Well, the Grammys for 2014 were certainly eventful, and now that they’re over, here’s a quick rundown of what went down on the R&B/hip-hop performance front (in no particular order):
In a nutshell, Beyoncé and Jay Z opened the night with a performance of her current single “Drunk In Love,” while Pharrell, Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers recruited Stevie Wonder for their “Record of the Year” “Get Lucky” easing in with a quick transition into Chic’s “Le Freak.” John Legend romanced the audience (and his new wife Chrissy Teigen in the spotlight) with his ballad “All Of Me,” and the slightly-snubbed Kendrick Lamar shut the venue all the way down with his collab rising rockers Imagine Dragons in a mash-up of their songs "Radioactive" with "M.A.A.D City" for something explosive. Robin Thicke and the band Chicago teamed up to do a mashup of the band’s songs, all before breaking into a minute or so of Thicke’s 2013 hit “Blurred Lines,” and Lorde c performed her hit “Royals” before taking home two Gramophone trophies. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis swept the Rap categories, with Queen Latifah officiating the nuptials of dozens of same-sex couples during their performance…no one saw THAT coming!
Anyway, catch a few of the performances and a list of R&B/Hip-Hop winners below, but check out Grammy.com for the full list.
Record of the year: "Get Lucky" – Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
Album of the year: "Random Access Memories" – Daft Punk
Song of the year: "Royals" – Lorde
Best new artist: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Best pop solo performance: Lorde – "Royals"
Best pop duo/group performance: Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers – "Get Lucky"
Best pop vocal album: Bruno Mars – "Unorthodox Jukebox"
Best R&B performance: Snarky Puppy with Lala Hathaway – "Something"
Best traditional R&B performance: Gary Clark Jr. – "Please Come Home"
Best R&B song: "Pusher Love Girl" – Justin Timberlake
Best urban contemporary album: Rihanna – "Unapologetic"
Best R&B album: Alicia Keys – "Girl on Fire"
Best rap performance: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz – "Thrift Shop"
Best rap/sung collaboration: Jay Z featuring Justin Timberlake – "Holy Grail"
Best rap song: "Thrift Shop" – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Best rap album: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – "The Heist"
Producer of the year, nonclassical: Pharrell Williams
Best song written for visual media: Adele — "Skyfall" – "Skyfall"
Best music video: Justin Timberlake featuring Jay Z – "Suit & Tie"
Are you ready to relive the excitement of the 2014 Grammy Awards? From unforgettable performances to powerful messages conveyed through music, this night had it all. So sit back, relax and let’s take a trip down memory lane.
The 56th annual Grammy Awards took place on January 26, 2014 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The night was filled with stunning performances from some of the biggest names in music such as Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift.
But it wasn’t just about the entertainment factor; many artists used their platform to bring attention to social and political issues that were important to them. It truly was a night to remember!
Memorable Performances at the 2014 Grammy Awards
Get ready to relive the most unforgettable performances of the 2014 Grammy Awards! The night was filled with incredible musical acts that left the audience in awe.
One standout performance was Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s opening number, where they performed their hit song “Drunk in Love.”The couple’s chemistry on stage was electrifying, and their sultry dance moves had everyone talking.
Another memorable performance was by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who performed their hit song “Same Love”featuring Mary Lambert. The duo used this opportunity to promote marriage equality and even had a mass wedding ceremony on stage, officiated by Queen Latifah. This powerful message resonated with many viewers and brought tears to some eyes.
Last but not least, Daft Punk stole the show with their medley of hits from their album “Random Access Memories.”With Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, and Nile Rodgers joining them on stage, it was a true celebration of music. Their unique sound combined with the incredible talent of these musicians made for an unforgettable performance that left everyone wanting more.
Addressing Social and Political Issues Through Music at the 2014 Grammys
You’ll witness musicians taking a stand on social and political issues, using their platform to inspire change, at the 2014 Grammys.
One of the most memorable moments was when Macklemore & Ryan Lewis performed ‘Same Love’ with Mary Lambert and Queen Latifah officiating a mass wedding for same-sex couples. This groundbreaking performance sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
Another powerful moment came from Kendrick Lamar’s performance of ‘Alright,’ which addressed police brutality and systemic racism in America. Accompanied by dancers dressed as police officers, Lamar’s lyrics spoke directly to the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing struggle for justice in marginalized communities.
Other artists used their acceptance speeches to address important issues, such as Lorde calling attention to body positivity and Beyoncé advocating for gender equality.
These moments remind us that music is not just entertainment; it can also be a powerful tool for social change.
The 2014 Grammys were an inspiring display of how artists can use their platform to speak out on important issues and make a difference in the world.
Conclusion
So there it is, you’ve just witnessed another exciting year at the Grammy Awards. It’s always a treat to witness your favorite artists perform live on stage and take home some well-deserved accolades.
From Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ powerful performance of “Same Love” to Daft Punk’s sweep of the top categories, this year’s Grammys was definitely one for the books.
But beyond the glitz and glamour, we saw music being used as a platform to address important social and political issues. From Queen Latifah officiating same-sex marriages during Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ performance, to Kendrick Lamar’s thought-provoking verse in “Control”, music truly has the power to make a difference.
Here’s hoping that future Grammy Awards will continue to highlight not only musical excellence but also meaningful messages through our favorite songs and performances.
