With the 50th anniversary of hip-hop coming up on Aug. 11, the Recording Academy has been celebrating one of music's most popular genres all year long. This past week, the U.S. Congress honored this important anniversary with resolutions in both the House and Senate officially recognizing the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced and passed a resolution that will designate August 11th as "Hip-Hop Celebration Day," the month of August as "Hip-Hop Recognition Month" and the month of November as "Hip-Hop History Month."

After the passage of the Senate resolution, Leader Schumer celebrated by speaking on the Senate floor.

He stated, "Over the decades, hip hop has transcended language, race, age, both geographic and socioeconomic barriers. Many people can attest to the fact that hip-hop actually changed their lives for the better, gave them purpose and meaning. I know many of them myself, many of whom are New York City and Bronx residents. So, hip-hop is great. It's a uniquely American art form that quickly blossomed into a global movement and we are proud, proud, proud, proud today that this resolution, honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, has passed."

Along with Leader Schumer, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also co-sponsored the Senate resolution. The pair of senators have a long history of supporting music creators and were recently honored at the Recording Academy's GRAMMYs on the Hill in April for their dedication to the music community.

Just days later, on July 26th, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) spearheaded the introduction of a House resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and its contribution to American art and culture. In addition to Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), and Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) were original co-sponsors of the resolution.

Upon introduction of the resolution, Rep. Kamlager-Dove released the following statement: "I'm a child of hip-hop, and for the past 50 years, we have seen hip-hop infuse itself into American culture through music, art, fashion, and film. Hip-hop has been used as a tool of resistance and storytelling. Through this genre, Black people have been able to speak truth to the ways they have been marginalized or forgotten. From the crack epidemic to mass incarceration to feeling the weight of systemic oppression, hip-hop has been the voice of the Black struggle movement in so many ways. We need to remember that and celebrate how liberating this genre has been for so many."

"California's own artists, like Tupac and Nipsey Hussle, have played critical roles in the vibrancy of the Los Angeles music scene. We must continue to support the artists whose lyrics foster freedom of expression, creativity, and storytelling," she continued. "On hip-hop's golden anniversary, I honor how the Black community has used hip-hop as a tool of unity during some of the most harrowing parts of our nation's history, and I hope that this resolution sends a message against those who try to erase us, demonize us, or call us out of our name. I also hope this resolution empowers each of us to see the special way hip-hop has manifested in our lives."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also weighed in on the resolution stating, "Hip-hop is not just music, but a way of life that has changed America. It is culture, art, heart, soul, swagger, form of dress, language and the way we think about issues. It's a testament to the impact of hip-hop on all segments of society that it is being celebrated in the halls of Congress in such a phenomenal way. I thank Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Jamaal Bowman, Nikema Williams, Summer Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee, Hank Johnson and Troy Carter for leading this important effort in the House."

Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason jr., also released the following statement on the resolutions: "Hip-hop is more than a musical style — it's a global movement that has shaped culture and provided a voice for generations. The Recording Academy is grateful that Congress is championing the genre and memorializing its 50th anniversary this August 11. Hip-hop's impact on society is undeniable, and this official celebration is incredibly deserved."

The House and Senate resolutions affirm the importance of hip-hop, not only as a genre of music, but as a part of American culture and history. The Recording Academy will continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop throughout the entire month of August. More information can be found on RecordingAcademy.com.

Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act Reintroduced In Congress: Carry The Fight Forward With These Inspiring & Galvanizing Quotes From The 2023 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards & Advocacy Day

It virtually goes without saying that every year, the annual GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards are monumental in their own way. But for manifold reasons, 2023 stands alone.

Once again, the music industry paradigm is today shifting in real-time, driven by the rapid rise of emerging technology, the ongoing fight for fair compensation for songwriters and artists, the protection of artists' freedom of creative expression, and other key music industry issues impacting creators — all of which played a central role at the 2023 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards.

"We find ourselves at a crossroads," Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy, said on the red carpet ahead of this year’s GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards last Wednesday. "It’s a time of opportunity, but I think it’s a time of peril, too."

By his telling, the evolving nature of today’s music industry is wide-spanning: There’s the collision between AI and music as well as the ongoing growth of music revenues via streaming. De novo, the music landscape has found itself in uncharted waters — financially and structurally.

Central on the docket for GRAMMYs On The Hill 2023 is the newly reintroduced Restoring Artistic Protection Act. The purpose of the act — to limit the admissibility of lyrics in criminal proceedings and legal court cases — is essential for fairness and equity across the wider music industry, but carries a heightened impact on the rap community that is commonly the target of this prosecutorial tactic.

