Was This the Blackest Grammys Yet?
Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty
The relationship between Black artists and the Grammys has always been complicated. From segregating Black music into niche categories to repeatedly snubbing Black artists in major awards, the Recording Academy has a history of overlooking the contributions of Black creatives. However, this year’s ceremony felt different.
Beyoncé made history yet again, but this time in a new genre—country. With Cowboy Carter winning Best Country Album and her duet with Miley Cyrus, II Most Wanted, securing Best Country Duo/Group Performance, Queen Bey became the first Black woman to win in these country categories. Despite this, her hit Texas Hold ’Em was surprisingly shut out of Best Country Song.
Her presence wasn’t limited to country, though. Beyoncé was also nominated in Best Pop Solo Performance for BODYGUARD and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for LEVII’S JEAN with Post Malone, further proving her genre-spanning dominance.
Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, marking a defining moment for hip-hop. The diss track aimed at Drake was not only a cultural phenomenon but also a critical success, showing the Recording Academy is finally recognizing rap’s impact beyond commercial appeal.
Black artists dominated the R&B categories, with SZA’s Saturn winning Best R&B Song and Muni Long’s Made for Me (Live on BET) taking Best R&B Performance. Chris Brown’s 11:11 (Deluxe) secured Best R&B Album, and Avery*Sunshine and NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) tied for Best Progressive R&B Album.
In one of the biggest surprises of the night, Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal won Best Rap Album, beating heavyweights like J. Cole, Eminem, and Future & Metro Boomin. Her victory marks a shift in the Academy’s recognition of new voices in hip-hop.
Black excellence extended beyond music, with Dave Chappelle securing Best Comedy Album for The Dreamer, proving that Black storytelling—whether through rap or stand-up—continues to be a force at the Grammys.
While this year’s Grammys showcased more Black winners in major categories, the Recording Academy still has work to do. The fact that Beyoncé—despite her record-breaking wins—has yet to win Album of the Year remains a glaring issue. And while hip-hop, R&B, and country were more inclusive this year, categories like Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Song of the Year still felt out of reach for Black artists.
So, was this the Blackest Grammys yet? Maybe. But the real question is whether this is a one-time event or a sign of the lasting change we’ve been waiting for?
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