A Way Too Early Look At The 2023 Grammys

The 2022 Grammy Awards, which took place on April 3, was more of a glitzy affair compared to last year’s ceremony. It could be due to the ease of COVID-19 restrictions on events or that it was held in Las Vegas, but the night was intent on highlighting memorable performances and unexpected wins.

Gen Z took over the MGM Grand Garden Arena’s stage, with artists like Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, BTS, and Olivia Rodrigo showing why they’re at the top of their generation’s class. But the night belonged to The Late Show bandleader and jazz musician Jon Batiste, the most nominated artist of 2022 with 11 nods. The Oscar and Golden Globe winner took home five awards, including the most coveted (and the most surprising moment of the night) Album of the Year for We Are.

Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Silk Sonic also stole the show, with their Sin City-approved “777” performance and victory in all four of their categories, including Record and Song Of The Year for 2021’s “Leave The Door Open” smash.

It was also a historical night for Kanye West’s Donda (despite being barred from performing). The controversial rapper’s wins — Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Hurricane” featuring The Weeknd and Best Rap Song for “Jail” with Jay-Z — brought him to a total of 24, tying him with Jay-Z for the most Grammy Awards won by a rapper. Other notable wins were Olivia Rodrigo with Best New Artist, Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales for Best R&B Album, and Doja Cat hilariously running from the bathroom to accept Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More” alongside SZA.

With all the top prizes for 2022 out the way, there’s now room for even more of music’s key players — from Adele to yes, more Silk Sonic — to take lead at the 2023 Grammys.

Check out our picks below for how major album releases within the general Sept. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022 eligibility period (and ones we’re still holding out on) could win on music’s biggest night next year.

Summer Walker, Still Over It

Summer Walker has yet to receive a Grammy nomination, but the critical acclaim that surrounded last November’s Still Over It may be the key she needs to earn well-deserved recognition. The singer’s sophomore effort is more of an open diary than an album, as Walker painfully recalls a rocky relationship with former flame, producer London On Da Track. The lyrics are raw and beautifully written, showcasing Walker’s growing relatability — which can possibly lead to Best R&B Performance nominations for the SZA-assisted “No Love” as well as Best R&B Album.

Silk Sonic, An Evening With Silk Sonic

“In the industry, we call that a clean sweep!“ Silk Sonic’s Anderson .Paak jokingly boasted as he and Bruno Mars picked up their Record Of The Year Grammy for “Leave The Door Open.” The major wins for the R&B super duo will surely continue at next year’s ceremony, thanks to the long-delayed An Evening With Silk Sonic. Released last November, the nine-track set features plenty of gems that can live up to the winning streak of “Leave The Door Open,” from the viral “Smokin Out The Window” to “Put On A Smile” that’s co-written by fellow Grammy King, Babyface. With the odds in their favor, Silk Sonic should begin prepping their Album Of The Year win speech.

Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor’s Version)

Taylor Swift’s Evermore may have lost Album Of The Year to Jon Batiste this year, but the pop star can be given a second chance in 2023 thanks to the virality of Red (Taylor’s Version). Released last November, it is a re-recording of Swift’s 2012 Red. The diehard fan-favorite marked a sonic turning point for the artist, where she began to experiment with other sounds outside of her country base. The re-recorded version showcases Swift’s vocal growth since the original’s release, but it’s most beloved for the chart-topping 10-minute unabridged version of “All Too Well,” which has a strong chance of securing Record and Song Of The Year slots along with the country and pop categories.

Adele, 30

Adele has been a Grammy darling since taking home the gramophones for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (“Chasing Pavements”) following 2008’s 21 debut album. After gathering a collective 15 wins and taking a six-year hiatus, the singer returned with last November’s 30. From filing for divorce to explaining love to her son to finding new, carefree lust, the album reveals even more layers of her personal life (and some of her strongest vocals to date). 30’s lead single “Easy On Me” is a major contender for Record and Song Of The Year, while the playful “Oh My God” may receive a nod for Best Pop Solo Performance. And of course, the album itself has a high chance for Album Of The Year. Adele’s been long missed from the ceremony, and 2023’s showing can likely be her reigning comeback.

Kanye West, Donda 2

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West’s record-setting night at the 2022 Grammys could ultimately be broken in 2023 — by his own self. Donda 2, released in February as the sequel to last August’s Donda, sparked conversations about artists’ streaming rights as it was exclusively released on the Stem Player. Despite its mixed reviews and ineligibility to be charted on the Billboard 200 due to the Stem Player rights, the album may still receive a Best Rap Album recognition at next year’s ceremony.