All of this would be on the table by the next morning, at the dawn of Advocacy Day 2023, when the Restoring Artistic Protection Act was reintroduced by Congressmen Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), alongside Recording Academy leaders and members  at a press conference on Capitol Hill. 

While the week’s events focused on progress and positive change, the GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards celebrated music people — and those who valiantly fight for their rights — on a higher level. Taking place at the Hamilton Live, a block from the White House, the event began with a performance from traditional New Orleans jazz trumpeter Leroy Jones, who’s performed with everyone from Harry Connick Jr. to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Jones’ swooping, swinging, syncopated rendition — hesitating, detouring, yet concluding in a flourish — befitted an endeavor where nothing was guaranteed, but nobody is giving up easily.

Country-soul leading light Maggie Rose then introduced Tammy Hurt, Chair on the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy, along with five-time GRAMMY-winning soprano legend Renée Fleming. 

They, in turn, introduced U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) with a stirring video tying into the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, presenting the Brooklyn native as a tireless warrior for music creators’ rights who proved instrumental in saving the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon strolling onstage, Sen. Schumer acknowledged a "great New Yorker and great American," two-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Harry Belafonte, who died the previous day. "Through his music, he touched the hearts of millions, like no one ever before," Schumer said, celebrating Belafonte’s courage in "challenging an entire nation to confront the forces of segregation and bigotry."

After acknowledging his friend and fellow GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards honoree from across the aisle, Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Sen. Schumer offered further expressions: "I’ve always believed that music is more than a form of entertainment," he said. "It's a cultural, economic and social force that brings people [together] from all walks of life."

One of the most emotionally stirring moments of the evening came when Todd Dupler, Acting Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer for the Recording Academy, introduced Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast, the founder and director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), Ministry of Education of Afghanistan.

In August 2021, Sarmast put his life on the line to help the Afghanistan National Institute of Music escape after the Taliban seized control of his embattled country and banned all non-religious music. "We are here to celebrate the beauty of music," he said. "In Afghanistan, the people are deprived of their music."

Rose then returned to the stage for a rousing rendition of her anthemic "What Are We Fighting For," from her 2021 album Have a Seat. While the thrust of the lyrics is a lover’s quarrel, the song felt apropos to the spirit of GRAMMYs On The Hill, where leading political minds reach across aisles for the greater good of our universal language. Upon her exhortation for the audience to join her in the revelry, a number of high-profile attendees, like House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), followed suit.

This year, the GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards, sponsored by City National Bank, benefited the GRAMMY Museum; as such, Museum President and CEO Michael Sticka took the stage to tout the institution’s crucial work on historical, curatorial and educational programs and initiatives. (Linda Duncombe, the executive vice president and chief marketing, data and digital officer of City National Bank and a member of the Museum’s Board of Directors, made a brief onstage appearance as well.)

Singer/songwriter JP Saxe then gave the ceremony another dollop of soul, as he sat behind a keyboard and performed "If The World Was Ending," originally a GRAMMY-nominated duet with Julia Michaels.

After an introduction from Recording Academy President Panay, Tarriona "Tank" Ball — of Tank and the Bangas fame — appeared to tout the American musical tradition that birthed New Orleans artistry; in such, she stressed the primacy of freedom. A video played spotlighting Sen. Cassidy’s work in the roots music capital, as he fights to sustain music small businesses, champions the Music Modernization Act, and assisted ANIM in their safe evacuation out of Afghanistan.

The night was winding up to Pharrell Williams’ big honor. Tobe Nwigwe, a rapper and star on the Netflix series "Mo" who was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best New Artist in 2023, performed a rolling, flowing song especially for the man of the hour. That was "In the Water" – a reference to Williams’ Something in the Water festival, which returned to his hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia, the following weekend.

Right then, Williams himself — a 13-time GRAMMY winner who looms large in innumerable spheres of American music, from rap to pop to R&B — stepped onstage to receive the GRAMMYs On The Hill’s Creator Leadership Award presented to him by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.

"I’ve been incredibly lucky in my career as a musician," he said. "But there are a ton of my brothers and sisters that are just like starting out. And even some that have been in the game for a very long time that haven't had the same advantages.

"The worth of these musicians needs to be protected," Williams continued. "I think it’s a very beautiful thing that our government is shining a light and giving visibility to the struggle [experienced by] us as musicians."

The evening concluded with a masterful performance by Tank and four-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Nile Rodgers, who performed a luminous version of Daft Punk’s "Get Lucky" — a modern classic that gave the veteran funk and disco legend a career boost as he fought for his life.

"At the time, I was suffering from cancer," he reflected from the stage, remembering the time when they created the song together. "As I stand here, getting ready to pay tribute to my brother with that song we wrote 10 years ago, I am still cancer-free." (Huge applause.)

