline."

In addition to Corden's bits, [Twenty One Pilots](/artists/twenty-one-pilots/20162) provided some unexpected comic relief when they accepted their first career GRAMMY for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Stressed Out" in their underwear. Underneath the humor, the duo from Columbus, Ohio, conveyed an important message to musicians of all stripes. "Anyone from anywhere can do anything," said Pilots singer/songwriter Tyler Joseph.

It was also a night of firsts for breakout country star [Maren Morris](/artists/maren-morris/19894). Not only did she make her GRAMMY performance debut with "Once" alongside [Alicia Keys](/artists/alicia-keys/12104), she won her first GRAMMY for Best Country Solo Performance for "My Church," making her the first GRAMMY Camp alumnus to win a GRAMMY.

Music's Biggest Night also provided moments of reflection in the form of tributes.

An all-star troupe paid homage to five-time GRAMMY winners the Bee Gees, who will be celebrated this spring via the CBS TV special "Stayin' Alive: A GRAMMY Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees." [Demi Lovato](/artists/demi-lovato/19851) glided through "Stayin' Alive" while [Tori Kelly](/artists/tori-kelly/19120) showcased her impressive singing and guitar chops on "Tragedy." [Little Big Town](/artists/little-big-town/10623) were in perfect harmony for "How Deep Is Your Love" and Andra Day bottled the essence of Studio 54 during "Night Fever." The group closed with a vibrant "Stayin' Alive" coda, with Barry Gibb looking on in delight.

[Sturgill Simpson](/artists/sturgill-simpson/18703) and the Dap-Kings convened for "All Around You," a song from Simpson's Best Country Album-winning A Sailor's Guide To Earth. During his introduction, Dwight Yoakam lauded the late singer [Sharon Jones](/artists/sharon-jones/18518), who worked with the Dap-Kings throughout her career.

In recognition of [George Michael](/artists/george-michael/12041), who died Dec. 25, 2016, Adele returned to the stage for a dramatic, orchestrated version of "Fastlove," the final Top 10 hit of Michael's career. The tribute paused abruptly as Adele stopped mid-song, feeling that her performance was not up to par. "I can't mess this up for him," she confided to the audience. Adele reset herself and delivered a moving memorial. The audience obliged with a standing ovation.

Morris Day and the Time did the honors in introducing a special GRAMMY tribute to the late [Prince](/artists/prince/5675). A true showman, Day bobbed and weaved the band through the Time's funky "Jungle Love" and "The Bird." Mars then returned to the stage for a regal reimagining of "Let's Go Crazy." Armed with a Purple Rain-inspired suit, makeup and white guitar, Mars channeled vintage '80s-era Prince, right down to his authentic take on the song's spectacular unaccompanied guitar cadenza.

The In Memoriam segment featured [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994) and GRAMMY-winning "The Color Purple" cast member [Cynthia Erivo](/artists/cynthia-erivo/19682) delivering a rendition of the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows," which served as a solemn musical prayer to many other individuals the music community lost during the past year.

The GRAMMY show was also marked by heartfelt, if unexpected, tributes to fellow nominees. In her final acceptance speech of the evening for Album Of The Year, a visibly moved Adele used her platform to acknowledge and thank fellow nominee Beyoncé.

"My artist of my life is Beyoncé," Adele said as a tearful Beyoncé looked on. "The Lemonade album was just so monumental and so well-thought out and so beautiful and soul-bearing. … All us artists here, we f\*\*\*ing adore you. You are our light.

Music's Biggest Night beamed into the homes of more than 26 million viewers, representing a 4 percent year-over-year increase and the highest viewership since 2014. The luster extended well after the Sunday telecast, with several winners, nominees and performers benefiting from the GRAMMY Effect.

Digital sales of songs performed on the show saw a 140 percent increase in download sales, with Urban and Underwood's "The Fighter" experiencing a 574 percent gain. On-demand streams (audio and video combined) of songs performed rose 30 percent, including Mars' "That's What I Like" spiking 99 percent. Adele's 25 returned to the Top 10, rising to No. 6 with a 137 percent sales increase. Combined with the other Album Of The Year nominees (Beyoncé's Lemonade, [Justin Bieber](/artists/justin-bieber/10220)'s Purpose, Drake's Views, and Sturgill Simpson's A Sailor's Guide To Earth), all five albums saw a collective 91 percent increase in equivalent album sales. Following his GRAMMY performance with Perry, Skip Marley became the first member of the Marley family to score a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

More than just impressive statistics, these sizable GRAMMY Effect gains give additional credence to the 59th GRAMMY Awards telecast remarks of Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow, who during his impassioned speech delivered to the new administration an important unified message on behalf of the music community.

"The Recording Academy, together with America's music makers, call on the president and Congress to help keep the music playing by updating music laws, protecting music education and renewing America's commitment to the arts," said Portnow. "It's our collective responsibility to preserve what binds us and to ensure that the whole world continues to benefit from one of our most unique \[and\] economically and spiritually important assets — and exports: American music."

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2016

grammy-awards-promo-book-aj

In an era when much of the prevailing cultural dialogue revolves around race relations and personal empowerment, the big winners at the 58th GRAMMY Awards reflected the currency of the times.

With 11 nominations, Compton, Calif., rapper [Kendrick Lamar](/artists/kendrick-lamar/17949) went into Music's Biggest Night as the most nominated artist since [Michael Jackson](/artists/michael-jackson/13202) and [Babyface](/artists/babyface/985) each scored 12 for 1983 and 1996, respectively. He took five GRAMMYs, including Best Rap Album for To Pimp A Butterfly, and Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for "Alright."

Lamar's performance of "The Blacker The Berry" and "Alright," songs that became unofficial soundtracks for the Black Lives Matter movement, infused the GRAMMYs with the kind of social immediacy at which it excels, whether it's championing marriage equality or honoring late musical icons such as Whitney Houston.

[Alabama Shakes](/artists/alabama-shakes/14656), perhaps fittingly a multiracial band with a multiracial frontwoman, [Brittany Howard](/artists/brittany-howard/3375), won three awards — Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Alternative Music Album — all based around their acclaimed sophomore album, Sound &amp; Color. Their performance of "Don't Wanna Fight," introduced with an otherworldly scream by Howard, who looked like a high priestess of rock in a flowing white cape, was a captivating moment from a band that has helped bring back a sense of urgency to rock.

[Taylor Swift](/artists/taylor-swift/15450) took Album Of The Year for 1989 among her three awards. Pointing out she was the first woman to win that award twice, Swift was passionate about giving due credit to the contributions of women during her acceptance speech. Her show-opening performance of "Out Of The Woods" proved she's a powerful, self-assured woman.

Other multiple winners included [D'Angelo](/artists/dangelo/1902), [Diplo](/artists/diplo/8548), [Jason Isbell](/artists/jason-isbell/19091), [Maria Schneider](/artists/maria-schneider/6153), [Ed Sheeran](/artists/ed-sheeran/6178), [Skrillex](/artists/skrillex/6363), [Chris Stapleton](/artists/chris-stapleton/15418), and [The Weeknd](/artists/The-Weeknd/24884).

Rising up, to paraphrase GRAMMY nominee and performer [Andra Day](/artists/andra-day/18980), was the theme of the night. In addition to Lamar's wins and triumphant performance, there were other noteworthy moments.

"Glory," Common and [John Legend](/artists/john-legend/16994)'s defiant song from Selma, the film about the 1965 Montgomery, Ala., voting rights marches, won for Best Song Written For Visual Media. [Lalah Hathaway](/artists/lalah-hathaway/3123) won in the Best Traditional R&amp;B Performance category for "Little Ghetto Boy," a song about overcoming the consequences of growing up in inner-city poverty that was originally recorded by her father, [Donny Hathaway](/artists/donny-hathaway/2656).   

