N.W.A. To Receive The Lifetime Achievement Award At 2024 Grammys

N.W.A. To Receive The Lifetime Achievement Award At 2024 Grammys

By: Joshua Martin

In light of the rap group’s monumental impact on music and culture, N.W.A. is being honored at the 2024 Grammys with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. According to the Recording Academy, the Lifetime Achievement Award is “presented by vote of the Recording Academy’s National Trustees to performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.”

Originally from Compton, California, N.W.A. mainly consists of Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, and DJ Yella. Armed with explicit and often controversial lyrics about societal issues that remain prevalent in the inner cities of America till this day, their authenticity and unapologetic approach gained them critical success and a devout following. 

“The World’s Most Dangerous rap group” will be among other recipients of the prestigious accolade, which will be presented on February 3rd at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. Other notable honorees in this year’s class include the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight, the late great Disco songstress Donna Summer and gospel group, The Clark Sisters.

The incendiary yet trailblazing hip hop group that introduced the world to gangsta rap will become the sixth act of its genre to receive the highly coveted award. Previous winners include Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Salt-N-Pepa and Slick Rick.

Additionally, Dj Kool Herc will be honored with the Trustees Award for his widespread influence and contributions to hip hop culture. Described as a “Special Merit” award by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the special honor is given to those who represent the rich diversity that drives creative communities forward.

Hip Hop Legend DJ Kool Herc

“The Academy is honored to pay tribute to this year’s Special Merit Award recipients. A remarkable group of creators and industry professionals whose impact resonates with generations worldwide. We look forward to honoring these music industry trailblazers next month as part of our week-long celebration leading up to Music’s Biggest Night.”

— Henry Mason Jr.

The 66th Annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena Sunday, February 4th.

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The Grammys Announce Concert Special Celebrating 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

50 Years of Hip Hop

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE RECORDING ACADEMY

By: Joshua Martin

Amazingly, it's been a half a century since DJ Kool Herc invented arguably the most popular music genre on the planet. Now the celebration is set to go prime time with an all new special entitled, ‘A Grammy salute to 50 years of Hip Hop’. The Grammys is set to air the tribute Sunday, December 10th on CBS as the world acknowledges 50 years of  Hip Hop’s existence. The special two hour Grammy telecast will feature some of the culture’s most legendary artists, as the Recording Academy continues its year long celebration of Hip Hop’s anniversary.

“For five decades, Hip-Hop has not only been a defining force in music, but a major influence on our culture. Its contributions to art, fashion, sports, politics, and society cannot be overstated. I’m so proud that we are honoring it in such a spectacular way on the Grammy stage. It is just the beginning of our year-long celebration of this essential genre of music.”

— Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy

The concert special will include performances by Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common and over a dozen other Hip-Hop legends.

The show will be taped on November 8th at the Youtube Theatre in Inglewood, California with LL Cool J and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson dubbed as executive producers, alongside Jesse Collins Entertainment, Claudine Joseph, Fatima Robinson and others. Marcello Gamma will serve as the show’s director. Other artists slated to take the stage include Black Thought, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, Bun B, Uncle Luke, Yo-Yo, Talib Kweli, J.J. Fad, The Lady of Rage, MC Sha-Rock, Monie Love, The Pharcyde, Questlove, and Remy Ma. With more performers to be announced at a later date.

“A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” airs Dec. 10 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. ET/8-10 p.m. PT on CBS. The special will be available to stream live or on demand Paramount+.  

The “A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” live concert is open to the public. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 14, beginning at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Ticketmaster.com.

Full concert details are below: 

Concert:

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023

Doors: 6 p.m. PT

Concert: 7 p.m. PT 

Location:

YouTube Theater

1011 Stadium Dr

Inglewood, CA 90305

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Lil Wayne, Dr. Dre, and Missy Elliott received the Recording Academy’s Global Impact Award

SACRAMENTO, CA - AUGUST 28: Rapper Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. aka Lil Wayne performs in concert as part of America's Most Wanted Tour at Sleep Train Arena on August 28, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Credit: Randy Miramontez via Shutterstock

By: Joshua Martin

Black Music icons took center stage at the annual Recording Academy Honors hosted by the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective in celebration of this year’s Grammy Awards at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Spearheaded by CEO Harvey Mason Jr, The Black Music Collective was formed in 2020 by prominent industry leaders to promote Black representation and inclusion.

