Childish Gambino's "This is America" is First Rap Song to Win 'Song of the Year'

History was made last night at the 61st annual Grammy Awards, when Childish Gambino took home "Song of the Year" and "Record of the Year" for his hit song "This is America." For its victory, the politically charged record became the first rap song to win the prestigious awards in the ceremonies history. Gambino chose to not attend the award show, while he also reportedly declined an invitation to perform. 

For "Song of the Year," which is awarded to the songwriters for each record, "This is America" beat out other hip-hop records including Drake's "God's Plan" and Kendrick and SZA's "All the Stars," while for "Record of the Year," Gambino won over the aforementioned records as well as Cardi B's "I Like It,' and Post Malone's "Rockstar."

In consideration to the public pressure both the Grammys and Oscars have received for its lack of diversity since their inception, it appears that the Academys are looking to change that narrative expeditiously to avoid more criticism, evident in a recent quote from Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich who acknowledged, "We continue to have a problem in the hip-hop world."   

Source: CNN