Hip-hop’s turbulent relationship with the Grammys may have been singlehandedly rectified during the 58th Grammys by Kendrick Lamar’s explosive performance. While previous conversation hinged on the difference between commercial hip-hop versus popular hip-hop or the ever-present Black versus White debate regarding artists such as Macklemore and even Eminem receiving preferential treatment over more deserving emcees, all was nullified with Lamar’s unapologetic performance. Both hardcore hip-hop enthusiasts and commercial hip-hop fans alike celebrated Lamar’s authentic grassroots rise that has organically achieved mainstream success.
Introduced by veteran actor Don Cheadle, Kendrick’s performance incorporated a fusion of jazz and hip hop and native African drums that symbolically spoke to African American history and challenged today’s state of Black America. Lamar started the performance in shackles reminiscent of the slaves from yesterday and the prison system of today, his message was bold on the Grammy-nominated song, “Alright.” His “Blacker the Berry” introduction read like a modern-day adaptation of The Miseducation of the Negro with phrases like “you want to destroy my culture” and “don’t you know I’m a proud monkey.”
Lamar and his band started the performance in shackles but his verses freed the shackles from his hands and feet, allowing him to transition to a tribal celebration complete with a blazing fire and African dancers for his chart-topping hit “Alright.” The performance would certainly have made any #Blacklivesmatter supporter proud, but more importantly, the performance was consistent with the album To Pimp a Butterfly and even more powerful is the reality that it’s consistent with Lamar’s truth. When peers have opted to create party music easily adaptable to radio format, Lamar has remained true to his artistic integrity, creating music that reflects his personal struggles as a young Black man. His journey to mainstream acceptance has taken longer than some, but it didn’t come at the sacrifice of his lyrical content.
Lamar performed the second verse of “Alright,” his verses spoken with the proficiency and presence of a modern day civil rights leader.
Lamar ended the performance in front of a screen showing the continent of Africa with “Compton” emblazoned across it. Lamar received five Grammys after being nominated for eleven for his 2015 To Pimp a Butterfly album. Aside from fellow lyric rapper J. Cole, Lamar’s album was one of two hip hop efforts to achieve platinum sales in 2015. We are gonna be alright indeed!
