Bronx talent showcased during
Hollywood’s 61st Grammy Awards
8
2019 17,February BY ALEX MITCHELL
They might as well have held the 61st
EEKLY W BRONX com BXTimes.www.came to a close, one question remained:
how great an impact will Bronx talent have
on the 62nd Grammy awards in 2020. 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 celebs,” the famed designer said.
His trip to the awards and the amazing
reception his self-tailored suit inspired Lamaar
to continue doing apparel but “in a
more dynamic way,” he said.
After the star-studded awards night
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
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
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