Grammys Right a Wrong and Finally Reward This Female Rapper (It’s Not Nicki Minaj)
It’s officially Grammy Award weekend, and ahead of the televised ceremony, the Recording Academy is finally righting a wrong from 2000. During that particular award show, the legendary artist Santana cleaned up in many of the main categories, TLC was doing quite well in the R&B categories with “No Scrub,” and Lenny Kravitz received a well-deserved award for “American Woman.” But an artist who didn’t receive what they deserved that night at the Grammys was a certain critically-acclaimed rapper.
No, this isn’t the case of a musician losing out on a Grammy because of a surprising upset. It’s the case of a femcee being on a song that received a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and her contributions being overlooked. Thankfully, although it has taken 26 years, the Academy has finally righted that wrong.
Why Did Eve not Receive a Grammy for "You Got Me" Initially?
Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
Back on January 25, 1999, the Philadelphia-grown hip hop band The Roots released arguably their most celebrated hit, “You Got Me.” On the track is the Grammy-winning songstress Erykah Badu. Also lending her rapping skills to the song is the one and only Eve.
So when the song was up for a Grammy and ultimately won the trophy, all the artists on the track were supposed to receive a gramophone. Eve did not get one at the ceremony in 2000. Why? Unfortunately, at the time, she wasn’t credited on the song. To be clear, her not receiving credit on the song is not the fault of the Recording Academy, but of The Roots. Check out Eve’s take on the matter below.
https://youtube.com/shorts/DZGaMdoMJTE?si=p4S4IiKkriVIFqAJ
Eve Finally Receives the Grammy She Earned
With all that being said, Eve has finally received her just due. During the 2026 Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective, Eve was called to the stage and presented with a Grammy for “You Got Me.” It was a celebratory moment for the rapper, and one she shared among some of her friends in the industry.
The Grammys fix a 27 year mistake and award Eve for her contribution on "You got me!" pic.twitter.com/B98ALN0mtu
— Blackish Press (@blackishpress) January 30, 2026
Be sure to tune into The 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1 to see who will be among this year’s winners and what surprise performances lie in store.
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