Harry Styles, Harry’s House

Harry Styles became more of a critics’ favorite with the 2019 release of his sophomore album Fine Line, which earned two Grammy nominations and won Best Pop Solo Performance for “Watermelon Sugar.” The artist recently announced the anticipated follow-up, Harry’s House, set for a May 20 release. If the critical acclaim surrounding the zippy lead single “As It Was” is any indication, then Styles will earn a handful of nominations.

Post Malone, Twelve Carat Toothache

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Post Malone confirmed with Billboard earlier this year the “imminent” release of his next album, Twelve Carat Toothache. There’s not much to gauge about the follow-up to 2019’s Hollywood’s Bleeding, but the artist has a growing track record of being recognized in the Big Four categories despite lacking any wins. In 2019, Hollywood’s Bleeding was nominated for Album Of The Year while “Circles” earned nods for Record and Song Of The Year. 2023 could be the year that Malone finally takes a gramophone home.

Florence & The Machine, Dance Fever

Florence & The Machine has received six nominations throughout their career, including Best New Artist in 2011. The indie rock band’s fifth album Dance Fever, the follow-up to 2018’s High As Hope, is set for a May 13 release. With co-production from Grammy favorite Jack Antonoff (who has six wins including this year’s Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical) and Glass Animals’ Dave Bayley, there’s a stronger chance for a win in the pop and rock categories come 2023.

Cardi B, TBA

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Cardi B has brought the fun to the Grammy Awards since she first attended and performed “Finesse” alongside Bruno Mars in 2018. She ended up taking her first (and only one to date) gramophone the following year, winning Best Rap Album for her Invasion Of Privacy debut. The cheeky rapper has since been living her best life as a mother and businesswoman, dropping viral hits like “WAP” and this year’s Grammy-nominated “Up” in the interim. She’s also guested on Normani’s “Wild Side,” Lizzo’s “Rumors,” and Summer Walker’s “No Love” remix as she continues to build momentum for her long-awaited sophomore follow-up, which should be on the Grammys’ radar.

Kendrick Lamar, TBA

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Following the 2017 release of his Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning album Damn., Kendrick Lamar became a bit of a musical recluse. But last August, he reassured fans he was working on his fifth and final album under TDE with a statement posted on Oklama.com: “As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years.” The wait for Lamar’s next project doesn’t seem to be long, as he’s since guested on tracks for the likes of Beyoncé and Baby Keem, and performed during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show. The rapper currently has 14 Grammy awards to his name, and if he drops new music during the eligibility period, it’ll prove the wait was worth it.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Japanese Breakfast Was In The Bathroom With Doja Cat For Her Famous 2022 Grammys Pee

Doja Cat had what is surely the most famous music urination in recent memory, when she nearly missed the chance to accept her Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance because she was in the bathroom. Fellow Grammy nominee Japanese Breakfast (aka Michelle Zauner) had a unique perspective on that bit of Grammys history as she was actually in the bathroom with Doja during that fateful pee.

Zauner broke down different parts of her 2022 Grammys experience in a new Pitchfork feature and she noted of Doja:

“I went out during a commercial break and I was in the bathroom. Doja Cat came in, and I was like, ‘OMG, it’s Doja Cat! She’s going to pee next to me.’ Then some woman came in and was like, ‘Doja Cat! Doja Cat! Doja Cat!’ And all of sudden she was, like, yanking her by the wrists past me, and her skirt flew up and she flashed her ass to everyone running in to go and accept her award. They close the door and hold them during a commercial break, and once the show starts, they don’t let anyone back in, and so she was running with Doja Cat because she had just won.”

We now have a look at basically every part of that moment, as Zauner’s story comes shortly after video of Doja’s sprint from the bathroom to the stage surfaced.

She also discusses getting a photo with BTS and more, so check out the feature here.

Jon Batiste Breaks Down His Confused Reaction To Winning The 2022 Grammy For Album Of The Year

Last weekend’s Grammy Awards were relatively tame when it came to surprises, as most of the award winners didn’t seem completely unexpected. Of course, there was one major exception, as Jon Batiste’s We Are won Album Of The Year over projects by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, HER, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West. Batiste himself looked surprised when he won, holding a confused expression and a shrug for a good while before approaching the stage.

The Late Show bandleader returned to his show last night for the first time since the Grammys, where he broke down his response to his big win in a conversation with Stephen Colbert.

