Top 5 Grammy Moments —2025

written by @najerimonica

As we approach one week since the 2025 Grammy’s, I’ve had time to take in all that’s happened and my favorite parts of the star-studded night. Between one of the world's “Most Famous Streamers” giving us exclusive behind-the-scenes content that made us feel like we were part of the action and Kendrick Lamar taking home FIVE Grammy’s for ‘Not Like Us’, this year's award show felt like a win for Hip hop and the culture. Here are my TOP 5 moments from the night!

Starting off strong with #5 – Kai Cenat streaming on the red carpet

I’d say that experiencing Kai Cenat’s perspective of the Grammy red carpet through his Twitch stream was one of the most Gen Z moments of the night! I often tune into Kai’s streams to see what entertaining antics he’s up to or which celebrity guest he might have at the AMP crib.

However, witnessing him navigate the red carpet in real time was unbelievable.

I appreciate how Cenat shares his unique first-time experiences with his audience. Being able to catch the behind the scenes of the 23-year-old - Bronx native experiencing it with us via Twitch stream was amazing.

We watched him meet Vybez Cartel, confront Elliott Wilson in the middle of his Complex Interview, and also link with Will Smith for a quick wardrobe malfunction all while ON stream.

#4 Alicia Keys receiving the: Dr. Dre Global Impact Award

The ‘Dr. Dre Global Impact Award’ was introduced in 2023, coinciding with Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. Dr. Dre received the award in its inaugural year, followed by Jay-Z in the second year. This award recognizes artists whose influence extends beyond music, celebrating not only artistic excellence but also entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic efforts, and global cultural impact.

Watching Queen Latifah present the award to Alicia Keys was truly inspiring. Keys’ speech served as a call to action as she highlighted the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):

"When destructive forces try to burn us down, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix. And as you see tonight, music is the unstoppable language that connects us all — it's so beautiful”

It was remarkable to witness Alicia focus on such a vital topic in American society while also being honored for her musical achievements in the culture.

#3 Beyonce winning – Country Album of the Year & AOTY

In 2024, Beyoncé set out on a journey, determined to challenge the longstanding conventions of the music industry. With the release of her groundbreaking album, "Cowboy Carter," she conveyed a powerful message about the importance of authenticity and artistic expression. The album served as a reminder to all artists that staying true to oneself and creating art that resonates personally is vital, regardless of the obstacles one may face.

Beyoncé's journey culminated a historic moment when she became the first Black woman to receive the prestigious award for Country Album of the Year. This milestone not only showcased her versatility as an artist but also inspired countless individuals who have long been underrepresented in the genre. For years, fans had witnessed her being overshadowed in the category of Album of the Year, often coming close but ultimately missing out. However, this year was different. After a long-awaited victory, Beyoncé finally took home the Album of the Year award. 

As she stood on stage, sharing the precious moment with her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter — it was a heartwarming sight, symbolizing dedication to her craft but also the legacy she is building for the next generation. In an impromptu interview with Kevin Frazier shortly after leaving the stage, Beyoncé expressed the significance of this win. She articulated how this recognition validated her years of hard work and resilience, and she emphasized the importance of pursuing one's creative vision with pride and tenacity.

#2 – Doechii winning RAP album of the year

In August 2024, Tampa’s own Doechii released her third mixtape, "Alligator Bites Never Heal." Since its launch, she has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, both for the project and for the consistent promotion of the 19-track album.

Her rapping abilities and storytelling skills are exceptionally showcased in this project. Competing against notable peers like Common, Pete Rock, Eminem, J. Cole, Future, and Metro Boomin for the category of RAP Album of the Year, I was thrilled to see her take home the trophy and hear her beautiful acceptance speech.

#1 – Kendrick Lamar Takes home 5 Grammys for Not Like Us

My favorite part of Grammy night was watching Kendrick Lamar take home five Grammy Awards for his song “Not Like Us.” He won in the categories of Best Music Video, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year.

Since its release in May, I have seen this Billboard number one record resonate deeply with the culture, but I never expected it to go 5 for 5 on Grammy night. It makes sense that the diss record heard around the world would be the one to achieve such recognition. It was truly amazing to see Lamar and his peers take the stage to accept each award and dedicate them to various Los Angeles legends.

Rap Media & The GOATS dropping??

Lately, there's been a lot of discussion about the state of Hip Hop Media and whether it even still exists. I think there are more than a few incredible outlets and journalists/media personalities out there who are doing an amazing job of sharing and telling stories that are still rooted in the music. However, I can understand why some people might have doubts. These days, it seems like a lot of the big "moments" or "viral stories" you see online are coming from outlets that are more focused on the virality of the post or story, rather than the actual music and the creative minds behind it.

As someone who really loves hip-hop culture and still actively searches the internet for stories, blogs, videos, podcasts, and interviews from and about creatives I love, it’s interesting to see the scene and who’s still contributing to it positively. I can only hope that it’s not gone for good – there are still so many stories to be told, and I for one can’t watch great storytelling leave the culture before I get my chance to contribute!