Hip Hop legend Lil Wayne took home the Recording Academy’s Global Impact Award, which was affectionately renamed the ‘Dr. Dre Impact Global Award’ in honor of the West Coast music legend. 

During his acceptance speech, Wayne reflected on his career in the music industry and the adversity he faced becoming a success hailing from Louisiana. 

“I don’t get honored. Where I’m from, New Orleans, you’re not supposed to do this.”

— Lil Wayne

Preceded by emotional video tributes by Drake and the new Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders, the night of celebrations continued for Wayne as his peers, 2Chainz and Tyga, performed some of Wayne’s greatest hits on a night where the past, present and future of Black music were being honored.

Followed by a lively performance by West Coast legend Snoop Dogg, Ty Dolla Sign, and Kurupt. During his speech, Dr Dre. spoke about his hip hop origins and how music changed his life.

“The birth of hip-hop completely changed the course of my life. Just imagine where a lot of Black men, including myself, would be without hip-hop. I was in junior high school when I had ever heard hip-hop for the first time. I heard mixing and scratching, I couldn’t get enough of that sound. And once I got my hands on the turntables, I knew I had found my wings and I was determined to know how to fly.”

— Dr. Dre

Before being introduced by longtime manager Mona Scott-Young and Ciara, Elliott was praised by super producer Timbaland and fellow singer, rapper Lizzo with heartfelt video tributes. Emotionally herself, Missy exclaimed how important this award means to her. 

“People don’t understand that this is a Global Impact Award. It’s not just neighborhood, it’s global. So it hits different when you stand up here, knowing that when you get something like this, you gotta know that you’ve been through a lot.”

— Missy Elliott

She also gave a powerful tribute to fellow winner, Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone. Later, Swiss Beatz commanded a packed house to give “Sylvia Rhone the Great” a standing ovation before presenting her with the Global Impact award. 

“It’s been a lot of years for me in hip-hop, and it’s even more special to me amongst this elite group of artists with Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, each of whom I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout my career.”

— Sylvia Rhone

Additional musical acts included Chloe Bailey, Busta Rhymes, and Tweet. 

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Reggae Sensation Etana Talks Grammy Nomination And Breaking Barriers For Women In Reggae

By: Omar Cook

Female reggae sensation, Etana, was the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. The last time a female artist was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. Etana’s Reggae Forever album was nominated alongside Black Uhuru for As the World Turns, Ziggy Marley for Rebellion Rises, Protoje for A Matter of Time and Grammy Award winners for Best Reggae Album, Sting & Shaggy for 44/876.

Etana, whose real name is Shauna McKenzie, is a soulful singer and songwriter. She made international waves with her fifth album Reggae Forever  which debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one. Her fourth album I Rise also debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one and her album Better Tomorrow debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number seven. Etana made history as the first female with back-to-back top albums on the Billboard Reggae Chart. Her unique sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz.

Etana is an artist that is breaking barriers for women in Reggae and her success is giving other women pursuing a music career inspiration to keep pushing. Etana speaks about her 2019 Grammy Awards experience and hitting the red carpet at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA!

Etana - Free Part 2

We talked with Etana in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

QUESTION: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING MUSIC AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

Etana: I've been singing since I was eight years old. I wanted to be a nurse or a doctor but music called me in and I knew music was it for me. I started professionally in music in 2000.

QUESTION: MUSICALLY, WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN HELPING YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY AND WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?