He started with context, noting the day was busy for him, since he was nominated for 11 awards, both during the pre-show and the televised ceremony. On top of that, he performed during the broadcast, too. So, by the time the show as coming to an end, Batiste said he was ready to just chill out.

Colbert showed the clip of Batiste’s reaction and commented, “The most surprised person in that room might be you.” Batiste responded, “Oh yeah.”

Batiste continued by noting the people seated at the tables around him, including Billie Eilish and Finneas, had a good supportive energy, saying, “Well, at least everybody’s going to be on a good vibe. Whoever wins, we’ll be all just clapping for this person. It won’t be me. And then they said, ‘We…’ And the people were so loud. It was so loud that I almost didn’t really know it was me because they didn’t say my name until after the title. I was like, ‘Maybe that’s somebody else’s album that sounds like We Are [laughs].”

Watch the full interview above.

Doja Cat’s Sprint From The Bathroom To The Grammy Stage After Nearly Missing Her Award Was Caught On Camera

Doja Cat’s streak of successful moments continued over the weekend thanks to the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. It was here that she, along with SZA, won the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award for their 2021 collaboration “Kiss Me More.” The track appeared on Doja’s third album Planet Her, which she released last year. The song did well on the charts as it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has also won Collaboration of the Year at the AMAs and Best Collaboration at the MTV VMAs. Doja was pushed to tears after learning she won her first Grammy, but that’s not all that happened at that moment.

During her acceptance speech, Doja revealed that she had to sprint from the bathroom in order to make it to the stage. Thanks to a video that was provided by someone in attendance at the Grammys, you can see Doja begin her sprint to the stage after hearing her name. Granted, her sprint was more of a shuffle as a result of her dress and heels, but she still made it to the stage in time to give a raw, emotional, and truly-Doja speech.

“I like to downplay sh*t, but this?” Doja said while fighting back tears. “It’s a big deal. Thank you, everybody.” She also made sure to shower SZA with praise. “SZA, you are everything to me,” Doja said. “You are the epitome of talent. You’re a lyricist. You’re everything.”

You can watch Doja’s run in the video above.

Lil Nas X Pens A Sad, Cute, Emo Song About Being Shut Out At The Grammys

Last night’s Grammy Awards were supposed to be big for Lil Nas X. He was nominated for five awards including Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Music Video, and Best Melodic Rap Performance (the latter with Jack Harlow for “Industry Baby,” which they performed together at the awards show). But sweet Montero was shut out. A zero-for-five night for Lil Nas X seemed a bit of a travesty, considering what a massive year it was for the “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” singer. You’d think he could’ve at least claimed the Best Melodic Rap Performance award over Kanye West’s “Hurricane?” But I digress. Because it’s not about losing, it’s about how you lose.

The always unpredictable Lil Nas X took to his Instagram Story to sing a song he had written especially for this losing moment. Shirtless, he recorded himself singing into the mirror: “I ain’t win no Grammys, that sh*t hurt my feelings, that sh*t finna make me cryyyy,” the ditty begins. “I’m fittna cry. I didn’t win no Grammys. Zero-for-five Grammys. Zero out of five, that’s how many Grammys I won. I didn’t win no Grammys. That sh*t made me cry, that sh*t me cry. Ahhhhhh.”

A fan grabbed the video from Instagram, tweeted it, and Lil Nas X obliged with the retweet. Once you listen to the short impromptu number enough times in a row, it becomes rather hypnotic. Almost like it’s a mantra he might very well be singing to himself the next time he’s up for more Grammys. Because let’s face it, he’ll definitely be back. And even though he didn’t win last night, Lil Nas X was still all smiles.

The 2022 Grammys’ TV Ratings Weren’t Much Better Than Last Year’s All-Time Low

Last year’s Grammy Awards ceremony wasn’t a major TV draw, or at least not as big as it has been in the past: The 2021 telecast had the lowest ratings in Grammys history. It turns out things weren’t much better this year, as the numbers were only a hair above last year’s dismal ratings.

Deadline reports Sunday’s broadcast, taking into account viewers on both CBS and those streaming on Paramount+, drew 8.93 million viewers, which is close to last year’s count of 8.8 million. Furthermore, The Hollywood Reporter notes these aren’t the final ratings, which will be out on Tuesday. CBS is expecting the final number to be at around 9.6 million viewers, just above last year’s 9.23 million.