Mexican drummer/composer [Antonio Sanchez](/artists/antonio-sanchez/6087), who won Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media for Birdman, thanked GRAMMY voters specifically because he had been "eliminated by another awards show that starts with an 'O' and ends with 'scars.'" And songwriter [Kendra Foster](/artists/kendra-foster/19024) literally raised a fist and proclaimed "we're trying to rise up" when accepting the Best R&amp;B Song award for her, D'Angelo and [Gina Figueroa](/artists/gina-figueroa/19500)'s "Really Love."

It was also a night of official goodbyes to musical giants, some of whom died within weeks of the GRAMMY telecast.

[Lady Gaga](/artists/lady-gaga/3611)'s tribute to [David Bowie](/artists/david-bowie/4819) was an electrifying appreciation of one of the most influential artists of our time. Bowie — who died Jan. 10 — received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy in 2006, and an appropriate celebration on the GRAMMY telecast with a 10-song medley wrapped by a triumphant version of "Heroes."

The band synonymous with '70s California rock came together to salute their fallen founding member, [Glenn Frey](/artists/glenn-frey/2410), who died Jan. 18. The Eagles strummed through their first hit, the classic "Take It Easy," teaming with the song's co-writer Jackson Browne (who penned the tune with Frey in the early '70s when they lived in the same Los Angeles apartment building). The ode to letting troubles run off your shoulders and grabbing life while you can was a fitting tribute to a singer, guitarist and man who did just that.

Things revved up a few decibels when the Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry joined by Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum) lit the funeral pyre for Lemmy Kilmister — hard rock's No. 1 anarchist who died Dec. 28, 2015 — with a short blast of Motörhead's "Ace Of Spades."

At the other end of the genre and attitude spectrum, [Earth, Wind &amp; Fire](/artists/earth-wind-fire/14550)'s deeply optimistic pan-spiritual leader [Maurice White](/artists/maurice-white/6905), who died Feb. 4, was feted by [Stevie Wonder](/artists/stevie-wonder/8257) and vocal group [Pentatonix](/artists/pentatonix/20140), who performed an a cappella version of the classic "That's The Way Of The World."

Finally, Stapleton, [Gary Clark Jr.](/artists/gary-clark-jr/17798) and Bonnie Raitt paid tribute to one of the most noteworthy bluesmen of all time, B.B. King, who died May 14, 2015. The three artists — performing King's biggest hit, "The Thrill Is Gone" — reflected disparate generations and genres, but demonstrated that roots music is a single language often spoken with six strings.

Wrapped around these special GRAMMY Moments were additional performances that delivered musical breadth as only the GRAMMYs can.

New country star and former college footballer [Sam Hunt](/artists/sam-hunt/19085)'s "Take Your Time" got an audible via a duet with [Carrie Underwood](/artists/carrie-underwood/10381) and her "Heartbeat."

R&amp;B sensation [The Weeknd](/artists/The-Weeknd/24884) sensitively performed his ballad "In The Night," backed by piano and cello, after teasing his hit "Can't Feel My Face." The vocal triumph scored a standing ovation.

Day was joined by [Ellie Goulding](/artists/ellie-goulding/19043) for one of the night's sweetest melding of voices as they seamlessly brought their respective ballads "Rise Up" and "Love Me Like You Do" together.

[Lionel Richie](/artists/lionel-richie/17291), the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree and a true hits king of the '80s, rightly received the royal treatment as Luke Bryan, John Legend, Demi Lovato, [Meghan Trainor](/artists/meghan-trainor/18740), and [Tyrese](/artists/tyrese/17506) came together for a mega-salute capped by the man himself singing his signature "All Night Long (All Night)."

Richie collaborator, the late Michael Jackson, was remembered by nominee [Miguel](/artists/miguel/4571), who delivered a smooth version of "She's Out Of My Life" backed by the song's original keyboardist Greg Phillinganes.

[Little Big Town](/artists/little-big-town/10623) turned in a contemplative version of "Girl Crush" rich in the harmonizing of their four collective voices.

Two Best New Artist nominees, James Bay and Tori Kelly, joined forces to show off some fresh multiweapon talent as the pair of singer/songwriter/instrumentalists ran emotively through his "Let It Go" and her "Hollow."

The GRAMMYs aired its first-ever live performance from a Broadway stage by bringing the acclaimed musical "Hamilton" to a nationwide TV audience. Star/writer Lin-Manuel Miranda and his cast ran through the opening number "Alexander Hamilton" before an ecstatic audience at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York, providing a taste of its groundbreaking melding of hip-hop and traditional musical theater.

Despite some well-documented technical glitches, Adele's performance became a triumph over adversity, a testament to the fact that great talent will always shine despite the sometimes unexpected travails of live TV. To paraphrase her song "All I Ask," Adele left her heart on the stage to a standing ovation.

[Justin Bieber](/artists/justin-bieber/10220) teamed with EDM stars Skrillex and Diplo — under their Jack Ü moniker — for a rousing take on "Where Are Ü Now," which followed an acoustic solo turn by Bieber, who played his "Love Yourself." As Billboard noted, "While some previous dance performances have fallen flat in televised awards shows, there was nothing stilted about the energetic ensemble's stage show."

And on a similarly energetic note, the GRAMMYs concluded with a party thrown by one of the night's winners, Pitbull, who was joined by Travis Barker, Joe Perry, Robin Thicke, and actress Sofia Vergara, who showed off some of her best dance moves.

Between honoring our musical legacy and recognizing music's power to reflect and impact our cultural legacy, fans truly had a chance to Witness Greatness on the 58th GRAMMYs.

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2014, through Sept. 30, 2015

58gr_poster_final

57th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Even for the GRAMMY Awards, which takes pride in each unique performance on its world-renowned stage — performances that have collectively come to be known as GRAMMY Moments — the 57th telecast topped expectations. The show featured an impressive 23 performances, many offering teamings that were not only inspired, but resulted in illuminating versions of deeply powerful songs.

If you thought <a href="/artists/sam-smith/18713">Sam Smith</a>'s multiple GRAMMY-winning "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)" was an aching heartbreak of a song, you may have been emotionally drained after <a href="/artists/mary-j-blige/779">Mary J. Blige</a> joined Smith to add tent-revival urgency. 
 
<a href="/artists/katy-perry/5726">Katy Perry</a>'s "By The Grace Of God" already defies many of the California gurl's best-known pop hits, but following a personal plea from President Barack Obama to stop domestic violence and the real-life tale of abuse from survivor and activist Brooke Axtell, its unexpected impact brought the house to its feet. 
 
And so went this year's telecast, performance after performance proving that GRAMMY Moments live well beyond the moment of their creation. 
 
First-time GRAMMY performers AC/DC opened the show with fireworks and firepower, with singer Brian Johnson and guitarist Angus Young igniting the stage — and the playfully devil-horned audience ­— with "Rock Or Bust" and the classic "Highway To Hell." 
 
But it was the next performance of "Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart" by <a href="/artists/ariana-grande/18441">Ariana Grande</a> that arguably served as the true tone setter of the night, a poignant moment of soul-stirring singing that was as moving as it was entertaining. 
 
Brits <a href="/artists/jessie-j/18501">Jessie J</a> and the ever-vibrant Tom Jones followed with a similarly breathtaking "You've Lost That Loving Feelin'" in tribute to the iconic song's co-writers, 2015 Recording Academy Trustees Award recipients Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. 
 
