BRANDY, KIRK FRANKLIN AND PHARRELL WILLIAMS RECEIVE GRAND SALUTE AT FOURTH ANNUAL RECORDING ACADEMY® HONORS PRESENTED BY THE BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE
All Photos by Getty Images for the Recording Academy®
SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JAN. 30, 2026) — A star-studded evening celebrating the illustrious careers of Grammy® Award-winning legends Brandy, Kirk Franklin and Pharrell Williams took place Thursday, Jan. 29, at the fourth annual Recording Academy® Honors presented by the Black Music Collective (BMC), ahead of Music’s Biggest Night®. Brandy and Franklin were each honored with the Black Music Icon Award , recognizing Black music creators whose artistry, innovation and service have shaped the industry and inspired generations around the world. Williams was presented with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, recognizing his musical achievements, as well as his entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic efforts and far-reaching cultural influence worldwide.
“Honoring Brandy, Kirk and Pharrell at this year’s Recording Academy Honors underscored the profound influence these three trailblazing artists have had on music and culture,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Their excellence, creativity and enduring impact exemplify the legacy we strive to celebrate, and seeing this event continue to grow affirms our dedication to uplifting the Black music community and recognizing its brilliance at the highest level.”
A stellar lineup of Grammy winners and nominees took the stage to honor the evening’s recipients: Coco Jones, FLO and Kehlani delivered performances celebrating Brandy; Brittany Spencer, Darrel Walls, John Legend, Lecrae, PJ Morton, Tamela Mann, and Voices of Fire paid tribute to Franklin; and Williams was recognized with performances by Clipse and Leon Thomas, capped by a surprise appearance and performance from Justin Timberlake. Brandy and Franklin also delivered unforgettable performances of their own, bringing the room to its feet. Additional appearances throughout the evening included BMC Co-Chairs J. Ivy and Torae, Dr. Dre and Tyler, The Creator.
Adding to the celebration, Grammy Award–winning artist Eve received long-awaited recognition for her work on The Roots’ song “You Got Me,” which won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2000. Although she was featured on the record, she was inadvertently uncredited at the time. After recently becoming aware of the situation, the Academy honored Eve with a Grammy Award for her contributions to the track. The award was presented to her by Harvey Mason Jr. and Torae. Since its inception, the BMC has remained dedicated to championing and empowering Black music creators and industry leaders. Past honorees include Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, JAY-Z, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Lil Wayne, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, and Sylvia Rhone. In further support of its mission to cultivate the next generation of Black leaders in music, the BMC awarded $85,000 in scholarship grants last year to Black college students and HBCU music programs.
MVD Inc returned for the fourth consecutive year to produce the event, with Adam Blackstone returning as music director. Specialty cocktails by PATRÓN Tequila were enjoyed by guests throughout the evening.
“Honoring Brandy, Kirk and Pharrell at this year’s Recording Academy Honors underscored the profound influence these three trailblazing artists have had on music and culture,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Their excellence, creativity and enduring impact exemplify the legacy we strive to celebrate, and seeing this event continue to grow affirms our dedication to uplifting the Black music community and recognizing its brilliance at the highest level.”
A stellar lineup of Grammy winners and nominees took the stage to honor the evening’s recipients: Coco Jones, FLO and Kehlani delivered performances celebrating Brandy; Brittany Spencer, Darrel Walls, John Legend, Lecrae, PJ Morton, Tamela Mann, and Voices of Fire paid tribute to Franklin; and Williams was recognized with performances by Clipse and Leon Thomas, capped by a surprise appearance and performance from Justin Timberlake. Brandy and Franklin also delivered unforgettable performances of their own, bringing the room to its feet. Additional appearances throughout the evening included BMC Co-Chairs J. Ivy and Torae, Dr. Dre and Tyler, The Creator.
Adding to the celebration, Grammy Award–winning artist Eve received long-awaited recognition for her work on The Roots’ song “You Got Me,” which won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2000. Although she was featured on the record, she was inadvertently uncredited at the time. After recently becoming aware of the situation, the Academy honored Eve with a Grammy Award for her contributions to the track. The award was presented to her by Harvey Mason Jr. and Torae. Since its inception, the BMC has remained dedicated to championing and empowering Black music creators and industry leaders. Past honorees include Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, JAY-Z, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Lil Wayne, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, and Sylvia Rhone. In further support of its mission to cultivate the next generation of Black leaders in music, the BMC awarded $85,000 in scholarship grants last year to Black college students and HBCU music programs.
MVD Inc returned for the fourth consecutive year to produce the event, with Adam Blackstone returning as music director. Specialty cocktails by PATRÓN Tequila were enjoyed by guests throughout the evening.