For reference, all of these numbers are awful compared to just a few years ago: The 2020 show had 18.7 million viewers and the 2019 edition had 19.9 million. For further reference, Deadline notes that also last night, about 4.7 million people watched new episodes of both America’s Funniest Home Videos and American Idol.

Despite all this, last night’s broadcast had plenty of highlights and surprises, so check out our rundown of some of those most memorable moments here. Also find the full list of this year’s Grammy nominees and winners here.

SZA Explains The Injury That Left Her Using Crutches At The 2022 Grammys

SZA and Doja Cat picked up a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance last night, for “Kiss Me More.” Their acceptance speech was an absolute event, as Doja Cat had to run back into the venue from the bathroom, which she wasn’t afraid to say into the mic once she got on stage. Then, she got super emotional and started crying as picking up that win meant a great deal to her.

SZA played a role in the moment’s oddity, too, as she hobbled up on stage walking on crutches. After the show, she explained how she sustained her injury, saying in a backstage media room (as Billboard notes), “It’s very funny because I fell out a bed right before it was time to leave and get ready for this. Like the day before, but that’s the way it goes. Everything awesome in my life has always come with something like very random, but it just adds to the energy.”

She went on to speak about her next album, saying, “It’s probably my most unisex project yet, if that makes sense. It’s for everyone.” She also noted of Doja, “She’s a star. I think she’s so masterful… I’ve just been able to learn from her.”

Find the full list of last night’s Grammy winners and nominees here.

The Biggest Winners, Losers, And Surprises Of The 2022 Grammys

The Grammys are all about celebrating the best and brightest in music, but in another sense, it’s about picking winners… and therefore losers (or non-winners if you want to soften the blow of that descriptor). While there’s a general formula to an awards show like this, there’s always room for the unexpected to happen, whether that’s an award win nobody saw coming (those definitely happened at last night’s 2022 ceremony) or an especially noteworthy performance (ditto).

When it comes to winners, losers, and surprises, some stand out more than others, so let’s run through some of the evening’s biggest figures and moments in those three categories. (Also, in case you missed it, check out the full list of last night’s winners here.)

Winner: Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony 2022
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The Late Show bandleader’s run as one of the biggest winners of the 2022 Grammys actually started in 2021, when it was revealed he had racked up an amazing 11 nominations. Batiste’s nominations in R&B, jazz, American roots, soundtrack, contemporary classical, and visual categories tied him for the second-most Grammy nominations in a single year, with Kendrick Lamar’s 11 in 2016 and behind Michael Jackson and Babyface’s 12 in 1984 and 1997, respectively. Even if Batiste ended up not winning a single one of those awards, what he achieved still would have been phenomenal. With as many chances as Batiste had, though, he of course managed to pick up at least a couple trophies: Before the actual ceremony even started, he won four Grammys.

Of course, he also put on perhaps the evening’s most dynamic, feel-good, and exciting performance with “Freedom.” But wait, there’s more…

Surprise: Jon Batiste

I write this with all due respect to Batiste’s extraordinary abilities as a musician and entertainer, but his 2021 LP We Are won the Grammy for Album Of The Year and there’s just no way that should have happened.

I don’t think Batiste would even take exception to me saying that: In the moment his victory was announced, nobody in the room showed more visible confusion than Batiste, who held a perplexed expression and uncertain shrug for a good ten seconds before making his way to the stage. Feigning shock is a common reaction to winning a major award like that, but if he wasn’t as genuinely dumbfounded as he looked, he should get an Oscar, too.

The Grammys are not meant to be a popularity contest, so the Recording Academy says, but rather, the aim is to honor the best in music. That said, if We Are truly was the best album of the past year, few people were aware of it; We Are was nominated against works by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, HER, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West, and Batiste’s LP is really the only nominated work that wasn’t a part of the mainstream pop culture conversation when it was released.

Loser: Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish 64th Annual Grammy Awards 2022
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Billie Eilish had an unbelievable first year at the Grammys in 2020, when she swept the four major categories and ended up winning five of her six total nominations. Converting at that high of a rate was an aberration, though, and since then, there’s been a clear regression toward the mean, especially after last night.

At the 2021 Grammys, she still did well, winning two of the four awards for which she was nominated. This year, though, things were different. Eilish was one of 2022’s most-nominated artists, with seven total nods (a personal best for her), including nominations in three of the four major categories (not Best New Artist for obvious reasons). When the night was over, Eilish didn’t have to worry about dropping any Grammys like Olivia Rodrigo did because she didn’t win a single one.

