Summer Walker, Chloe Bailey, Muni Long, Cordae and Jimmie Allen delivered rousing performances and groundbreaking female rapper MC Lyte and singer-songwriter John Legend were honored at the Recording Academy’s first-ever Black Music Collective ceremony on Saturday night.
“It’s been a long time coming, and I don’t feel great saying that,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. told the glittering audience at Resorts World Las Vegas. “But now we’re finally here, so let’s celebrate.”
And the event lived up to the moment, and planted the flag for an exciting new landmark in the Grammy Week lineup. The event also spoke to the wide range of Black music, ranging from the sultry R&B of Walker and Long to rapper Cordae and country singer Allen, and the hundreds of artists, industry types and members of the community were in the room.
Amber Grimes gave a rousing induction speech honoring Walker’s label, LVRN (Love Renaiassance), speaking of how the company’s five founders had united to push forward Atlanta’s music scene and made mental health a foundation of their approach. The label also features 6lack, D.R.A.M. and Boogie, as well as Walker.
Saweetie & Chloe Bailey
