Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” Is the First Rap Song to Win a Song, Record of the Year Grammys

Donald Glover can add another entry to his enviously long list of accomplishments. His record “This Is America” is the first rap song to win  Song of the Year and Record of the Year Grammys.

“This Is America” was one of three rap songs nominated for the Song of the Year award this year. It beat out Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “All the Stars,” Drake’s “God’s Plan,” Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood,” Maren Morris, Zedd, and Grey’s “The Middle,” Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow,” Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke” and Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up.” Glover was not at the ceremony to accept the award. 

Gambino’s manager Fam Udeorji headed off any criticism of the win by pointing out that the win means Young Thug will soon have Song of the Year hardware on his shelves. 

The comparison is a little strange, as we can’t see anyone arguing that “God’s Plan” or “All the Stars” was more culturally important than Gambino’s arresting song and video.

“This Is America” won two Grammys before its Song and Record of the Year coup; for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Music Video. Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up” won a Grammy for Best R&B Song. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s duet won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Song Written for Visual Media. 

The wins will no doubt provide an ego boost for Joyner Lucas, who recently said that he believes he paved the way for Gambino’s hit. 

“I feel like ‘I’m Not Racist’ changed a lot of things, and it caused a lot of damage and opened up room for conversations,” Lucas said. “Like I pushed the envelope for people like Childish Gambino to come out and make ‘This Is America.’ I feel like I made him comfortable enough to make a record like that.”