Several Artists Announce Upcoming Performances
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 2, 2026
Kendrick Lamar dominated the 2025 Grammy Awards, solidifying his place as a hip-hop icon and surpassing Jay-Z as the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history. Lamar collected five Grammys, bringing his career total to 27, and declared, “Every time I tell you, hip-hop gon’ always be right here.”
Grammy Wins and Recognition
Kendrick Lamar swept the rap categories, winning best rap album for GNX, best rap performance for “Chains & Whips” (with Clipse & Pharrell), best rap song for “TV Off” (with Lefty Gunplay), and best melodic rap performance for “Luther” (with SZA). “Luther” also earned the prestigious record of the year award, presented by a playfully confused Cher. Members of Lamar’s TDE family also received accolades, including SZA, who now has seven Grammy wins, and Doechii, who secured her second Grammy for best music video for “Anxiety.” R&B artists Kehlani, Leon Thomas, and Durand Bernarr also took home awards: Kehlani won best R&B song and performance for “Folded,” Leon Thomas earned best R&B album (Mutt) and best traditional R&B performance (“Vibes Don’t Lie”), and Durand Bernarr won best progressive R&B album (BLOOM).
Performances and Nominations
Despite R&B’s limited presence in the main telecast, hip-hop commanded the stage. Tyler, The Creator delivered the night’s top performance with a cinematic medley inspired by Michael Jackson and Chromakopia–Don’t Tap the Glass. Pharrell Williams and Voices of Fire joined Clipse for a moving rendition of “So Far Ahead.” Both Tyler, The Creator and Clipse were nominated for album of the year, with Clipse winning best rap performance and Tyler earning the inaugural best album cover Grammy.
Fresh Picks: New Sounds in R&B and Hip-Hop
Billboard’s Fresh Picks highlighted emerging artists and tracks in R&B and hip-hop. Featured artists included Jordan Ward with “Change of Scenery,” Mýa with “ASAP,” Babyfxce E with “Trackhawk,” Pimmie with “Bet,” Lelo with “Dice Roll,” Bellah & Destin Conrad with “Typical,” Sideshow with “Lifes as Violent as You Make It,” and DaBaby with “Clear this S—t.”
Spotify Playlist
Listeners can explore these new sounds and more through Billboard‘s Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2Ib6oSAcj3NYpmJF2ZPd2D?utm_source=oembed