Overall, though, Eilish is still doing quite well over her Grammy career, as her lifetime total sits at 7 wins out of 17 nominations. She’s also probably not too upset about how yesterday went considering she put on one of the show’s most thrilling music performances and was seen smiling and having a heck of a time throughout the broadcast.

Surprise: Everything about Doja Cat and SZA’s acceptance speech

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Doja Cat and SZA picked up the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with “Kiss Me More,” and even before it started, their acceptance speech was an affair, no element of which could have been predicted. After the victory was announced, SZA struggled to walk to the stage as she contended with her crutches. Shortly after she made it up there, Doja came rushing in from another part of the venue. Doja, out of breath and adjusting her clothing, declared, “I’ve never taken such a fast piss in my whole life.”

That bathroom sprint would have been enough to make this moment noteworthy, but almost immediately after she started speaking, she got so emotional that she could hardly keep it together as she expressed how important the award was to her. This carries extra weight given that she has in recent days insisted she plans on quitting the music industry. There was a lot going on here, but a takeaway to consider is that perhaps this recognition will make Doja consider sticking around the music biz. At the very least, it illustrates how meaningful her work is to her.

Surprise: Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo has been focusing primarily on music lately, which makes sense given that she’s become a global superstar over the past year. She apparently didn’t want us to forget that she’s also an actor by trade, so she went full thespian for a surprise appearance during BTS’ Grammy performance of “Butter.” BTS went super theatrical with their rendition, opening with basically a live-action spy movie, in which she flexed her emotional range, showing off happiness, shock, and intrigue in a matter of seconds. BTS’ shtick would have been fine without Rodrigo, sure, but her cameo was fun and the kind of small touch that pushes moments over the top.

Meanwhile, in not-so-surprising Rodrigo news, she also won the Grammy for Best New Artist.

Loser: Lil Nas X

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Lil Nas X has come a long way since he was a potential one-hit-wonder with “Old Town Road,” which won him his first two Grammys back in 2020. He didn’t do so hot this year, though, as he earned five nominations (including three in the major categories) but didn’t win a single won, bringing his lifetime Grammys record to two wins out of 11 nominations.

Another way to look at it, though: If you’re of the school that it really is an honor just to be nominated, then Lil Nas X is one of the most decorated artists of the past few years. He also put on a pretty killer performance that’s sure to ruffle some feathers, a favorite Lil Nas X pastime. So, all in all, despite the losses, it was still a pretty good night for him.

Winner: Questlove

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Save for being a footnote in the most infamous pop culture moment of 2022 so far, Questlove has had himself a terrific week. Immediately after Will Smith went ahead and smacked Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards, Rock gathered himself and gave Questlove the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, for Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised). While that moment (which Quest made a quick joke about while presenting) was overshadowed by shenanigans, Questlove’s victory for Best Music Film wasn’t. His movie earned yet another major award, and this time, Questlove actually got to enjoy his deserved spotlight, distraction-free.

Surprise: Baby Keem

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Baby Keem is a capable rapper: His 2021 debut album The Melodic Blue was top-5 in the US and its standout single, the Kendrick Lamar-featuring “Family Ties,” was top-20 and platinum-certified. Now, with that said, if you list his name alongside Cardi B, J. Cole, Drake, and Megan Thee Stallion, which one of that group feels like the odd man out? Without a doubt, based on fame and success and no disrespect, it’s Keem.

So, some hip-hop fans certainly had at least one eyebrow raised when “Family Ties” won the Best Rap Performance Grammy over those aforementioned rap icons (although the Lamar bump surely helped). I’m not necessarily saying Keem isn’t deserving of the honor, more so just pointing this out: I tried finding the Vegas betting odds for the category and wasn’t successful, but I’d have to imagine Keem would have been in last. So, congrats on the upset, Keem.

Loser: J. Cole

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Over the years, J. Cole has had an up-and-down relationship with the Grammys: Up in the sense that he’s earned an impressive 16 nominations since his first (for Best New Artist) in 2012, but down in the sense that he’s only managed to win one: Best Rap Song for “A Lot” in 2020. That includes last night, where his luck didn’t change: He was up for Best Rap Performance, Best Melodic Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Album but lost to Baby Keem, Kanye West, Kanye West again, and Tyler The Creator, respectively. Given that The Off-Season was a well-received No. 1 album and Ye isn’t in what most people would consider the peak of his music career, those losses especially have to sting.