<a href="/artists/miranda-lambert/4851">Miranda Lambert</a> then interjected a touch of rock-inflected hoedown energy, wheeling out her upbeat "Little Red Wagon" with attitude and energy to spare, tapping into her firecracker charisma. 
 
<a href="/artists/kanye-west/6900">Kanye West</a> returned to the show's tacit theme of emotional message music with "Only One." Shadowy under a single spotlight, West bared it all with his ode to daughter North West, sung from the perspective of his late mother, and aimed at healing and happiness. 
 
An ageless <a href="/artists/madonna/5068">Madonna</a>, still enviably contorting through Pilates-required dance numbers, debuted her new "Living For Love" with a bullfighting theme and a matador's determination and finesse. 
 
Pulling out all the stops, <a href="/artists/ed-sheeran/6178">Ed Sheeran</a>, <a href="/artists/john-mayer/14891">John Mayer</a>, <a href="/artists/herbie-hancock/9477">Herbie Hancock</a>, and Questlove teamed for Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud." Despite such a group of heavyweights, they retained the song’s graceful rumination on enduring love. 
 
The quartet then gave way to Jeff Lynne's ELO. GRAMMY winner Lynne led the band through an ELO signature, "Evil Woman," before joining with Sheeran for a rousing "Mr. Blue Sky." 
 
Adam Levine reunited with former "The Voice" judge Gwen Stefani for <a href="/artists/maroon-5/13090">Maroon 5</a>'s ballad "My Heart Is Open," with each bringing their formidable chops to the plea for love. 
 
Last year, the GRAMMYs brought 33 couples to the stage for a mass musical marriage ceremony. This year, Irish singer/songwriter <a href="/grammys/artists/hozier">Hozier</a> took the crowd to church with his GRAMMY-nominated hit. As "Take Me To Church" built to its climax, singer <a href="/grammys/artists/annie-lennox">Annie Lennox</a> joined to add an exclamation point, then segued into her cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put A Spell On You," as she did just that to the GRAMMY audience. 
 
By now, <a href="/artists/pharrell-williams/7310">Pharrell Williams</a> has built a cottage industry around his inescapable hit "Happy." For his GRAMMY performance, joined by composer Hans Zimmer on guitar and pianist <a href="/artists/lang-lang/14460">Lang Lang</a>'s otherworldly finger play, Williams' turned in a dark and satisfying take on the song. 
 
After Perry's stirring "By The Grace Of God," <a href="/artists/tony-bennett/1073">Tony Bennett</a> and <a href="/artists/lady-gaga/3611">Lady Gaga</a> hit the stage like the second coming of ultimate lounge-act couple Louis Prima and Keely Smith. The pair was clearly having authentic fun onstage, at times truly "Cheek To Cheek." 
 
Backed only by teen harpist Melody Tai, <a href="/artists/usher/16167">Usher</a> performed a sweet version of <a href="/artists/stevie-wonder/8257">Stevie Wonder</a>'s "Magic" in anticipation of "Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life — An All-Star GRAMMY Salute," a two-hour special that aired on CBS Feb. 16. Truly whetting appetites for that show, Wonder emerged from the shadows at the end of the song for an excitedly received harmonica solo. 
 
The GRAMMYs took a trip to Nashville, Tenn., next for <a href="/artists/eric-church/10938">Eric Church</a>'s "Give Me Back My Hometown." Then it was just left of Nashville for Best New Artist nominee <a href="/artists/brandy-clark/17797">Brandy Clark</a>'s teaming with Dwight Yoakam for her "Hold My Hand," to which Yoakam contributed haunting background vocals. 
 
The camera then shifted quietly to three silhouetted figures, in what is quickly becoming an iconic pose, for a debut performance of "FourFiveSeconds," <a href="/artists/rihanna/5943">Rihanna</a>'s new single with <a href="/artists/paul-mccartney/4678">Paul McCartney</a> and West. The trio represented almost unprecedented star power and the song was captivatingly striking in its stark presentation. 
 
After Smith (who emerged as the night's top winner with four GRAMMYs) and Blige's roof-raising performance of "Stay With Me," Colombian singer/songwriter <a href="/artists/juanes/9195">Juanes</a> hit the stage for a performance of his reggae-tinged "Juntos," en español. 
 
Actress Kristen Wiig served as the face of<a href="/artists/sia/15372"> Sia</a> for the latter's performance of "Chandelier," miming a comic version of the song's GRAMMY-nominated music video with young dancer Maddie Ziegler, while Sia earnestly sang from a corner of the set, in her customary back-to-the-audience stance. 
 
Album Of The Year winner <a href="/artists/beck/292">Beck</a> teamed with <a href="/artists/coldplay/10952">Coldplay</a>'s Chris Martin for a Crosby, Stills, Nash &amp; Young-inspired version of his acoustic gem "Heart Is A Drum." Though backed only by acoustic instruments, the song's tale of heartbreak and acceptance had an electric impact. 
 
"We live in complicated times," said Gwyneth Paltrow in introducing <a href="/artists/beyonce-knowles/12474">Beyoncé</a>'s take on the gospel standard "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," "and now more than ever we need understanding and to acknowledge the feelings of others.” 
 
Looking angelic in a white dress that gave the appearance of wings, Bey took the crowd to church literally, as Hozier had done metaphorically earlier. 
 
The 57th GRAMMY Awards closed poignantly with <a href="/artists/john-legend/16994">John Legend</a> and <a href="/artists/common/1332">Common</a>'s stunning Selma theme, "Glory." The performance not only came two weeks prior to their Oscar turn, but taken together with Beyoncé’s preceding tour de force vocal performance, the finale drew a connection in the battle for equal rights from the '60s to the present — capping the night's powerful message about music's ability to stir people to greater awareness and action. 
 
&nbsp;

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014

57th_cover

See all GRAMMY award winners and nominees for the 57th GRAMMY Awards, presented in 2014.

56th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Reuniting legends, creating unparalleled GRAMMY Moments and giving new artists a global platform are all part of what makes the GRAMMYs a truly unique celebration of music. But this year the GRAMMY stage served as an opportunity to display music's power to unleash "whoever we are and whoever we dream about being," as host [LL Cool J](/artists/ll-cool-j/4008) said in his opening remarks.

Following a steamy performance of "Drunk In Love" by power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z, Macklemore &amp; Ryan Lewis made their first appearance on the GRAMMY stage to accept the first award of the night for Best New Artist. After catching their collective breath, Macklemore thanked their fans, "the people that got us on this stage," while acknowledging their independent roots.\

\

"We made this album without a record label," said Macklemore. "And we appreciate all the support."

The Seattle rap duo ended their GRAMMY debut on top, garnering a total of four trophies. The duo were later joined by singer/songwriter Mary Lambert and Trombone Shorty for a performance of their GRAMMY-nominated anthem of equality, "Same Love." The performance marked a historic moment for the GRAMMY Awards as Queen Latifah took the stage mid-set to officiate a live marriage ceremony for 33 diverse couples, which was capped with an appearance by Madonna. Madge gave new meaning to the chorus to her "Open Your Heart," proving that while music unleashes independence, it also promotes harmony.

"When we say music has the power to bring people together at the GRAMMYs, we mean it," said Latifah.

Fellow GRAMMY newcomer Lorde performed her hit "Royals," which took Song Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. The 17-year-old singer/songwriter was clearly shocked: "This is the one thing that I did not expect the most about tonight," she said while accepting the latter award.

Further demonstrating music's power to unleash individuality, Hunter Hayes debuted his new single "Invisible." The inspirational piano-driven ballad was colored with several onscreen quotes, including one by John Lennon: "You don't need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are."

