Beyoncé And Rihanna Took Home Trophies On The First Night Of The NAACP Image Awards 2023

This year’s Grammys isn’t the only award ceremony in which Beyoncé is pulling record numbers. NAACP’s annual Image Awards, held yesterday night (February 20), had a few trophies of its own to dish out to the singer.

The “Break My Soul” singer won the most awards, including Outstanding Female Artist, Outstanding Soul/R&B song for the single “Cuff It,” and Outstanding Album for Renaissance.

Rihanna also won for Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album for her song “Lift Me Up” from the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The next top winner was surprisingly Chris Brown, despite Kendrick Lamar being the second most-nominated act of the evening. Brown won two awards. The first was Outstanding Male Artist and Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) alongside Wizkid for his song, “Call Me Every Day,” from his album Breezy.

Last night’s winners were part of the non-televised ceremony. The televised ceremony will be filmed on February 25th and air exclusively on BET on February 26. To watch the 54th annual NAACP Image Awards live, click here.

A complete list of the awards handed out the first night follows.

Outstanding International Song
Wizkid — “Bad To Me”
Fireboy DML & Chris Brown feat. Shenseea — “Diana”
Burna Boy — “Last Last”
Tems — “No Woman No Cry”
Davido feat. Sunday Service Choir — “Stand Strong”

Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental
Boney James — Detour
Henry Franklin, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge — Henry Franklin: Jazz Is Dead 014
Kaelin Ellis — The Funk Will Prevail
Javon Jackson — The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni
Ragan Whiteside — Thrill Ride

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
Marvin Sapp— “All in Your Hands”
Tennessee State University — “Fly (Y.M.M.F.)”
Erica Campbell — “Positive”
MAJOR. — “Whole World In His Hands”
Jonathan McReynolds — “Your World”

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
Tye Tribbett — All Things New
Tasha Cobbs Leonard — Hymns
Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin — Kingdom Book One
James Fortune — My Life
Tennessee State University — The Urban Hymnal

Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (Traditional)
Kendrick Lamar feat. Blxst & Amanda Reifer — “Die Hard”
Mary J. Blige feat. H.E.R. — “Good Morning Gorgeous Remix”
PJ Morton feat. Alex Isley and Jill Scott — “Still Believe”
Silk Sonic — “Love’s Train”
Summer Walker, Cardi B, and SZA — “No Love”

Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Beyoncé feat. Grace Jones and Tems — “MOVE”
Chris Brown feat. Wizkid — “Call Me Every Day”
City Girls feat. Usher — “Good Love”
Future feat. Drake and Tems — “Wait For U”
Latto feat. Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled — “Big Energy (Remix)”

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
Lizzo — “About Damn Time”
Beyoncé — “Be Alive”
Rihanna — “Lift Me Up”
Tobe Nwigwe feat. FAT, Pharrell, and Olu of EarthGang — “Lord Forgive Me”
Kendrick Lamar — “The Heart Part 5”

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis, and Dave Jordan
Bridgerton Season Two (Soundtrack from the Netflix Series) — Kris Bowers
Entergalactic — Kid Cudi
P-Valley: Season 2 (Music From the Original TV Series) — Various Artists
The Woman King — Terence Blanchard

Outstanding Male Artist
Brent Faiyaz — Wasteland
Burna Boy — Love, Damini
Chris Brown – Breezy (Deluxe)
Drake – Honestly, Nevermind
Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

Outstanding Female Artist
Ari Lennox — age/sex/location
Beyoncé — Renaissance
Chlöe — Surprise
Jazmine Sullivan — Hurt Me So Good
SZA — SOS

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
Lizzo — “About Damn Time”
Beyoncé — “Cuff It”
Mary J. Blige feat. H.E.R. — “Good Morning Gorgeous Remix”
Jazmine Sullivan — “Hurt Me So Good”
Rihanna — “Lift Me Up”

Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
Armani White — “Billie Eilish”
Fivio Foreign — “City of Gods”
Quavo & Takeoff — “Hotel Lobby”
Kendrick Lamar — “The Heart Part 5”
Future feat. Drake and Tems — “Wait for U”

Outstanding Album
Ari Lennox — age/sex/location
Chris Brown — Breezy (Deluxe)
Kendrick Lamar — Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
Beyoncé — Renaissance
PJ Morton — Watch the Sun

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.



source https://uproxx.com/music/beyonce-rihanna-won-awards-naacp-image-awards-2023/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.