Childish Gambino Makes Grammy History

Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” won Grammys for song and record of the year on Sunday, becoming the first rap song to win the prestigious awards.

The artist — the one and only mutitalented Donald Glover — did not attend the event, reportedly declining an invitation to perform at the Grammys.

The other nominees were Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “All The Stars,” Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up,” Drake’s “God’s Plan,” Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood,” Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke,” Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey’s “The Middle,” and Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow.”

The Grammy for song of the year honors songwriters — Ludwig Göransson and Jeffrey Lamar Williams — while record of the year honors the recording artist. When the song was first released last May, it caused a stir because it was chock full of racial symbolism.

This year, the Recording Academy has made a conscious effort to diversify its membership amid complaints the Grammys have frequently failed to recognize rap and hip-hop artists in the major categories.

Just earlier this week in an interview with the “New York Times,” Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich said, “We continue to have a problem in the hip-hop world.”

Kendrick Lamar and Drake also declined respective invitations to perform on Sunday night.

By: Maytinee Kramer