Country singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves nabbed the first two GRAMMYs of her career for Best Country Song for "Merry Go 'Round" with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, and Best Country Album for Same Trailer Different Park. Musgraves made her individual mark on the GRAMMYs when she brightened the stage for a performance of "Follow Your Arrow," a song about doing "whatever you want."

One of the most talked about — and tweeted — performances of the night was the teaming of Imagine Dragons, who won their first GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance for "Radioactive," with rising rapper Kendrick Lamar. On a smoke-filled stage, the collective delivered a colorful mashup of "Radioactive" and Lamar's "m.A.A.d city" — an appropriate welcome to a new generation of GRAMMY performers.

But being in with the new does not mean out with the old — or in this case, legendary. Newly minted Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard were accompanied by Blake Shelton for a medley of classics such as "Okie From Muskogee" and "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" that had everyone from Musgraves to Jay Z and Beyoncé swaying in the audience. Daft Punk  and Pharrell Williams — both of whom also topped the winners list with four each, including Album Of The Year for Random Access Memories and a Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical win for Williams — teamed with Nile Rodgers and Stevie Wonder for a mashup of the Chic classic "Le Freak" and "Get Lucky." The latter earned Rodgers two of his first three career GRAMMYs for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Record Of The Year.

Additionally, Jay Z and Justin Timberlake won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Holy Grail," which Jay Z accepted on their behalf and dedicated to his daughter Blue Ivy. Bruno Mars took home Best Pop Vocal Album honors for Unorthodox Jukebox, which he dedicated to his late mother Bernadette, who died in June 2013.

On a satellite stage, 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Carole King and Sara Bareilles went head-to-head on piano for a performance of Bareilles' "Brave" and King's "Beautiful." More all-star collaborations ensued. Robin Thicke joined Chicago to perform the latter's "Beginnings," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "Saturday In The Park" and his "Blurred Lines," which earned Thicke his first nominations as an artist. GRAMMY winner Keith Urban and first-time winner Gary Clark Jr. joined for a performance of Urban's "Cop Car" that showed off each individual's guitar prowess. Pink made sure no one forgot her high-flying acrobatic skills as she took to the air to perform "Try" before Fun.'s Nate Ruess joined to deliver their GRAMMY-nominated hit "Just Give Me A Reason."

The spotlight was on John Legend as he took a seat behind the piano for a soulful performance of his romantic ballad "All Of Me," which appeared to be dedicated to his new bride, Chrissy Teigen. Taylor Swift went for a no-frills performance, looking glamorous at the piano for her "All Too Well." Meanwhile, fellow singer/songwriter Katy Perry proved she has a dark side, opening encased in a crystal ball for an enchanting performance of her hit single about playing with magic, "Dark Horse," featuring Juicy J.

Though the evening was highlighted by new artists taking home their first GRAMMY gold, as David Grohl remarked while accepting the award for Best Rock Song for "Cut Me Some Slack" with Paul McCartney and former Nirvana bandmates Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, "If it wasn't for the Beatles, we wouldn't be here." Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their U.S. debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" this year, remaining Beatles McCartney and Ringo Starr took the stage, likely reminding some of the younger artists in the audience why they chose their individual paths. After a solo performance by Starr of his chestnut "Photograph," the drummer joined McCartney for the latter's new "Queenie Eye." (Two weeks later, the pair would team again for the successful tribute "The Beatles: The Night That Changed America — A GRAMMY Salute," which celebrated their historic performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" 50 years ago.)

From one surprise teaming to another, Metallica took the stage with the GRAMMY Cultural Ambassador to China, pianist Lang Lang. Following an introduction from Oscar winner Jared Leto, who cited Metallica as a "great rock band who have stayed true to themselves," the group delivered a unique performance of their past GRAMMY winner "One" that had frontman James Hetfield going guitar-to-piano with Lang Lang. The pianist returned shortly after to pay tribute to the late Van Cliburn during the In Memoriam segment, which also featured Miranda Lambert and Billie Joe Armstrong teaming for a tribute to the late Phil Everly with the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved."

The 56th telecast took its final bow with one last memorable GRAMMY Moment that literally rocked. Fleetwood Mac guitar master Lindsey Buckingham and Grohl joined Nine Inch Nails and Queens Of The Stone Age for NIN's "Copy Of A" and QOTSA's "My God Is The Sun."

Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2013

56gr_poster_final

55th Annual GRAMMY Awards

While many past GRAMMY telecasts have turned into colorful coronations of artists who enjoyed larger-than-life years (<a href="/artists/michael-jackson/13202" target="_blank">Michael Jackson</a>'s eight GRAMMYs in 1983, Santana's eight in 1999, <a href="/artists/beyonce-knowles/12474" target="_blank">Beyoncé</a>'s six in 2009, and <a href="/artists/adele/528" target="_blank">Adele</a>'s six in 2011), the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards spread the wealth among a crop of younger artists who set the stage for the century's second decade in music.

Roots-influenced rockers the <a href="/artists/black-keys/8120" target="_blank">Black Keys</a> won three awards in the Rock Field (and guitarist/singer Dan Auerbach added one more for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical.

Rap stalwarts <a href="/artists/jay-z/9815" target="_blank">Jay-Z</a> and <a href="/artists/kanye-west/6900" target="_blank">Kanye West</a> won three GRAMMYs each, all for their collaborations on Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Songwinner "N****s In Paris" and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration winner "No Church In The Wild" (featuring Frank Ocean and The-Dream).

Then came more relative newcomers: Skrillex added three GRAMMYs to his three from last year; <a href="/artists/gotye/2402" target="_blank">Gotye</a> rode "Somebody That I Used To Know" (featuring <a href="/artists/kimbra/3581" target="_blank">Kimbra</a>), which became the most idiosyncratic radio hit of 2012, to three awards, including Record Of The Year; <a href="/artists/fun/15812" target="_blank">Fun.</a> won their first two GRAMMYs for Song Of The Year for "We Are Young" (featuring <a href="/artists/janelle-monae/4464" target="_blank">Janelle Monáe</a>) and Best New Artist; and Mumford &amp; Sons, one of the trailblazers for the new wave of acoustic roots artists, won Album Of The Year for Babel.

Some of the winning artists were so new, they took other winners by surprise.

"Miguel, I don't know who the hell you are, but we need to sing together," shouted <a href="/artists/kelly-clarkson/11249" target="_blank">Kelly Clarkson</a> while collecting her Best Pop Vocal Album GRAMMY for Stronger, referring to <a href="/artists/miguel/4571" target="_blank">Miguel</a>'s brief slow jam of his Best R&amp;B Song winner "Adorn" (on which he teamed with Wiz Khalifa). "That was the sexiest damn thing I've ever seen."

It was more than a fresh breeze that blew over the 55th GRAMMYs, it was arguably a wind of change.

Still, the telecast remained music's biggest melting pot, with performances that brought innumerous ingredients to the stew, starting with one that was a virtual stew all on its own. With nose-thumbing clowns, a wheelchair-bound Mephisto and scary puppeteers, <a href="/artists/taylor-swift/15450" target="_blank">Taylor Swift</a> turned in the most threatening "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" ever.

British singer/songwriter <a href="/artists/ed-sheeran/6178" target="_blank">Ed Sheeran</a> teamed with the head of his management company, <a href="/artists/elton-john/12074" target="_blank">Elton John</a>, for a strong reading of the former's Song Of The Year-nominated "The A Team," the tale of a homeless addict.

Fun. brought drama to "Carry On," their song of perseverance, in the form of both their anthemic ambition and a rainstorm of real water that drenched their set.

<a href="/artists/miranda-lambert/4851" target="_blank">Miranda Lambert</a> and Dierks Bentley, met under a large blue tree for intimate duets of her "Over You" and his "Home."