Winner: Taylor Hawkins

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The Foo Fighters drummer had a big night at this year’s ceremony, but as the music world knows by now, sadly, he was not able to enjoy it himself after his recent death. In the days leading up to the big night, the Recording Academy said they were working on some sort of way to honor Hawkins and his presence was certainly felt. He got a nice video tribute separate from the in memoriam segment, replacing Foo Fighters’ canceled performance slot. He also got a major shout-out from Billie Eilish, who wore a shirt with his face on it during her show-stopping performance of “Happier Than Ever.”

On top of that, Foo Fighters won a few Grammys, giving Hawkins some posthumous awards: Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance. While it is awful to have to say goodbye to one of the most beloved drummers of the past couple decades, last night was a fitting farewell.

Find the full list of this year’s Grammy nominees and winners here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Fans Are Frustrated That Drakeo The Ruler Was Omitted From The Grammys’ In Memoriam Segment

Although the 64th annual Grammy Awards were better than usual, some hip-hop fans still have a bone to pick with the Recording Academy over one segment in particular. During the Grammys’ in memoriam segment Sunday, fans were distraught to learn that LA rapper Drakeo The Ruler, who died in December of 2021 after being attacked at the Once Upon A Time In LA festival, had been left off the reels of those musical figures who were remembered for their contributions.

The exclusion rubbed salt into a still stinging wound for many rap fans, especially those who knew Drakeo in life. Journalist Jeff Weiss, who had championed Drakeo extensively and covered the rapper’s stint in a Los Angeles County jail awaiting retrial for various gang-related crimes for over a year, had this to say about the Grammy Awards on Twitter: “Drakeo didn’t make the Grammys memoriam tribute, another reminder why they’re worthless.”

Another writer addressed the omission by posting Drakeo’s video for “Pippy Long Stockin” and writing, “The Grammys slept on him but we know the truth.”

The insult was added to the injury of the Grammys moving the Best Rap Album award off of the program, harkening back to the show’s earlier attitude toward rap and the 1989 boycott against the show for its decision not to televise its first-ever hip-hop awards. Drakeo wasn’t even the only California rapper left off the in memoriam segment; Bay Area rapper Gift Of Gab, who formed one-half of seminal rap duo Blackalicious, was also omitted from the rolls.

The Grammys have come a long way since 1989, but it seems they have further still to go.

A Song From A 26-Year-Old ‘Kirby’ Game Is Now The First Nintendo Track To Ever Win A Grammy

Every year, there are always at least a couple Grammy nominations that stick out. This year, one of those was in the Best Arrangement, Instrumental Or A Cappella category: Nominated was an arrangement of “Meta Knight’s Revenge,” a song from the 1996 Super Nintendo game Kirby Super Star, as arranged by Charlie Rosen and Jake Silverman and performed by The 8-Bit Big Band featuring Button Masher (Silverman’s performing name).

Video game songs aren’t nominated that often so what happened last night was big: “Meta Knight’s Revenge” (which appears on The 8-Bit Big Band’s 2021 album Backwards Compatible) actually won the award.

This is a huge moment in Nintendo history and in video game history more broadly; Eurogamer notes this is only the second time a song originally from a video game has taken home a Grammy, following Christopher Tin’s 2010 win for Best Instrumental Arrangement With Vocalist(s), for a song composed for Civilization 4. Previously, Journey composer Austin Wintory got a nomination in the Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media category in 2013 but didn’t win.

So, that means this Kirby win is the first time a song from a Nintendo game has ever won a Grammy. This news arrives with especially good timing, as it quickly follows the March 25 release of the latest Kirby game, Kirby And The Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch.

Rosen shared an excited reaction on the social media pages for The 8-Bit Big Band, posting a photo of himself and Silverman with their trophies and writing, “HOLY SH*T WE WON THE GRAMMY!!LONG LIVE VIDEO GAME MUSIC!! Thank you to everybody who’s ever listened to [The 8-Bit Big Band], the 100s of artists who have contributed their time/talent/musicianship, and of course HUGE thanks to my co-arranger on Meta Knights Revenge the one and only [Jake Silverman] !! MUCH LOVE, [Charlie Rosen].”

Rosen also posted this pretty terrific Kirby graphic a few days ago:

Watch The 8-Bit Big Band and Button Masher perform “Meta Knight’s Revenge” above. Also check out where Kirby Super Star (and another SNES Kirby game) ranks on our list of the 100 best Super Nintendo games (according to over 200,000 players) here.