The 61st Grammy Awards was a night to remember for Childish Gambino. The triple threat did not attend the coveted award show ceremony, but that didn’t stop him from taking home multiple gramophone awards for his 2018 hit, “This Is America.”
The song, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last year, was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap/Sung Performance, and Best Music Video. Gambino swept in each category, taking home all four Grammys for his critically acclaimed record. He was also nominated for Best R&B song for his song “Feels Like Summer,” but did not win. However, Gambino did achieve another huge feat that is more than worthy of celebrating.
With his wins for Song of the Year and Record of the Year, “This Is America” made history as the first rap song to ever win in those respective categories. Gambino’s accomplishment was no easy victory, either. The 35-year-old rapper had stiff competition from his peers this year as Kendrick Lamar and Drake were also nominated in the same categories for their songs “All the Stars” and “God’s Plan,” respectively.
Lamar, Drake, and Gambino all reportedly turned down the opportunity to perform at the Grammys this year. None of the rappers appeared on stage except for Drake who called out the Grammys in his acceptance speech for Best Rap Song.
“We play in an opinion-based sport, not a factual-based sport,” he told the crowd. “The point is, you’ve already won if you have people who are singing your songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown. Look, if there’s people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain and snow, spending money to buy tickets to your shows, you don’t need this right here. You already won.”
Although his speech was cut short during the telecast, many were quick to praise Drake for addressing the Grammys’ notorious history of snubbing the hip hop community. If Gambino and Cardi B’s historic rap wins last night are any indications, the Grammys are finally giving the beloved genre the trophies it rightfully deserves.