Mumford &amp; Sons gave a jolt to the crowd with their endlessly energetic "I Will Wait." The way they attacked their acoustic guitars would have made Pete Townshend proud.

Breaking a seven-year hiatus from live music performance, Justin Timberlake hit a sepia-toned stage for a suave medley of his new "Suit &amp; Tie" (on which he was joined by Jay-Z) and "Pusher Love Girl" from his 2013 album, The 20/20 Experience.

In another unique pairing, <a href="/artists/maroon-5/13090" target="_blank">Maroon 5</a> and <a href="/artists/alicia-keys/12104" target="_self">Alicia Keys</a> teamed for the former's "Daylight" and the latter's "Girl On Fire," both songs that kindle with power and emotion.

<a href="/artists/rihanna/5943" target="_blank">Rihanna</a> was joined by Mikky Ekko for "Stay," a song he co-wrote and on which he is a featured vocalist. With Rihanna in a simple black dress on a no-frills stage, the song's message of passion over logic bore through.

The Black Keys wasted no time revving up "Lonely Boy." The rocker, which owes a debt to rockabilly, swamp rock and electric blues, was punctuated by the New Orleans piano of Best Blues Album GRAMMY winner Dr. John and a pinch of Dixieland from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Clarkson returned for a vocal salute to two giant female artists, both of whom received Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2013. First up was "Tennessee Waltz" in honor of Patti Page, followed by "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)," co-written by Carole King.

The tributes continued with a nod to Bob Marley, who was the subject of the Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media-nominated Marley. Two of the performers, like Marley, hail from tropical islands: <a href="/artists/bruno-mars/5082" target="_blank">Bruno Mars</a> from Hawaii and Rihanna from Barbados. Also joining was Sting, whose music with the Police owed a debt to reggae and ska. Mars began with his own "Locked Out Of Heaven" followed by the similar-sounding Police chestnut "Walking On The Moon." Rihanna emerged with Ziggy and Damian Marley for their father's "Could You Be Loved."

<a href="/artists/lumineers/14762" target="_blank">The Lumineers </a>played a shortened version of their inescapable hit "Ho Hey" before introducing <a href="/artists/jack-white/15627" target="_blank">Jack White</a>. The latter played "Love Interruption" with his all-female band the Peacocks. He then segued into the harder "Freedom At 21" with male backers the Buzzards. By the time he finished the tumult, he had thrown and stepped on his guitar, leaving a sonic residue of decaying feedback.

<a href="/artists/hunter-hayes/9010" target="_blank">Hunter Hayes</a> played a portion of his hit "Wanted" solo on piano before bringing out fellow country star <a href="/artists/carrie-underwood/10381" target="_blank">Carrie Underwood</a> for a stripped-down version of her Best Country Solo Performance winner "Blown Away." Underwood's awe-inspiring vocals were matched by her billowy dress, which doubled as a projection screen to depict the heartbreak of the song.

The 2013 In Memoriam segment was bookended by two memorable tributes. The first featured pianist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke and sax player Kenny Garrett honoring the late Dave Brubeck with the timeless, and time-challenging, "Take Five" along with "Blue Rondo À La Turk."

Following the segment, an all-star cast including Zac Brown, T Bone Burnett, <a href="/artists/alabama-shakes/14656" target="_blank">Alabama Shakes</a>' Brittany Howard, Elton John, Mumford &amp; Sons, and Mavis Staples sang a gritty "The Weight" in honor of Levon Helm, who sang the original with the Band.

Juanes added a verse of español to the proceedings with a loving acoustic Spanglish rendition of Elton John's "Your Song," before introducing <a href="/artists/frank-ocean/15669" target="_blank">Frank Ocean</a>. The first Best Urban Contemporary Album winner sang his elegiac "Forrest Gump" backed by running-sequence footage similar to the film of the same name.

After the show's most somber performance, the 55th GRAMMYs rode out on a burst of old-school rap energy, with GRAMMY host LL Cool J teaming with Chuck D, Travis Barker, Tom Morello, and DJ Z-Trip for his own "Whaddup" and a brief tribute to fallen Beastie Boy Adam Yauch with "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."

Eligibility Year: Oct. 1, 2011, through Sept. 30, 2012

55th_poster

GRAMMY Awards Time Capsule

Awards Row

Featured Article Card: Ant Clemons Sunshine

2025 GRAMMYs To Take Place Sunday, Feb. 2, Live In Los Angeles; GRAMMY Awards Nominations To Be Announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

The 2025 GRAMMYs return to Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 2. Nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced Friday, Nov. 8. Learn more about the key dates and deadlines ahead of Music's Biggest Night.

Body Text: 2025 GRAMMYs Key Dates Announcement

Music's Biggest Night is back! The 2025 GRAMMYs will take place **Sunday, Feb. 2**, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy announced today. The 2025 GRAMMYs will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+. As well, nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs will be announced **Friday, Nov. 8, 2024**. See the full list of key dates and deadlines for the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, below.

Key dates for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards season are as follows:

Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024\
**Product Eligibility Period**\
*The period by which recordings are submitted for GRAMMY consideration. All releases must be available for sale, via general distribution, to the public by this date and through at least the date of the current year’s voting deadline (final ballot) to be eligible for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards.*

July 8, 2024 – Aug. 23, 2024\
**Media Company Registration Period**\
*Media companies must [apply for registration](https://www.recordingacademy.com/awards/media-company-registration-and-online-entry-process-oep) with the Recording Academy to submit recordings.*

July 17, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2024\
**Online Entry Period**\
*All eligible recordings must be entered prior to the close of the Online Entry Period, regardless of the public release date.*

Oct. 4, 2024 – Oct. 15, 2024\
**First Round Voting**\
*First Round Voting determines all the GRAMMY nominees for each GRAMMY Awards year.*

Nov. 8, 2024\
**Nominees Announced for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards**\
*Announcing the official nominees list for the 2025 GRAMMYs.*

Dec. 12, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025\
**Final Round Voting**\
*Determines the GRAMMY winners across all categories revealed on GRAMMY night.*

Feb. 2, 2025\
**2025 GRAMMY Awards**\
*Music's Biggest Night, recognizing excellence in the recording arts and sciences.*

This February, the [2024 GRAMMYs](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list) proved to be an epic, history-making night. [Women dominated the 2024 GRAMMYs](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-ways-women-dominated-taylor-swift-sza-boygenius): For the second time in four years, women won in the majority of the General Field Categories, winning [Album Of The Year](https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-album-of-the-year-2024-grammys-speech) ([Taylor Swift](https://grammy.com/artists/taylor-swift/15450)), [Song Of The Year](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-billie-eilish-wins-song-of-the-year-what-was-i-made-for-barbie) ([Billie Eilish](https://grammy.com/artists/billie-eilish/251741)), [Record Of The Year](https://www.grammy.com/news/miley-cyrus-wins-record-of-the-year-flowers) ([Miley Cyrus](https://grammy.com/artists/miley-cyrus/18384)), and [Best New Artist](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-victoria-monet-best-new-artist-win) ([Victoria Monét](https://grammy.com/artists/victoria-monet/287096)). Elsewhere, Taylor Swift [broke the all-time record](https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-album-of-the-year-2024-grammys-speech) for most GRAMMY wins in the Album Of The Year Category after winning for *[Midnights](https://www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-midnights-new-album-takeaways-songs-anti-hero-lavender-haze-reputation-lover-tiktok-3am-tracks-edition)*. [Tyla](https://www.grammy.com/artists/tyla/54172) won the [first-ever GRAMMY Award](https://www.grammy.com/news/tyla-wins-first-best-african-music-performance-award-2024-grammys) for [Best African Music Performance](https://www.grammy.com/news/best-african-music-performance-category-2024-grammys-roundtable), one of [three new GRAMMY Categories that debuted this year](https://www.grammy.com/news/three-new-categories-added-for-the-2024-grammys).