On a more positive note! Exactly a week ago J. Cole may have dropped one of the hardest verses of the year….

For those that don’t know, I’ve spent the past 10 years advocating the theory that Cole is the best rapper out of the big 3 – so it’s not surprising to see him still rapping at such a phenomenal level and dropping features consistently the past two years following his last project “The Off - Season”. 

- BIA — London
- Benny The Butcher — Johnny P’s Caddy
- Dreamville — Stick
- YG — Scared Money
- Dreamville — Freedom of Speech
- Summer Walker — To Summer, From Cole
- Lil Durk —All My Life
- Lil Yacthy — The Secret Recipe 

I won't be surprised if this next album gives us some of his best rapping ever. I remember early 2020 when I believe he was originally set to drop the anticipated album, there were some photos going around surrounding the original rollout.. That kind of gave an election aesthetic/vibe..

With the election year coming up, could the album possibly be coming sooner than we think?

While we wait for that news, we DO know that Drake’s highly anticipated tape “For All the Dogs” is coming… It's currently 11:56 pm on October 5th and instead of gearing up to listen to it, I’m looking over the tracklist thinking about how in less than a week at least 5 of these songs are going to be in my immediate rotation. 

Also, if I’m being honest I’m thinking about how crazy it is to start the album off with a track named “Virginia Beach”...... what are we gearing up to experience at 6 a.m.?! 

With the surprise song & matching video for “8 AM IN CHARLOTTE”, I’m excited to see how he approached this album and what kind of music we’ll get. Since the early promotion of this album, Drake has been constantly reminding us that we just might get the “old Drake” back. When I hear the term “old Drake” I instantly think about the Take Care/NWTS eras… and man do I LOVE those eras. If this album has any elements that remind me of those projects + the amazing rapping he's still been showing us with the consistent time-stamp records then I’m IN. 

As Always here’s some music I’ve been listening to + some recent releases let me know what y’all been hooked on in the comments below!


’For All The Dogs’ - @champagnepapi

’Hot Commodity’ - @maiyathedonn

’Glorious’ - @joeyfatts

’They Spit on Jesus’ - @elcaminosway

’Vin Skully’ - @soapmanwun & @alanthechemist

’THIS THE BEST I EVER FELT’ - @globalmick & @nhzay

P.S. I also recently wrote an article about my best friend’s newest tape ‘Sincere Apology’. We talked all about the tape and the inspiration behind it! Make sure to tap in & stream the tape!!

'Sincere Apology' a tape by Kbizzle

Hip Hop 50 <3

August 11, 2023, was excitedly the 50th anniversary of when Hip Hop was created on 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York. It’s amazing to think that 50 years ago, DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy Campbell threw a party that would change the course of music history forever.

With this past week being the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, there was a lot of “reminiscent” conversations online - for example people discussing their favorite hip hop albums of all time, their favorite DJ’s, the first Hip hop album we’ve ever bought with our own money, and even our favorite Hip Hop album cover of all time.

With all these topics on the timeline, it encouraged me to think long and hard about some of my "favorite" things as they relate to hip-hop. For instance, the first hip-hop album I ever bought with my own money was Take Care. The first rap concert I ever attended was Drake’s Club Paradise Tour, and as many people may or may not know, J. Cole is indeed my favorite rapper of all time hahaha.

Even though these are all just ‘peeks’ inside some of my favorite things in hip-hop, seeing the open dialogue of all of these topics on social media and others opinions and memories really was amazing/nostalgic to see.

Amongst all of this nostalgia I think we can all agree that the biggest celebration for hip hop’s 50th birthday was the ‘The Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium’ concert. Friday night, this legend-studded lineup filled the stadium with timeless memories with performances from Lil Wayne, Run DMC, Snoop Dogg, Slick Rick, Cam’Ron, and even a surprise duet performance from Nas and Lauryn Hill, and so much more!

As we bring in this 50th anniversary, it makes me wonder what the next 50 years in this genre will look like. Will we ever see another hip-hop group like The Migos, another "Big Three" like Drake, Kendrick, and Cole, or even another star-studded Bronx female rapper from the Bronx like Cardi B or Ice Spice? Will my kids live and breathe this genre as much as I do? Will they go back and listen to classic albums that were way before their time, like I once did? I guess these are all important questions for the future of this culture, but the truth is, I’m excited to see how far it continues to take us!

- @najerimonica <3

Pssssttttt! If you are still here reading, here’s some stuff I’ve been listening to + some recent releases let me know what y’all been hooooked on in the comments below!

‘Bigger then everything’ - @yeat

‘IN THIS’ - @fleeghost & @cashcobain_2x

‘Need 2 Know’ - @layaface

‘SHAKE IT’ - @globalmick

‘Sundial’ - @nonamehiding

‘Porches’ - @reasontde

‘Before The Summer’s Over’ - @crxssroadsmusic

‘Humble Soles’ - @rocnation

Grateful.

