Bronx talent showcased during
Hollywood’s 61st Grammy Awards
BY ALEX MITCHELL
They might as well have held the
61st Grammy Awards in the Boogie
Down Bronx with the number of
Bronxites that won, were honored, or
attended the big event in Los Angeles
on Sunday, February 10.
The biggest Bronx moment came
when Cardi B stole the show, making
history as the fi rst female to win best
rap album at the awards.
The Highbridge native was literally
left speechless on stage when
she was handed that historic, golden
phonograph for the fi rst time; if you
listen to Cardi B, you know that’s not
common.
“Oh my goodness, um....listen, I’m
sorry, I just, wooo, the nerves are so
bad,” was just about all we got as an
acceptance speech from the winner,
known in her neighborhood as Belcalis
Almanzar, that night.
Her victory even inspired Amaurys
Grullon, founder of Bronx Native
clothing of 112 Lincoln Avenue to release
a new line of Cardi B-themed
merchandise.
Another Bronxite, Jennifer Lopez
didn’t display any nervousness
during her tribute to Motown, which
stunned former Bronx Bomber and
Lopez’ boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez.
Jenny from the block was out
dancing in the street during the tribute
,while two legendary Bronx rappers,
Grandmaster Melle Mel and
Grandmaster Caz, watched comfortably
from their seats.
As a matter of fact, that famed
rap duo is partnering with Bulova
Watches and Windows of Hip Hop
to build a music studio at P.S. 55 in
Claremont, a deal that was acknowledged
and celebrated at the Grammys.
Swizz Beatz, the famed Bronx producer
known best for his work with
Jay Z, Beyonce and DMX was also
given an achievement award while
his lovely wife Alicia Keys hosted the
Grammys.
The fi nal Bronxite who stole the
show as well, did it from the red carpet.
That would be designer and infl
uencer, Jerome Lamaar of Pelham
Bay.
Representing Google and Grammys
LIVE, he impressed the attendees
with the hand embellished, oversized
pink suit Lamaar made for
himself.
“They all thought I was up for an
award or something,” Lamaar joked.
He even had a chance to give a
shout out to Cardi B, who returned
his jubilance with a smile.
“It was a very unique experience
as I have never attended the Grammys
before in this way. For years I
was behind the scenes, styling ce-
Hip hop legends and Bronx natives Grandmaster Caz and Grandmaster Melle Mel attended the Bulova Grammy Brunch at The GRAMMY
Museum. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Bulova
lebs,” the famed designer said.
His trip to the awards and the
amazing reception his self-tailored
suit inspired Lamaar to continue doing
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, F 26 EBRUARY 15-21, 2019 BTR
apparel but “in a more dynamic
way,” he said.
After the star-studded awards
night came to a close, one ques-
Jerome Lamaar at the Grammys Red Carpet.
Photo courtesy of Jerome Lamaar
Cardi B (l) accepted the award for best rap album for ‘Invasion of Privacy’ as Offset (r)
watched at the 61st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
tion remained: how great an impact
will Bronx talent have on the 62nd
Grammy awards in 2020.