In a year filled with memorable moments and groundbreaking achievements, the 2023 Grammys and VMAs were ultimately saved by hip-hop. From record-breaking wins to captivating performances, the genre left an indelible mark on both award shows, leaving this moment to become the Top 10.
10. The Award Shows of 2023
The Grammys
The 65th Annual Grammy Awards witnessed an extraordinary celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Iconic artists like LL Cool J, Run DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, and Ice-T took the stage alongside the new generation of rappers, including Lil Baby and Lil Uzi Vert.
However, the night truly belonged to Beyoncé, as she made Grammy history with 32 wins, solidifying her status as the most-awarded artist in Grammy history.
The singer garnered nine nominations, the highest for any artist that year, and became the first Black woman to win the Grammy for “Best Dance/Electronic Recording” with her album Renaissance. Quavo paid tribute to the late Takeoff, who unfortunately passed in November 2022, from a fatal shooting.
The VMAs
The 2023 VMAs faced criticism as controversies overshadowed the event. Fans were disappointed by the lackluster celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, which included repetitive performances. Rising stars Victoria Monét and Coi Leray were left out, stirring backlash.
Victoria Monét’s skyrocketing solo career contradicted MTV’s claim that it was “too early in her story” to perform, as she charted with her hit single “On My Mama” during the VMAs. Coi Leray expressed her gratitude towards BET for recognizing her achievements while feeling snubbed by the VMAs. Taylor Swift‘s domination in major categories also drew scrutiny.
However, the VMAs did recognize artists like SZA, who won “Best R&B Artist,” and Nicki Minaj, who claimed the title of “Best Hip-Hop Artist” and hosted the show, captivating the audience with a performance from her anticipated album, Pink Friday 2.
11. Ice Spice’s Reign
As the Grammys and the VMAs showcased the influence of hip-hop in 2023, one artist who emerged as a force to be reckoned with was Ice Spice. With her unstoppable rise in the music industry, the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” rapper proved her critics wrong and solidified her position as a rising star to watch in the coming years.
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