By Nathan Lately ·Updated January 31, 2026 /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

“What is yours never can miss you, even 30 years later.”

After taking a year off due to the devastating fires in Los Angeles, The Black Music Collective’s Recording Academy Honors event returned to form for its 4th annual ceremony.

In a night full of surprises and stars, rapper and author Eve was awarded a retroactive Grammy for her initially uncredited contributions to The Roots’ classic, “You Got Me,” which won the Grammy for Best Rap performance by a Duo or Group in 2000. Twenty-six years later, the Recording Academy has righted the wrong, and Eve beamed with pride and gratitude as she officially became a two-time Grammy winner.

Eve’s words about life’s timing seemed to echo throughout the night as honorees Kirk Franklin, Brandy, and Pharrell Williams received their awards. Black Music Collective co-chair Torae asked ESSENCE, “If we don’t celebrate us, who will?”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 29: Eve (C) accepts a Grammy Award from Harvey Mason jr., CEO, the Recording Academy and Torae Carr onstage during the 2026 Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective during the 68th GRAMMY