The 2024 GRAMMYs also [celebrated the return of music legends](https://www.grammy.com/news/grammys-2024-performances-speeches-icons-rising-stars), including [Tracy Chapman](https://grammy.com/artists/tracy-chapman/878), [Joni Mitchell](https://www.grammy.com/artists/joni-mitchell/11174) and [Celine Dion](https://grammy.com/artists/celine-dion/1762), and ushered in new music icons-in-the-making like Victoria Monét, [Samara Joy](https://www.grammy.com/artists/samara-joy/51872) and Tyla. Relive some of the [must-see moments](https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-best-moments-must-see-highlights-videos) and [memorable, heartwarming acceptance speeches](https://www.grammy.com/news/10-acceptance-speeches-laugh-cry-smile-2024-grammys) from the 2024 GRAMMYs. And rewatch all of the performances and key highlights from the 2024 GRAMMYs all year long on [Live.GRAMMY.com](https://live.grammy.com/).

Learn more about the [upcoming 2025 GRAMMY Awards season](https://www.recordingacademy.com/awards/faq) and the [annual GRAMMY Awards process](https://www.recordingacademy.com/awards).

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/contributor

2025 GRAMMYs Announced: Feb. 2 Live In Los Angeles

Key Events - Body text mode

## 67th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS: KEY DATES

| September 16, 2023 – August 30, 2024 | Product Eligibility Period For Entries |
|----------|----------|
| July 8, 2024 – August 23, 2024 | Media Company Registration |
| July 17, 2024 – August 30, 2024 | Online Entry Process (OEP) Access Period |
| October 4, 2024 - October 15, 2024 | First Round Voting |
| November 8, 2024 | Nominees Announced for the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards |
| December 12, 2024 - January 3, 2025 | Final Round Voting |
| February 2, 2025 | 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards Show Date/Telecast |

Simple Content Card: Explore GRAMMY Awards

Explore the GRAMMY Awards

Simple Content Card

How it Works

Homepage Google Ad 4

Featured Pillar Cards Row 1

Homepage Google Ad 3

Featured Pillar Card

MusiCares

2021-musicares-health-wellness-survey-editorial-hero.png

MusiCares provides critical health and welfare services to the humans behind the music.

Musicares Red

The Recording Academy

Recording Academy_Black - gramophone only

Recording Academy Logo Black Stacked Logo

grammy.com_images-04.png

We are dedicated to celebrating, honoring and sustaining music's past, present and future.

Grammy Gold

Homepage Google Ad 5

Advocacy

Photos of protestors in front of the Capitol Hill

521243764.jpg

We fight tirelessly to champion creators’ rights, elevating important policy issues impacting music.

Membership

2022-grammys-awards-nominations-casbah_general_18_1920x1080

Photo of GRAMMY Award

We represent musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and other industry professionals.

Homepage Google Ad 6

Latin Recording Academy Pillar Card

Latin Recording Academy

2021-latin-grammys

latin_grammy_tile_logo

An international nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Latin music and its creators worldwide.

GRAMMY Museum - Featured Pillar Card

GRAMMY Museum

Photo of the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles

GRAMMY-Museum-Front-Entrance

A nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding and exploring the history and significance of music.

Homepage Content Hero

On Rakim's 'G.O.D's Network (REB7RTH)' The MC Turned Producer Continues His Legacy With An All-Star Cast

On his first project in 15 years, "God MC" Rakim produced seven songs and called on some of hip-hop's biggest names. The legend and his team detail his new album and working with Nipsey Hussle, DMX and Snoop Dogg.

On Rakim's 'G.O.D's Network (REB7RTH)' The MC Turned Producer Continues His Legacy With An All-Star Cast | Body 1

Every album comes with a backstory, but not many come with two. [Rakim](https://grammy.com/artists/rakim-mayers/17993)'s new project *G.O.D's Network (REB7RTH),* out July 26, came together in a few quick months, from signing a deal in February 2024 to completion in June. The process was spurred by one dedicated A&amp;R person frantically combing through his network of rappers to get guest verses over beats produced by the God MC himself.

But to hear that A&amp;R man, Matt "M80" Markoff, tell it, creating the seven-song project didn't take four months. It took four *years*.

"I've known \[Rakim's longtime manager\] Matt \[Kemp\] and Rakim since 2007," Markoff tells me when I get him on the phone in late June. "They're used to getting calls from me a couple of times a year just for, like, show referrals, verse referrals, things of that nature."

Back at the beginning of the pandemic, Markoff had been talking to the folks at Fat Beats, the venerable [record store-turned-distributor](https://www.distribution.fatbeats.com/) that's a huge name in independent hip-hop. He mentioned Rakim's name to the company, and Fat Beats responded that they'd love a project from the God MC. The original pitch, Markoff remembers, was "a three or four song EP with some remixes."

Rakim quoted his price, Fat Beats agreed, and the project was underway, with the emcee meeting with producers to look for beats. But Rakim, who hasn't released a solo album since 2009's *The Seventh Seal*, is not one to be hurried.

"Ra was having \[DJ\] Premier and Pete Rock and [Ninth Wonder](https://grammy.com/artists/9th-wonder/19252) and some of these people come to the studio," Markoff says. "Because of scheduling conflicts and stuff and, you know, normal course of life, it just wasn't right. The vibe wasn't there."

That's where [Jazzy Jeff](https://grammy.com/artists/dj-jazzy-jeff/14413) came into play. Rakim and the legendary DJ began working together and, per Markoff, it "just meshed." It seemed like, instead of a handful of songs, a full-length record was in the offing.

"As soon as they finish the first song, I walk into Fat Beats and say, ‘Hey, this is what we're doing now,'" the A&amp;R man recalls. "Instead of Rakim with random producers, it's Rakim/Jazzy Jeff. That'll be huge."

Then…nothing.

A few years pass, and the Rakim and Jazzy Jeff project is still unfinished. (Rakim described its status as "We have a couple records already done.") Fat Beats, which was on the auction block (it was eventually [sold](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/chris-atlas-appointed-president-of-rostrum-pacific-owned-distributor-and-retailer-fat-beats/#:\~:text=The%20indie%20hip%2Dhop%20distributor,its%2030th%20anniversary%20this%20year.) in March 2024), wants its money back. Rakim obliges, and everyone seems set to forget about the whole thing.

Markoff, however, was not about to give up on working with the man he calls "my favorite emcee of all time."

The revamped album started its life as not an album at all. Instead, the original conception was a model Markoff had used before: licensing beats by people not typically thought of as producers. In this case, he'd be offering aspiring rappers the chance to get beats by arguably the most influential rapper of all time. 

"He's taken people who are not necessarily known as producers and put together beat packages for them," manager Matt Kemp says of Markoff. "And then, one of the things he does is he goes out and he licenses those beats through a company that he has. If you're a European artist that wouldn't necessarily have access to things like that, you can get it."

So that, as of February of this year, was the (revamped) plan: have Rakim do six beats and one verse, and sell non-exclusive licenses, so that any rapper, anywhere in the world, who wants to use them in a song of their own could do so. This, indeed, was a vision that was followed through all the way to the finish line — you can see the end result released July 12, priced between $700-$1,050 depending on what you want to do with the beats and the rhyme, [here](https://rakimpresents.com/product/the-g-o-d-pack/).

