For years, fans have been shaking their heads over Grammy snubs, especially when widely celebrated Black songs and albums have been passed over for less popular or less critically acclaimed ones. In fact, out of the Grammy’s 67-year run, fewer than one in four awards in big categories like Album of the Year or Best New Artist have landed in the hands of Black artists. But slowly, and finally, things are starting to change. This year, the Grammy Awards was a huge example of the academy finally waking up and giving Black artistry the credit it deserves.

This time around, the Grammys truly put Black achievement front and center ahead of Black History Month. Not only did Black artists dominate the ceremony, but they also made history with groundbreaking moments that showed just how far things have come. 

This year, the Grammys saw a powerful display of Black artistry. It was a night full of historic moments that will be talked about for years to come. Doechii made history this year by winning Best Rap Album for 'Alligator Bites Never Heal,' becoming just the third woman ever to win the award. The momentum continued when Beyoncé won Album of the Year, which was the first time she took home the evening’s highest honor. Earlier in the night, Beyoncé also became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album for 'Cowboy Carter'.

Kendrick Lamar was another major highlight of the evening. His diss track aimed at Drake ended up being one of the night’s biggest rap triumphs. Not only did it win Record of the Year, but it also swept the rap categories like Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video. Alongside these major victories, artists like SZA, Tems, Rapsody, Chris Brown, Matt B, Jon Batiste, Muni Long, and others helped create a celebration of Black music and culture that was impossible to ignore. But the true magic of the evening was not only in the awards.

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There were so many unforgettable, iconic moments created by the Black artists that will stick in pop culture like glue in the years to come. 

The evening at the Grammys was filled with unforgettable performances. Doechii brought the house down with a high-energy medley of her biggest hits, while Shaboozey added some country flavor with 'A Bar Song (Tipsy).' The Weeknd also teamed up with Playboi Carti, and Alicia Keys was presented with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award by the one and only Queen Latifah. Quincy Jones, who sadly passed away in November, was also honored with a powerful tribute that showcased the massive impact he has had on the music world. 

Will Smith led the heartfelt segment reflecting on Jones' career, while Herbie Hancock brought his piano skills, and Cynthia Erivo’s powerful vocals stirred the audience. The crowd then stood in ovation as Janelle Monáe closed the tribute, paying homage to Jones’ most iconic work, 'Thriller,' the sixth studio album by Michael Jackson. As for the spice factor, Ye, aka Kanye West, was there to make things interesting, though his time at the event was cut short. With that, it is clear that this year the Grammy was all about giving Black artistry its moment. 

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What do you think about the Grammy being dominated by Black artists this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!