By Jonathan Landrum Jr.AP Leisure Author
LOS ANGELES (AP) — At a pre-Grammy occasion celebrating Black music’s cultural energy, Pharrell Williams used the Recording Academy stage to ship a prayer — not for himself, however for U.S. leaders.
“I wish to pray for the leaders of this nation and the powers that be,” Williams stated Jan. 29 on the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective occasion in Los Angeles, the place he obtained the Dr. Dre World Influence Award.
“I’m praying that they discover of their hearts some empathy, some grace and, most significantly, some mercy for these individuals who could not have been born on this nation, however adore it simply as a lot,” he stated.
The 13-time Grammy winner’s remarks drew applause contained in the Fairmont Century Plaza ballroom, simply days earlier than the Grammy Awards on Feb. 1.
“Belief me,” he stated, “they might not be right here in the event that they didn’t imagine us after we maintain saying that that is the best nation on the planet. So please. … empathy, grace and mercy.”
Williams was considered one of three honorees on the fourth annual occasion, which celebrates artists whose affect extends far past music.
R&B mainstay Brandy and gospel trailblazer Kirk Franklin every obtained the Black Music Icon Award.
Justin Timberlake introduced Williams with the award after performing a medley of songs they crafted collectively, together with “Rock Your Physique” and “Pleased.” Earlier than handing him the trophy, Timberlake praised his longtime collaborator as “considered one of one,” including, “You might be considered one of my favourite people, bro. I’m so honored to be right here.”
Tyler, the Creator delivered one of many night time’s most emotional tributes, crediting Williams with opening doorways all through his profession.
“Each door he goes in, he comes again out, grabs individuals, offers them the important thing,” Tyler stated. “You could have been, you’re and you’ll all the time be my North Star.”
Dr. Dre, for whom the award is known as, highlighted Williams’ affect throughout music, trend, philanthropy and entrepreneurship. He stated that Williams has constantly leveraged his music, trend and tradition to advocate for social change.
“For this, I’m so proud to have my title on an award now shared by him,” Dr. Dre stated.
In his personal remarks, Williams described music as “the skeleton key” that unlocked alternative all through his life.
“A very good skeleton key opens all doorways, not simply unique ones,” he stated. “Music opened the doorways to the issues that matter probably the most in my life.”
Brandy was serenaded with renditions of her songs by Coco Jones, FLO and Kehlani. She appeared visibly moved after she took the stage and sang “Nearly Doesn’t Rely.”
“By no means did I think about my title and the phrase ‘icon’ to ever merge,” she stated. “I’m humbly only a vessel chosen to make use of the present to encourage, contact and alter a life.”
Franklin, launched as “the king of city gospel,” was honored following performances by John Legend, who sang “He’s In a position,” together with Lecrae, PJ Morton and Tamela Mann.
The 20-time Grammy winner mirrored on his upbringing — similar to being adopted, experiencing homelessness and sleeping in his automobile — and the way religion formed his journey.
“I realized early on a couple of private relationship with Jesus Christ and by no means needed to be afraid to say that title,” Franklin stated. “It hurts once I see the religion that I actually imagine in be so divisive and never be a message of affection.”
He stated: “When all this fades and passes away, I wish to be identified for a way I like individuals.”
The night additionally delivered a shock second when Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. introduced Eve with a long-overdue Grammy for her contributions to The Roots’ 2000 hit “You Obtained Me.” Although Eve rapped on the music, she wasn’t credited when the observe gained greatest rap efficiency by a duo or group greater than twenty years in the past.
“To make it proper,” Mason informed the viewers, “the Recording Academy is right here to supply a a lot deserved respect and recognition.”
An emotional Eve accepted the award to a standing ovation. “That is really for little Eve from Philly,” she stated. “What’s yours by no means can miss you.”
Since its launch, the Black Music Collective has labored to champion Black creators and trade leaders, beforehand honoring Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, John Legend and Mariah Carey. The group additionally helps scholarships and initiatives aimed toward cultivating the following technology of Black music leaders.
However amid the tributes and performances, Williams’ prayer lingered within the room. It was a reminder that for him, affect is each international and deeply private.
“Influence is available in many varieties,” he stated. “Generally international, generally native, generally cultural and generally deeply private.”