But along the way to creating that package, things got significantly more complicated. As Rakim was making the beats, he found he really liked them. In some cases, he even wanted to rhyme on them himself.

"As the beats started coming together and Rakim was really in the studio and we started putting the rhymes onto them, we realized that it was bigger just than that \[original vision\]," Matt Kemp said.

The wheels started turning. Rakim, the God MC, as a producer? *That* would be a project worth sharing with the world, not just a few aspiring artists.

As it turns out, unbeknownst even to many Ra fans, the rapper has been making beats since the beginning. In fact, he produced — and played drums on — one of [Eric B](https://www.grammy.com/news/pump-it-eric-b-rakim-launch-first-tour-20-years) and Rakim's classic songs, 1992's "Juice (Know the Ledge)." So producing an entire project didn't seem like such a big stretch after all.

Eric B. & Rakim - Juice (Know The Ledge) - Video

On Rakim's 'G.O.D's Network (REB7RTH)' The MC Turned Producer Continues His Legacy With An All-Star Cast | Body 2

"I always was attached to making beats," Rakim explains to me. "But I got to the point where I'm confident with my production now. I got the chance to produce the album and jumped at the opportunity." 

Rakim, as has been well documented over the years, comes from a musical family. His older brother Ronnie was a keyboard player of some note with [his own claim on rap history](https://www.instagram.com/80s_dopehouse/reel/C3_133Ptq0K/), his [other brother Stevie](https://www.longislandrap.com/2021/01/rakim-my-melody-demo.html) is also keyboardist who performed on some Eric B. and Rakim songs, and the rapper's aunt is the late R&amp;B legend Ruth Brown. So when making beats, Ra will often play drums, bass, guitar, or piano. (He cops to enlisting one of his brothers if the keyboard part gets too complicated.)

He describes his production style this way: "You try to add on to the sample, and enhance certain sounds that you hear. Or you might just add a melody that you feel enhances the sample as well." 

In addition to playing instruments on the project, Rakim also plays the turntable.

"I always knew how to DJ, and I like being able to enjoy the project from a different seat," he tells me. "I enjoyed putting the music together, coming up with the scratch patterns."

So with the musical side of the equation firmly in place, what about the vocals? Rakim was inspired to add verses on a few songs, and hooks on a few more.

"It's mostly a project that I was supposed to be producing," he explains. "In the midst of that, there's certain beats that I'm playing and I'm like, ‘I gotta rhyme on this one,' or, ‘I got a rhyme that fits this one perfectly.'"

The question was, what to write about? After a decade and a half without an album, the rapper had a *lot* to discuss, and needed to find new ways to say it.

Rakim x Kurupt x Masta Killa - BE ILL [Official Music Video]

On Rakim's 'G.O.D's Network (REB7RTH)' The MC Turned Producer Continues His Legacy With An All-Star Cast | Body 3

For the project's lead single, "BE ILL," he got in plenty of internal rhymes. And the song's tempo allowed him to come up with different rhythms.

"When tracks are at that speed, I'm able to manipulate time and space to come up with different rhythms because I have so much time and space to deal with," he says. "It was one of them songs I loved rhyming to. Just having fun with words and phrases, and at the same time having so much on my mind to say."

"I'm trying to say a lot of things," Ra admits when discussing his writing on the album. "It's hard to just come back and say a verse when you've been gone so long. So I tried to be very specific and cautious with the words that I chose, and try to be entertaining at the same time. So it was a little nerve wracking."

Even with Rakim's vocal contributions (he ends up with either verses or hooks on six of the project's seven tracks), more was needed to complete the songs. That's where Markoff *really* got going.

"Literally, I didn't waste a single day," he remembers. "I was calling the artists in my network. I reached out to each artist one by one, and let each artist go through the folder \[of beats\] with me and make their picks."

Among the artists Markoff reached out to were several members of the [Wu-Tang Clan](https://grammy.com/artists/wu-tang-clan/16390). He has a long relationship with the crew, having worked with them on several projects including the well-regarded 2005 album *Wu-Tang Meet the Indie Culture*.

Markoff recalls the exact moment when he lined up Wu member [Masta Killa](https://grammy.com/artists/masta-killa/15290) for his appearance on what became "BE ILL."

"I was at the first ever Wu-Tang Clan residency in Vegas, and I told Masta Killa, ‘Dude, I just got these Rakim beats 10 minutes ago.' I played 10 seconds of the second beat, which was the beat for ‘BE ILL.' And he was like, ‘That's the one.'" 

A different Wu-Tang show was responsible for one of the album's other notable guest appearances, Cash Money stalwart B.G. The two met at the concert, and the Louisiana rapper was in the studio "48 hours later," Markoff recalls.

For a handful of artists he had good long-term relationships with, Markoff let them choose which of Rakim's beats they wanted to rap over. In addition to Masta Killa, he names Chino XL, Hus Kingpin, 38 Spesh, and TriState as being on that short list. After that, he says, it was all his decision. 

The end result is a list of some of the top rappers in his Rolodex: Kool G. Rap, [Method Man](https://grammy.com/artists/method-man/4448), [Kurupt](https://grammy.com/artists/ricardo-kurupt-brown/16446), Canibus, KXNG Crooked, Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz, and many more — including an outro from [Snoop Dogg](https://grammy.com/artists/calvin-broadus/14274). But one of the most surprising things on the tracklist is that a number of the guests aren't alive anymore.

[Nipsey Hussle](https://grammy.com/artists/nipsey-hussle/243452), Prodigy, [DMX](https://grammy.com/artists/dmx/11324), and Fred the Godson have verses on the record. All of them were people Markoff had worked with in some capacity over the course of his career. He says that all of the verses were "in my stash or under my ownership." So when he was looking for material for the Rakim project, they were a perfect fit.

The Nipsey Hussle contribution in particular stood out so much that the entire song, "Love Is the Message," was designed around it. The project's engineer placed Neighborhood Nip's verse first, and everyone else listened to that when recording.

"We kind of glorified who he is, and came up with the title ‘Love Is the Message' to put everything in perspective," Rakim tells me. "So everybody vibed off of that and everything that we implemented had to have that feel or had to be in that direction." 

One thing Rakim noticed as he was listening to the contributions coming in? Many of them were paying tribute to him. In particular, B.G. says in his verse that he's "on a song with the greatest." 

"To hear things like that from my peers is a beautiful thing," says Rakim, who also admits to tearing up when hearing Snoop Dogg praise him on the outro of one of the album's songs. "Hip-hop is one of the more, I guess, feisty genres. It's hard to get that love from your peers. So it's a real blessing to hear it from people like that, to hear what they think of you and to say that on records. A lot of people might think that of you, but would never say it on a record."

For Markoff, B.G.'s tribute was particularly meaningful because of the rapper's history. He began his career in a [duo](https://youngmoneycashmoneyentertaminaent.fandom.com/wiki/The_B.G.%27z), and later a [quartet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Boys), with another rapper sometimes considered the greatest of all time, [Lil Wayne](https://grammy.com/artists/lil-wayne/4037).

"For B.G. to have that history, but acknowledge Rakim — I was speechless," Markoff confides. "It was really cool to see. It's like, ‘I'm not just going to say my partner, my friend, my confidant Lil Wayne's the best because we grew up together.'"

Finally, after all the guest verses came in, the project was ready. Seven songs, entirely produced by Rakim, with raps by him and a broad cross-section of artists. The question, then: what exactly *is* this project? An album? An EP? Rakim's big comeback? A teaser for his eventual full-length return?

To Markoff, none of these labels are important. He's not concerned about fans being disappointed that a project under Rakim's name features only a handful of the rapper's verses.

