Last night’s Grammys weren’t just about the biggest names in music; they were also about breakthrough moments.
A wave of Black men walked into the ceremony as nominees and left as first-time Grammy winners, marking major milestones in careers that have been built through years of consistency, evolution, and creative risk. From R&B and rap to gospel, reggae, blues, spoken word, and even children’s music, this year’s wins reflected the depth of Black artistry across genres.
Here are the Black men who earned their first Grammy wins last night.
Leon Thomas
Leon Thomas had one of the biggest nights of any first-time winner, taking home two awards.
His track Vibes Don’t Lie won Best Traditional R&B Performance, and his project Mutt earned Best R&B Album.
Already respected as a singer, songwriter, and producer, Thomas is now officially a Grammy-winning force — and his momentum is only building.
Durand Bernarr
Durand Bernarr’s win was a long time coming.
His album Bloom took home Best Progressive R&B Album, a category that celebrates innovation and boundary-pushing artistry. Bernarr has always existed in his own lane, mixing soul, funk, and experimental R&B into something unmistakably personal.
Now, he has the hardware to match the acclaim.
Clipse (Pusha T & Malice)
Clipse made a triumphant return to the Grammy stage.
Their record Chains & Whips featuring Kendrick Lamar and Pharrell Williams won Best Rap Performance, giving both Pusha T and Malice their first-ever Grammy wins.
For a duo whose influence has shaped rap for decades, the moment felt overdue and deeply satisfying.
Mad Skillz
Virginia legend Mad Skillz earned his first Grammy win with Words for Days Vol. 1, which took home Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.
Known for his lyrical sharpness and cultural commentary, this win shows how hip-hop’s roots in poetry continue to be honored in new ways.
Robert Randolph
Blues got a major spotlight thanks to Robert Randolph, whose album Preacher’s Kids won Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Randolph has long been celebrated for his genre-bending musicianship, and this win marks an important recognition of his impact and artistry.
Darrel Walls
Gospel music had a powerful moment with Darrel Walls, whose project Heart of Mine won Best Gospel Album.
Walls’ sound has helped shape modern gospel for years, and this first Grammy win is a major milestone for his ministry and music.
Keznamdi
Reggae continues to thrive globally, and Keznamdi earned his first Grammy with BLEXXD & FYAH, which won Best Reggae Album.
The win reflects reggae’s evolving sound and the genre’s continued cultural reach.
Fyütch
One of the most emotional wins of the night came from the children’s category.
Maryland artist and educator Fyütch won Best Children’s Music Album for Harmony, alongside his daughter Aura V.
In his acceptance speech, Fyütch reminded the world that children’s music is more than entertainment, it’s responsibility, activism, and care for the next generation.
Shaboozey
Shaboozey continues to redefine what Black presence in country music looks like.
His collaboration Amen with Jelly Roll won Best Country Duo/Group Performance, giving him his first Grammy win and another major step in his genre-crossing rise.
From Leon Thomas’ double victory to Clipse finally being recognized, and Fyütch making history in children’s music, last night proved once again that Black creativity continues to expand across every corner of the musical landscape.
And for these first-time winners, this is only the beginning.