These past couple of weeks, months even I feel like I’ve been witnessing a lot of loss around me. It’s hard to even put into words... My heart & blessings go out to anyone that’s hurting, mourning, or waiting for a blessing. Remember to live every day with kindness & love, you never know who needs it. 

As I creep up to age 25 I can’t say how grateful I am to be able to be here and not take any moment I have here for granted. In the past couple weeks, mad blessings have been coming my way - I got to experience some amazing things, took a road trip up to Atlanta got to catch one of my favorite podcasts live, and of course, spent some well-needed time with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

When I caught @newrorynmal live I got the chance to ask a question during the show and it was such a dope experience. I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone even if it was for a moment... It was great to connect with them.

My question was along the lines of if they ever thought about adding a ‘sleepers’ like segment to their show or a monthly playlist with the music they've been listening to, to share with their listeners & this was their answer: 

Also.. in the past few weeks the Orlando Voyager published an article about me and my story on their site! Be sure to check it out below!

Orlando Voyager Article

On top of all of the exciting/new things that have been happening in my life - this weekend my mom is hosting her very own solo art exhibit ‘Hip Hop Meets Art’ on December 3rd: 7 pm - 10 pm. There will be art, music, live performances, drinks, and food + I’ll be hosting it. You won’t want to miss it! I’m super proud of my mom, I’ve been watching her put this together since the beginning so it’s going to be great to see her hard work pay off and see her celebrated by those that love her <3 You can get your tickets below

Tickets here <3

Heres some stuff I’ve been listening to + some recent releases let me know what y’all been hooooked on in the comments below!

Rosedale - @onlyoneiman

Beyond Belief - @iamspesh

Gang’Nem - @souloho3

Flamerz 5 - @meekmill

Feed The Streets 3 - @roddyricch

Spend It - @babyfaceray, @blxst, @amnija_

Emotional Gangsta - @omeretta

Jupiter’s Diary: 7 Day Theory - Rod Wave

p.s. playlist still going crazzzzzzzzy

TAP IN <3

Now You Feel Me.. vol. 1

To be honest, these past few weeks I’ve been having a hard time focusing on writing this first post. Not because there hasn’t been anything to talk about but because I just simply never knew how or where I would start but today just feels right... It’s currently 10:50 AM on November 1st, 2022 and the whole world just woke up to the devastating news of Artist, Kirshnik Khari Ball - also known as ‘Takeoff’ from The Migos passing away. Not gonna lie it’s been hard constantly waking up to the sad news of not only artists and celebrities that I look up to passing away.. but also people I grew up with or close friends of people I grew up with passing away so suddenly. It’s like a cycle.. a constant reminder that life is very short and that we need to live every moment with gratitude. It can be hard to focus on your dreams and goals as we can get wrapped up in everyday life and responsibilities but I believe that we’re all here for a purpose and it’s important to lean into that purpose while you still have the time.

Since before I can even remember I've always had a passion for music and all the different stories that could be told through the lyrics, the production, and of course the delivery from the artist. From a young age it was clear to see that no matter the genre or language, music was the universal language that could bring people together in whatever they may be going through.

For the past few months, I’ve been working on myself a lot. Working to become more patient, working on my relationship with God, and of course following my dreams on my terms. In no way shape or form has it been easy.. but waking up every day and being able to see my progress is what truly makes it worth it. If you’re new here this website is a more in-depth version of my IG page @illnamethisbloglater_. On both platforms, I want to be able to create a community where people who love music just as much as I do can come and share their music hot takes, favorite lyrics, podcasts, playlists, albums, etc. 


With that being said I’d like to go ahead and plug a playlist I’ve been working on for a few weeks now. As I started making the playlist and playing it back to back about 100 times I realized just how much the theme was very much about being grateful for the moment that you’re living in because every day is not promised. With everything going on in our world and everyday life it’s important to keep that as a daily reminder. Be sure to check out the playlist below! and tell me what you think ;)

I’m not sure how often I’ll be doing these blog entries but I’m excited to have a place where I can share things I love a bit more intimately. Be sure to stay tuned for more & to stay in the loop! Until then, here are some of my favorite videos/clips I’ve been loving as well as a list of some new releases from this past week or so! Be sure to check it out.

p.s. I’m going to a live @newrorynmal show this weekend & I’m excited about it… but I’ve only been to Atlanta once.. not sure what to expect.. what’s the ATL vibes like??? I’m at least hoping for a good hookah & some fire wings? put me on? lmao

Happy Veterans Day weekend! <3

- @najerimonica



What I Didn’t Tell You - @cocojones

Band of Brothers - @iamspesh, @harryfraud, @getbenny, & @therealransom

What Had Happened Was… - @shelley

Kings Disease 3 - @nas & @hitboy

More Love, Less Ego - @wizkidayo

Yes I Do ft. Mac Miller - @frenchmontana

Anyways, Life's Great... - @glorillapimp

Never Been - @ohjd_