 "The fan is going to look at it however they want to look at it," he says. "The negative people will stay negative. It wouldn't matter if it was the greatest album of all time. The positive people that are so grateful that I stepped up to the plate to help bring new Rakim music to the world are going to love it."

After all, he continues, "The whole point originally when we started making it was letting his peers shine on Rakim beats. The fact that this project morphed into something that Rakim literally is on 95% of, I couldn't have asked for more of a blessing."

So Matt Markoff, the boy who fell in love with Rakim's music at 12 is now, three decades later, putting out music from his hero.

"Dream fulfilled," he says right before we hang up. "Now I gotta figure out what I'm going to do for the rest of my life."

Latest News & Exclusive Videos

On Rakim's 'G.O.D's Network (REB7RTH)' The MC Turned Producer Continues His Legacy With An All-Star Cast | Hero

Rakim Talks New Album 'G.O.D's Network (REB7RTH)'

When The GRAMMYs & Olympics Align: 7 Times Music's Biggest Night Met Global Sports Glory

Before the Olympic Games begin in Paris on July 26, dive into the intertwined history of gold medalists and golden gramophones — from Björk and Gloria Estefan's GRAMMY-nominated Olympic themes, to Magic Johnson's winning spoken word album.

When The GRAMMYs & Olympics Align: 7 Times Music's Biggest Night Met Global Sports Glory | Body 1

The GRAMMY Awards and the Summer Olympics are unarguably the pinnacles of their respective fields. Indeed, most recording artists dream of making an acceptance speech for their magnum opus during the biggest night on the music industry calendar, while athletes competing in any of the Games’ 32 different disciplines are continually motivated by the lure of the podium.

But how often have the two intertwined since the first GRAMMY ceremony took place a year before Rome 1960?

Well, perhaps more than you think. Sure, the musical efforts from basketballers [Shaquille O’Neal](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/shaquille-o-neal) (gold at Atlanta 1996), [Kobe Bryant](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/kobe-bryant) (gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012), and [Damian Lillard](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/damian-lillard) (gold at Tokyo 2020) might not have registered with the Recording Academy. Likewise, those from track and field hero [Carl Lewis](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/carl-lewis) (nine golds and one silver from four consecutive Games), light middleweight boxer [Roy Jones Jr.](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/roy-l-ilnd-jones) (silver at Seoul 1988), and near-superhuman sprinter [Usain Bolt](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/usain-bolt) (eight golds from Beijing, London, and Rio 2016).

But there are a handful of sportsmen (sadly, not yet sportswomen) who have competed for both gold medals and golden gramophones. There are also pop stars who have attempted to capture the blood, sweat, and tears of the quadrennial spectacle in musical form — whether as an official anthem, television theme, or simply a motivational tool — and been rewarded with GRAMMY recognition for their efforts.

With the Olympics’ return to Paris just around the corner (July 26-Aug.11), what better time to celebrate those occasions when the Games and the GRAMMYs align?

Reach - Gloria Estefan @ Atlanta 1996 Closing Ceremony | Music Monday

Gloria Estefan & Björk's Themes Pick Up GRAMMY Nods

When The GRAMMYs & Olympics Align: 7 Times Music's Biggest Night Met Global Sports Glory | Body 2

It seems fair to say that[ Gloria Estefan](https://www.grammy.com/artists/gloria-estefan/2518), the Cuban hitmaker who helped to bring Latin pop to the masses, and[ ](https://www.grammy.com/artists/Bjork/485)avant-garde eccentric [Björk](https://www.grammy.com/artists/Bjork/485), wouldn't appear to have much in common. They have, however, both received GRAMMY nominations in the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category for their respective Olympics themes.

Estefan was recognized at the 1997 ceremony for "Reach," the gospel-tinged power ballad that embodied the spirit of the previous year's Atlanta Games. Iceland's finest musical export picked up a nod for "Oceania," the swooping experimental number she co-produced with Warp label founder[ Mark Bell](https://www.grammy.com/artists/mark-bell/1067) which helped to soundtrack the opening ceremony of Athens 2004. And both went home empty-handed, the former losing to[ Toni Braxton](https://www.grammy.com/artists/toni-braxton/10454)'s "Un-Break My Heart" and the latter to[ Norah Jones](https://www.grammy.com/artists/norah-jones/13227)' "Sunrise."

Whitney Houston - One Moment In Time - (Live at the Grammy's, 1989) - (4k Remaster)

Whitney Houston's Momentous Live Performance

When The GRAMMYs & Olympics Align: 7 Times Music's Biggest Night Met Global Sports Glory | Body 3

The incomparable[ Whitney Houston](https://www.grammy.com/artists/whitney-houston/3899) might not have added to her GRAMMY haul at the 1989 ceremony —[ Tracy Chapman](https://www.grammy.com/artists/tracy-chapman/878)'s "Fast Car" prevented her from converting her sole nod, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, into a win — but she still stole the show. Houston owned opened the 31st GRAMMY Awards with a performance of "One Moment in Time," the nominated track that had defined NBC's coverage of the Seoul Games.

Co-written by[ Albert Hammond](https://www.grammy.com/artists/albert-hammond/13455), produced by[ Narada Michael Walden](https://www.grammy.com/artists/narada-michael-walden/14495) and featuring the[ London Symphony Orchestra](https://www.grammy.com/artists/London-Symphony-Orchestra/15861), the UK chart-topping single certainly had a first-class pedigree. But it was Houston's lung-busting vocals that made the torch song such a sports montage favorite. The iconic diva once again stirred the emotions on the music industry's biggest night of the year with a rendition that's since become a staple of her many hits collections.

**Read more:** [Songbook: A Guide To Whitney Houston's Iconic Discography, From Her '80s Pop Reign To Soundtrack Smashes](https://www.grammy.com/news/whitney-houston-songs-albums-discography-i-wanna-dance-with-somebody-movie-biopic-the-bodyguard-will-always-love-you-songbook-catalog)

Oscar de la Hoya - Run to me (Video Original)

Oscar De La Hoya Swaps Ring For Recording Studio

When The GRAMMYs & Olympics Align: 7 Times Music's Biggest Night Met Global Sports Glory | Body 4

[Shakira](https://www.grammy.com/artists/shakira/17393) fought off some interesting company to win 2001's Best Latin Pop Album GRAMMY. Alongside records from [Luis Miguel](https://www.grammy.com/artists/luis-miguel/13087) and[ Alejandro Sanz](https://www.grammy.com/artists/alejandro-sanz/6144), the category also included[ Christina Aguilera](https://www.grammy.com/artists/christina-aguilera/1097)'s first Spanish-language affair, and a bilingual effort from champion boxer[ Oscar De La Hoya](https://www.grammy.com/artists/oscar-de-la-hoya/1485).

The American became a national sensation overnight when he won the men's lightweight boxing gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. But despite new material from seasoned hitmaker[ Diane Warren](https://www.grammy.com/artists/diane-warren/7878) and a cover of[ Bee Gees](https://www.grammy.com/artists/bee-gees/7576)' classic "Run to Me," his 13-track self-titled debut didn't exactly set the charts alight. Despite the GRAMMY nod, De La Hoya hasn't entered the recording studio since.

7 Times The GRAMMYs & Olympics Aligned

GRAMMY Homepage

Artist

Gast Waltzing

WINS*

1

NOMINATIONS*

0

58th Annual GRAMMY Awards

WINNER

Best World Music Album

Sings

View All Nominations For This Artist

Gast Waltzing Videos

Gast Waltzing News

All GRAMMY Awards and Nominations for Gast Waltzing

58th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Wins

Best World Music Album

Sings

More from the 58th Awards