Bronx talent takes over Hollywood’s 61st Grammy Awards

Bronx talent takes over Hollywood’s 61st Grammy Awards|Bronx talent takes over Hollywood’s 61st Grammy Awards|Bronx talent takes over Hollywood’s 61st Grammy Awards|Bronx talent takes over Hollywood’s 61st Grammy Awards
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Bulova|Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP|Photo courtesy of Bronx Native|Photo courtesy of Jerome Lamaar

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 first 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 first 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.

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

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 final Bronxite who stole the show as well, did it from the red carpet.

That would be designer and influencer, 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.

A Cardi B-inspired t-shirt was created by Bronx Native following her Grammy win.
Photo courtesy of Bronx Native

“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 came to a close, one question remained: how great an impact will Bronx talent have on the 62nd Grammy awards in 2020.

Jerome Lamaar at the Grammys Red Carpet.
Photo courtesy of Jerome Lamaar