Grammys 2019: Childish Gambino Wins Song and Record of the Year

Childish Gambino has won Song of the Year. His single “This Is America” beat tracks from Drake (“God’s Plan”), Kendrick Lamar and SZA (“All the Stars”), Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (“Shallow”), Ella Mai (“Boo’d Up”), Zedd, Maren Morris, along with Grey (“The Middle”), and Brandi Carlile (“The Joke”). 

“This Is America” is your very first hip-hop Song of the Year winner in Grammy history. The last artist to acquire among the four awards while absent from the service was Amy Winehouse, in 2008. She announced her awards for Record and Song of the Year and Best New Artist through satellite link-up from London. The previous time that the award was accepted on an artist’s behalf was in 2003 when Luther Vandross won Song of the Year along with his business manager and “Dance With My Father” co-writer accepted the award. This is actually the first time a nominee has not been present to take one of the 4 big awards. Watch Alicia Keys and the presenters John Mayer accept the Grammy in the honor of Donald Glover. 

Gambino also won Record of the Year “This Is America.” It beat tracks by Cardi B, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny (“I Like It”), Kendrick Lamar and SZA (“All the Stars”), Drake (“God’s Plan”), Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (“Shallow”), Post Malone featuring 21 Savage (“rockstar”), Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey (“The Middle”), along with Brandi Carlile (“The Joke”). During his acceptance speech on Gambino’s behalf, Ludwig Göransson shouted many others and 21 Savage out. 

Glover also teased what seemed like unreleased Childish Gambino music. Cross-referencing the lyrics online reveals the song is called “Human Sacrifice”; Gambino’s been enjoying it on tour in the previous several months. Check out that here. 

Dark Panther composer Ludwig Göransson and young Thug were credited alongside Gambino as Song of the Year winners. Earlier the Dark Panther score of Göransson won the award. A producer that was Grammys previously revealed that Glover, Drake, and Kendrick turned performances down. 

Along with Song of the Year, “This Is America” got nominated for Record of the Year and Best R&B Song. In the ceremony, it picked up the awards for Best Music Video and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. 

21 Savage is among the many background vocalists on “This Is America.” 21, who was nominated for 2 Grammys for “rockstar,” was absent from tonight’s ceremony since he was arrested by ICE, who assert he “is unlawfully within the U.S.” Since the arrest, 21 has verified that he was born in the United Kingdom and proceeded into the USA at age 7. There’s been an outpouring of support for 21 Savage from the hip community. JAY-Z, for one, called the arrest “an absolute travesty,” and has hired a lawyer to help 21.