“I think the Grammys are better in New York,” Alicia Keys said as she was set to present the Record the Year award Sunday night (Jan. 28) at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Usually held in Los Angeles, music’s biggest event returned to the concrete jungle where dreams are made —New York City—for the first time in 15 years. Madison Square Garden filled up with celebrities and music royalty to celebrate musical excellence. And while the Academy never gets it right on the ballots, the show was particularly buzz-worthy due to the usually large volume hip-hop talent set to be recognized. In that regard, the show provided plenty moments for fans to love… or hate.
Nominated in the Album the Year, Record the Year and Song the Year categories, Kendrick Lamar and JAY-Z were the two biggest favorites from the hip-hop community heading into the ceremony, but they were far from the only rap representatives. Cardi B, Logic, Lil Uzi Vert, DJ Khaled, Big Sean, GoldLink, Migos and others were also on hand, hoping to add to their trophy cases. Hip-hop showed up and showed out, captivating on the red carpet and killing it on the stage. The night was a reminder hip-hop's dominance and influence within the music industry and pop culture as a whole. Even Blue Ivy stole the show with a simple hand gesture.
With the Grammy's all wrapped up, XXL pinpoints some the most unforgettable hip-hop moments from the show.