The Grammy Awards® are back in New York City for the first time in fifteen years. And the city is lit with celebrity-doused parties and extravagant record company events, like the Warner Music Group’s party last night with Cardi B.

Grammy’s Return to New York City – Cardi B. at Warner Music Group’s Party



While the bodacious rapper was ripping the stage at the swanky midtown restaurant – The Grill/The Pool – Missy Elliott was receiving Essence Magazine’s ‘Black Women in Music’ Award from Janet Jackson at the Highline Ballroom. Missy cried as she heard Janet say, “Creativity is a beautiful thing, and when creativity flows so freely from a musical genius, all we can do is express gratitude.”

But the premiere of all the pre-Grammy® events is the invitation-only gala happening Saturday night. This year Clive Davis is to present Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter with the 2018 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons® Award, one of the music industry’s most prestigious. Davis was quoted saying, “JAY-Z is a quintessential icon, and I couldn’t be happier and more excited to share the evening with him. What a night this will be!”



Already a 21-time Grammy Award® Winner, Jay Z moves to another plateau with the Grammy Icon Award®. It is Jay-Z’s philanthropy and community service that is the impetus this time. In 2002, the 4:44 rapper founded the Shawn Carter Foundation to help students facing socio-economic hardships further their education. The Shawn Carter Scholars study at more than 100 colleges and universities throughout the country. Previous Grammy Icon Award® Winners include Herb Alpert, Sir Richard Branson, David Geffen, Berry Gordy, Debra L. Lee, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, and Clive Davis himself; that’s pretty impressive company.

Grammy’s Return to New York City – President Obama Congratulating Jay-Z for Induction into Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2017

Hov’s other accomplishments read impressive at this point in his career. In 2017, Jay-Z’s induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame made a big splash when President Obama congratulated him on Twitter. He’s served as president of Def Jam Recordings and acquired luxury spirits brand Armand De Brignac. In 2013, Jay-Z launched Roc Nation Sports, whose roster includes Golden State Warrior’s forward Kevin Durant and MLB All-Star Robinson Cano. He also became co-owner of TIDAL music streaming service in 2015.

Here’s a toast to hip-hop’s Jiggaman for his significant contributions to the music industry and his numerous philanthropic endeavors. Cheers!

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