"Best Rap Performance" may not seem like the most important award at the Grammys, but this year, it held a special significance. That's because Chance the Rapper was nominated for the award. The rapper without a label had always been barred from the award ceremony due to his independent nature, so this was considered a real breakthrough in the music world. It became an even bigger breakthrough when he won.
Winning the award
"Best Rap Performance" wasn't actually part of the main ceremony people around the world watch on television in prime time.
Instead, the award was announced prior to the event, giving Chance the Rapper the distinction of earning his first grammy award. The song, "No Problem," featured 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne and beat out Desiigner's "Panda," Drake's "Pop Style," Fat Joe/Remy Ma's "All the Way Up," and ScHoolboy Q's "THat Part."
During his acceptance speech for "Best Rap Performance," Chance the Rapper assumed his usual "aw shucks" persona, expressing how surprising and amazing it was to finally have this moment. He also thanked Jimmy Jam, who presented him with the award. Meanwhile, Drake was sending Chance a congratulatory text message, encouraging him to keep pursing the dream.
A celebration of big things
Chance the Rapper didn't stop raking in the awards after the "Best Rap Performance" announcement.
He had three different entries for "Best Rap Song," including "No Problem" and his songwriting credit on Kanye West's "Famous." His feature on the Kanye West song "Ultralight Beam" was also nominated for the category, as well as for "Best Rap/Sung Performance." None of them won their category.
He did take home two other awards, though, as his mixtape "Coloring Book" won "Best Rap Album," while Chance himself won the prestigious "Best New Artist" award.
His three victories were a remarkable achievement for someone who made history simply by making it to the nomination phase of the Grammys in the first place. His place in the current rap pantheon was solidified on Sunday night.
