First rap song to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year

At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on 10 February 2019, “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (USA, b. Donald Glover) won four awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It was the first time in the history of the Grammys (since 1959) that a rap song had claimed either prize at the annual ceremony.

“This Is America” also won Best Music Video and Best Rap/Sung Performance. Childish Gambino’s total of four awards tied country singer Kacey Musgraves for the most statues at the 2019 ceremony.

“This Is America” was nominated for Record of the Year alongside seven other tracks, including “God’s Plan” (Drake), “I Like It” (Cardi B), “Rockstar” (Post Malone) and “Shallow” (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper).

“This Is America”, complete with guest rappers, a gospel choir and some biting social commentary, was co-written by Childish Gambino, Ludwig Goransson and Young Thug (aka Jeffery Williams). It debuted at No.1 on the US Hot 100 on 19 May 2018.