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Did the Grammys Just Reveal the Future of Music? What No One’s Talking About!

thetalented10thent

The Grammys are always a night of celebration, controversy, and cultural reflection. This year was no different, but as I watched the show unfold, a few standout moments stuck with me—both for their significance and for what they say about the future of the music industry.


Grammy Line up


Doechii's Moment: A Celebration of Black Culture


Doechii Wins best hiphop album

One of my personal highlights was Doechii’s win and her electrifying performance. She didn’t just take the stage—she owned it. From her visuals to her choreography, Doechii continues to prove that she is here to stay and is doing so while proudly honoring Black culture. Her artistry reflects the traditions, resilience, and creativity of Black music, and seeing her celebrated on such a major stage was a win not just for her but for the culture.


Beyoncé’s Historic Win: Long Overdue Respect


Beyonce wins album of the yeat

I won’t pretend *Cowboy Carter* is my favorite Beyoncé album, but I’m beyond happy that she finally got the recognition she’s long deserved. The Grammys have a long and troubling history of overlooking Black artists in major categories, so seeing her take home a win that solidifies her influence across genres felt like a long-overdue course correction. While it shouldn’t have taken this long, it was still a moment worth celebrating.



Kendrick Lamar’s Clean Sweep with 'Not Like Us'


Kendrick Lamar sweeps the grammys with Not Like Us

It wouldn’t be a Kendrick moment if it wasn’t monumental. *Not Like Us* didn’t just dominate the charts—it became a cultural movement. His clean sweep in the rap categories reaffirmed his place as one of the greatest of our time. The song itself was a statement, and its success at the Grammys only further cemented its impact. In an era where rap’s direction often feels uncertain, Kendrick’s wins reminded us of the power of lyrical excellence and cultural commentary.




Chris Brown’s 11:11 Victory: Breaking Through Industry Barriers


Chris Brown wins best R&B album

Chris Brown’s *11:11* win was another highlight, mainly because of the ongoing conversation about his supposed blackballing from the industry. Regardless of public perception, his talent is undeniable, and his ability to still secure wins in the face of adversity speaks volumes about his staying power. Whether or not the industry fully embraces him again, his impact on R&B remains unshaken.



Kanye’s Attempt to Steal the Show—Again


Kanye  Bianca Censori

What would an award show be without Kanye making headlines? This time, it wasn’t about his music but about Bianca Censori’s barely-there, see-through gown that had social media in an uproar. Every time Kanye is supposedly "crazy," it conveniently coincides with a new music release or a merch drop. At this point, it’s become a predictable part of his marketing strategy—push boundaries, spark controversy, and make sure his name stays in the conversation. Love him or hate him, Kanye knows exactly how to keep the spotlight on himself.


A Glimpse into the Next 5-10 Years: The Future Looks White

If this year’s Grammys were a preview of the next decade in music, then it’s clear that white women will be leading the charge. The majority of the performances were from white women, with Black women scattered throughout the lineup and Black male performers being nearly nonexistent. Aside from artists like Shaboozey and Stevie Wonder’s tribute to Quincy Jones, Black male artists were barely present.


Janelle Mone Celebrates Quincy Jones

This absence became even more glaring during the Quincy Jones tribute. While Janelle Monáe is an incredible performer, the Grammys somehow couldn’t find one Black man to honor Michael Jackson’s role in Quincy’s legacy. Are we really at a place where there’s a lack of talented Black male artists to step up, or are they simply being overlooked? The industry’s continued sidelining of Black men in spaces they helped build is a conversation that needs to be had.





DEI’s Real Beneficiaries: White Women


Grammy Red Carpet looks

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives were supposed to create opportunities for marginalized groups, but if the Grammys are any indication, they’ve benefited white women the most. While Black women and other artists of color continue to fight for recognition, white women have become the face of progress in the music industry.


This isn’t to say these artists aren’t talented, but it does raise the question: who is truly benefiting from the industry's push for diversity? Black artists, are still being left out of the conversation, even when honoring legends from their own communities. If we don’t address this now, the industry risks rewriting history in a way that erases the very people who built it.


Final Thoughts

This year’s Grammys had its wins, but it also highlighted the industry’s ongoing disparities. Doechii’s rise, Kendrick’s dominance, Beyoncé’s overdue respect, and Chris Brown’s resilience were moments to celebrate, but they also came alongside an awards show that seemed to foreshadow a future where Black artists continue to fight for space in an industry they helped shape. If the next decade in music is going to be truly diverse, then the industry needs to recognize that inclusion can’t just mean shifting the spotlight—it has to mean sharing it.

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August Rayne - He Gon learn (Leave me be)
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August Rayne - He Gon learn (Leave me be)

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