Etana: Bob Marley, Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, Beyonce to Dolly Parton. They sing about their own life experiences. That speaks to me. When you listen to songs that explores life experiences especially to things that we can all relate to, you're sure to love it. I feel my music connects with people as they can relate to my songs either they have those same experiences or may be experiencing it right now. 

Etana on the Red Carpet at the Grammy Awards 2019

QUESTION: YOUR ALBUM REGGAE FOREVER WAS NOMINATED FOR BEST REGGAE ALBUM THIS YEAR AT THE GRAMMYS! WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL FEELING WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE NOMINATED AND WHAT WAS THE GRAMMY EXPERIENCE LIKE SHARING THE NOMINATION WITH OTHER GREAT REGGAE ARTISTS SUCH AS STING, SHAGGY, BLACK UHURU, AND ZIGGY MARLEY?

Etana: So excited! It's an honor that Reggae Forever has been recognized by the Recording Academy with a Best Reggae Album nomination and to be amongst these talented nominated artists and award-winning artists. I'm truly delighted to have made an album independently that was well received by so many people around the world. 

QUESTION: YOU WERE THE FIRST FEMALE IN 21 YEARS TO BE NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY AWARD IN THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM CATEGORY. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON REPRESENTING WOMEN IN REGGAE AND WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO BREAK BARRIERS?

Etana: Having five albums that have all rocketed to the Billboard Reggae Chart is impressive. Being the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category is monumental. The last time that a female was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. I'm a reggae artist who wants to preserve and grow our music and to promote love and inspire, so that it makes way for endless opportunities for reggae artists to have. Women in reggae have come a long way but we still have a long way to go and I intend on breaking as many closed doors and barriers as much as possible. 

Etana - I Rise | Official Music Video

QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BEST SONG/PROJECT EVER RELEASED AND WHY?

Etana: All of them! I'm proud of all of them! My album Reggae Forever. I was extremely happy when I learned that my first independent project made it to number one and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae album. The album is distributed by Tad's Records. I think audiences appreciate that Reggae Forever was independently produced, it's eclectic and the main message is love as well as it tells many stories and keeps the listener engaged. 

QUESTION: WHAT PROJECTS CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

Etana: I'm in the process with my sixth studio album and I’m looking forward to releasing a single from that album soon. I will be going on tour in the U.S. this year and will be touring the U.K and other countries. 

For up-to-the-minute news and information on my music and shows, visit www.etantathestrongone.com and follow at Facebook @OneEtana and Instagram @EtanaStrongOne and Twitter @EtanaStrongOne.

QUESTION: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC TO PEOPLE AND WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER ARTISTS IN YOUR GENRE?

Etana: My sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz. My music has a bit of everything for everyone. It is wonderful to see many audiences deeply connected to my music.

QUESTION: WHAT SACRIFICES HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE TO SEE YOUR DREAM BECOME A REALITY AND WHAT ARE SOME OBSTACLES THAT YOU HAVE OVERCOME?

Etana: We all go through hardships and sacrifices especially experiences throughout our life that shape us. Everything that I have experienced up to now has shaped me into the person I am today. I'm still learning and growing and feel that through hard work, perseverance, determination, knowledge, and self love is important to have and to continue it through life. 

QUESTION: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR MUSIC IN 5 YEARS?

Etana: I want to continue to make hits and to continue to make great music that people want to listen to. Two levels up at a time or more.

Etana - Spread Love (Official Music Video)

QUESTION: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

Etana: Always work hard, keep improving your music and sound and believe in yourself. 

QUESTION: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME KEYS TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC ARTIST?

Etana: Keep learning and growing. Continue to make great music and for longevity. Knowing as much about the business of music is important as well. 

QUESTION: WITH IT BEING BLACK HISTORY MONTH, MUSIC HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS! WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU LOOKING TO LEAVE BEHIND WITH YOUR MUSIC?

Etana: African American musicians and producers have made huge contributions to the history of music. As an African American female it is important to continue to enrich the culture of music. I want to make a lasting impression in the minds and hearts of little girls and boys of all races, religion, and lifestyles, all across the world.

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