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Farrell williams Pre-Grammy Celebrations black The cultural power of music offers a heartfelt prayer for America’s leaders, Urge them to show compassion towards immigrants.
speak at the meeting Recording Academyblack music collective Los Angeleswhere he received the Dr Dre Global Impact Award, Williams appeals for sympathy.
“I want to pray for the leaders and the people in power in this country,” Williams said Thursday night. “I pray that they find some empathy, some grace, and most importantly, some mercy for these people who may not have been born in this country but who love this country just as much.”
His speech came just days before the conference Grammy Awardswinning applause from the audience inside the Fairmont Century Plaza Ballroom.
He continued, “Believe me, if they didn’t believe us when we keep saying this is the greatest country on Earth, they wouldn’t be here. So please…compassion, grace and mercy.”
Williams is one of three people honored at the fourth annual event, which honors artists whose influence extends beyond music. R&B icon Brandy and gospel pioneer Kirk Franklin were also celebrated, both receiving the Black Music Icon Award.
justin timberlake Williams was presented with the award after performing songs they co-wrote, including “Rock Your Body” and “Happy.” Before handing over the trophy, Timberlake praised his longtime collaborator as “one of a kind,” adding, “Man, you’re one of my favorite people. I’m honored to be here.”
Tyler, the Creator provided one of the most heartfelt tributes of the night, praising Williams for opening doors in his career. “Every door he went through, he would come back, grab people and give them the keys,” Taylor said. “You were, are, and always will be my North Star.”
Dr. Dre, the award’s namesake, highlighted Williams’ broad impact in music, fashion, philanthropy and entrepreneurship, noting his consistent advocacy for social change. “For this reason, I am extremely proud to put my name on the award he shares,” Dr. Dre said.
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In his acceptance speech, Williams described music as the “master key” that unlocked his life’s opportunities. “A good master key can open all doors, not just the one door,” he explains. “Music opened the door to the most important things in my life.”
Brandi listened to Coco Jones, FLO and come downthen took the stage to sing “Barely Counts.”
“I never imagined that my name and the word ‘icon’ would come together,” she said. “Humbably, I am just a vessel chosen to use this gift to inspire, touch and change lives.”
Kirk Franklin, dubbed ‘King of Urban Gospel’, honored after performance John Legend“He’s Able” with Lecrae, PJ Morton and Tamela Mann. The 20-time Grammy winner reflects on his challenging upbringing, including adoption, homelessness, sleeping in cars, and how his faith guided his journey.
“I learned early on that with Jesus Christ Franklin shared, “I never want to be afraid to say the name. It hurts me when I see the faith that I truly believe in be so divisive and fail to convey a message of love.” He concluded, “When this all goes away and goes away, I want people to know how I love people.”
In another surprising moment of the night, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. eve Because she is right sourceIn 2000, the hit song “You Got Me” was released.
Despite rapping on the song, Eve wasn’t recognized when the song won Best Rap Performance more than two decades ago. “To correct that,” Mason told the audience, “the Recording Academy is here to provide the respect and recognition it deserves.” An emotional Eve accepted the award to a standing ovation, saying, “This is actually dedicated to little Eve from Philadelphia. What’s yours will never miss you.”
The Black Music Collective has supported Black creators and industry leaders since its inception, having previously honored the following Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Missy ElliottJohn Legend and Mariah Carey. The collective also supports scholarships and initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of black musical talent.
In tributes and performances, Williams’ powerful prayer resonated as a reminder that the impact for him was both global and deeply personal. “Influence comes in many forms,” he concluded. “Sometimes it’s global, sometimes it’s local, sometimes it’s cultural, sometimes it’s very personal.”