As the years roll on, the fight for creators’ rights will continue, and the Recording Academy will remain a trusted champion for creators of all levels across the full spectrum of the music industry, advancing important music policy issues to the forefront. And GRAMMYs On The Hill will once again step up to meet every challenge and celebrate those leading the charge along the way.

But one thing was certain as this year’s honors wound down: As a music community, that night, we all gained ground.

Recording Academy And U.S. Congress Leaders Announce The Reintroduction Of The Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act, Leading The Federal Effort To Limit The Use of Song Lyrics In Court And Legal Cases

Today, Recording Academy leaders and members joined Congressmen Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) at a press conference on Capitol Hill to announce the reintroduction of the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act. Intended to protect artists' freedom of creative expression, the RAP Act would limit the use of song lyrics in court — a common practice that disproportionately affects rap and hip-hop artists. Artists and industry advocates, including Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. and Recording Academy Board of Trustees Vice Chair and Black Music Collective Chair Rico Love, shared their views on the importance of passing this legislation and ensuring all artists can create freely without fear of their work being criminalized. Watch the full press conference below.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Recording Academy's Annual GRAMMYs on the Hill, a two-day event that honored 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Bill Cassidy for their stalwart support of music creators and connected music creators with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to advocate for the RAP Act, the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), and reform of the live event ticketing marketplace.

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"GRAMMYs on the Hill has been bringing music creators to Capitol Hill for more than 20 years to elevate policy issues that impact our community. Today, we're proud to see our Academy members' commitment to advocacy come to life with the reintroduction of the Restoring Artistic Protection Act. We must safeguard artists' freedom to create at all costs and work to eradicate the biases that come with the unconstitutional practice of using lyrics as evidence. We are grateful to Congressmen Johnson and Bowman for their unwavering commitment to music people and look forward to working alongside them to advance this issue." – Harvey Mason jr., CEO, Recording Academy, and Rico Love, Chair, Recording Academy Black Music Collective

"This legislation is long overdue," Congressman Johnson said. "For too long, artists – particularly young Black artists – have been unfairly targeted by prosecutors who use their lyrics as evidence of guilt, even though there is no evidence that the lyrics are anything more than creative expression. When you allow music and creativity to be silenced, you're opening the door for other realms of free speech to be curtailed as well. The government should not be able to silence artists simply because they write, draw, sing, or rap about controversial or taboo subjects. The Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act) would protect artists' First Amendment rights by limiting the admissibility of their lyrics as evidence in criminal and civil proceedings."

"Rap, hip-hop and every lyrical musical piece is a beautiful form of art and expression that must be protected," said Congressman Bowman Ed.D. "I am proud to introduce the RAP Act alongside Rep. Hank Johnson. Our judicial system disparately criminalizes Black and Brown people, including Black and Brown creativity. For example, Tommy Munsdwell Canady is a young 17-year-old kid serving a life sentence whose conviction heavily relied upon lyrics he wrote. I was deeply moved to hear that Mr. Canady continues to pursue his art in the face of our carceral systems that would otherwise stifle Black art. He is not an outlier. Evidence shows when juries believe lyrics to be rap lyrics, there's a tendency to presume it's a confession, whereas lyrics for other genres of music are understood to be art, not factual reporting. This act would ensure that our evidentiary standards protect the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. We cannot imprison our talented artists for expressing their experiences nor will we let their creativity be suppressed."

There are over 500 documented cases since the 2000s where prosecutors have used lyrics as criminal evidence in court against an artist defendant. A 2016 study by criminologists at the University of California examined whether rap lyrics are evaluated using stereotypes and found that rap was evaluated more negatively than other genres of music, highlighting the possibility that bias against rap lyrics could inappropriately impact jurors when admitted as evidence to prove guilt. To right this wrong, the Recording Academy has spearheaded efforts to protect the First Amendment rights of artists nationwide by working to limit the use of an artist's lyrics — among other forms of creative expression — as evidence in criminal proceedings.  

On Sept. 30, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act into law alongside Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. at a virtual bill signing.

This year, the Academy is working to advance similar legislation in several states, including Louisiana, where HB-475 passed a House vote on April 25; Missouri, where HB-353 recently advanced to the House for a vote; and in New York, where a similar bill passed through the Senate in 2022.

Inside GRAMMYs On The Hill 2023: How The Recording Academy Will Fight For Creator's Rights

When it comes to standing up for all music people, GRAMMYs On The Hill has long been a magnificent representation of how they put words into action. Now, they've announced its 2023 honorees.

On Apr. 26, the Recording Academy will host its annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, Washington's premier annual celebration of music and advocacy, bringing together congressional leaders and music makers to recognize those who have led the fight for creators' rights.

