The 2025 Grammy Awards were a powerful showcase of Black excellence, with historic wins and unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come. From Kendrick Lamar’s dominance as the most awarded artist of the night to Beyoncé’s historic win in country music, the ceremony highlighted the impact of Black artists across multiple genres.
One of the night’s most groundbreaking moments came from Doechii, who won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal. This victory not only marks a major milestone in her career but also makes her one of the few Black women to win in the category’s history. She is the third woman and second solo female rapper to receive this accolade, following Cardi B. Known for her bold artistry and genre-blending sound, Doechii’s win is a statement that women in rap are here to stay and continue pushing the culture forward. During her emotional acceptance speech, she shared a powerful message:
“I know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there that are watching me right now, and I wanna tell you—you can do it. Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, or that you’re not smart enough, or that you’re too dramatic, or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are. And I’m a testimony.”
Kendrick Lamar took home five awards, making him the most decorated artist of the night. Beyoncé continued her reign with wins in country music, and SZA secured another major Grammy with Saturn winning Best R&B Song. Chris Brown, Tems, Lucky Daye, and many more also had standout moments, proving once again that Black artists continue to shape and define the music industry.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter earned her the coveted Album of the Year award, marking her first win in this category after multiple nominations in previous years. This achievement makes her the fourth Black woman to receive this honor, highlighting her enduring influence in the music industry. Additionally, she made history by winning Best Country Album, becoming the first Black woman to do so.
The list of Black Grammy winners this year is a testament to the depth and diversity of Black artistry:
• Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter (Album of the Year, Best Country Album)
• Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us (Record of the Year, Song of the Year, plus three more wins)
• SZA – Saturn (Best R&B Song)
• Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal (Best Rap Album)
• Tems – Love Me JeJe (Best African Music Performance)
• Dave Chappelle – The Dreamer (Best Comedy Album)
• Chris Brown – 11:11 (Deluxe) (Best R&B Album)
• Rapsody ft. Erykah Badu – 3:AM (Best Melodic Rap Performance)
• Avery*Sunshine & NxWorries – So Glad To Know You and Why Lawd? (Tied for Best Progressive R&B Album)
• Lucky Daye – That’s You (Best Traditional R&B Performance)
• Muni Long – Made For Me (Live on BET) (Best R&B Performance)
• Samara Joy – A Joyful Holiday (Best Jazz Vocal Album)
• Alicia Keys – Global Impact Award
These wins not only celebrate individual success but also mark an important moment in history, especially during Black History Month. From R&B to rap, jazz to country, Black artists continue to shape the sound and soul of music. This year’s Grammys reinforced that legacy, paving the way for future generations to take the stage and claim their rightful place in history.
Comments