Sponsored by City National Bank and benefitting the GRAMMY Museum, this year's awards will honor 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) for their contributions to support music creators. Special guests and attendees will be announced in the coming weeks.

"GRAMMYs on the Hill is a celebration like no other, spotlighting music's unifying power as we bring together our nation's leaders with some of the most renowned artists in the world," said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. "It's a privilege to honor Pharrell alongside Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Cassidy, all of whom have fought tirelessly for pro-music policy that protects the creatives that make up our community."

"I'm very grateful to be honored at this year's GRAMMYs on the Hill among some incredible other honorees who have done tremendous advocacy work for others," says Williams. "It's important that we show up for each other and support one another to ensure that we can keep creating."

"It's an honor to be recognized at this year's GRAMMYs on the Hill for Congress's work to support the recording and performance industry during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic," said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. "I was proud to lead the fight in Congress alongside musicians, venue owners, operators, and employees to pass the Save Our Stages Act, bringing critical relief to thousands of workers in the music industry."

"Music carried the spirits of the students at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music through to freedom. No matter where you are in the world — Kabul or New Orleans — music communicates resilience, passion, and culture," said Dr. Cassidy.

Williams has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to protecting creators' rights and to philanthropy. From his vision in founding organizations such as Black Ambition and YELLOW, to his work and passion for social justice working with former Virginia Governor Northam to make Juneteenth a paid state holiday, he has proved himself a trailblazer not just in music but in service, and a champion for the music community.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has been honored with 13 GRAMMYs, including 2004, 2014 and 2019 Producer Of The Year, and ASCAP's Golden Note Award in 2012. He has received two Academy Award nominations for his original song "Happy" (Despicable Me 2) and for Best Picture-nominated Hidden Figures (2016) as co-producer. Williams also received a Golden Globe nomination for co-scoring the film.

In 2019, he received an Emmy nomination for his original song "Letter to My Godfather," for Netflix's The Black Godfather about legendary music executive Clarence Avant. In 2020, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work as The Neptunes.

On Apr. 28, Williams' multi-day music festival SOMETHING IN THE WATER returns to his hometown of Virginia Beach and will continue its mission spotlighting the community.

Schumer and Cassidy are the congressional honorees being recognized for their stalwart support of creators. Together, they have championed key policies in support of music people, including co-sponsoring the Save Our Stages Act, which was included in the bipartisan COVID relief package passed in December 2020.

As Senate Majority Leader, Schumer ensured essential pandemic relief was available to assist gig workers and music small businesses. Schumer also sponsored the resolution designating Aug. 11, 2021 as "Hip Hop Celebration Day" and the month of November 2021 as "Hip Hop History Month," while Cassidy served as an original co-sponsor of the measure, which passed unanimously in the Senate.

In 2018, Schumer and Cassidy were both co-sponsors of the historic Music Modernization Act. Cassidy, along with Schumer, was also critical in efforts to help 272 young musicians, faculty and staff from the Afghanistan National Institute of Music escape Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and safely reach Qatar in 2021.

Today, many of the institute's activities have been re-established in Portugal, such as the Zohra Orchestra, Afghanistan's first all-female orchestra.

The awards dinner and presentation will take place at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., with live performances from the musical honorees and additional special guests.

The following day, Apr. 27, the Recording Academy will host the annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, which brings current and past GRAMMY winners and nominees, along with other esteemed industry leaders, to meet with lawmakers to discuss issues facing today's music creators.

The day is recognized as Capitol Hill's largest and most prestigious legislative event for music. This year, music creators will meet with Members of Congress to advance several key issues that the Academy and its members continue to advocate for, including:

• The HITS Act, which would allow an artist or songwriter to fully expense the cost of new studio recordings on their taxes, up to $150,000.

• The Restoring Artistic Protection Act, which would limit the use of lyrics and creative expression as evidence in court — a common practice that disproportionately affects the rap community.

• Reform of the live event ticketing marketplace to better protect artists and fans.

• The American Music Fairness Act, which establishes a performance right for artists on AM/FM radio.

Over the past 21 years, GRAMMYs on the Hill has hosted award-winning artists and applauded congressional leaders alike, including four-time GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams, then-Vice President Joe Biden, two-time GRAMMY winner Garth Brooks, former United States Secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), four-time GRAMMY winner Missy Elliott, former Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), 28-time GRAMMY winner Quincy Jones, seven-time GRAMMY winner John Mayer, current Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and more.

The annual advocacy event has also led to several major legislative wins for the music industry, most notably the Music Modernization Act.

Keep watching this space for more thrilling news about GRAMMYs On The Hill — and the Recording Academy's ongoing fight for all music people.

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