The Recording Academy and CBS presented the very first GRAMMY House: Where the Stars Align on the Hollywood Walk of Fame from February 1 to 3 to celebrate the GRAMMY 2023. For three days, the GRAMMY House hosted a full schedule of programming, performances, DJs and multimedia art installations, with a special tribute to this year’s 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
During the invitation-only experience, you interacted with a carefully curated treasure trove of hip-hop history, including photographs, seminal books on art and culture, and a platinum award. The hallway leading to the performance hall was lined with popular lyrics and slogans, while the main stage resembled a subway station, with graffiti naming some of hip-hop’s pioneers. Platinum plaques and photos demonstrated the commercial and artistic achievements of the culture.
GRAMMY House also offered a variety of social media-ready photo shoots and black-and-white portrait shots. Guests could also purchase a merchandising pop-up with an exclusive limited edition GRAMMY capsule collection designed by Brast Studio CEO Mark Braster, the lead merch designer for Ride Hard 2023 who worked with SZALos Angeles Lakers, H&M, Neiman Marcus, Jack Harlow and more.
If you weren’t there, we’re afraid you missed out on some fun! But we’re certainly not here to rub it in at all, we’re here to share the gems of the fully immersive three-day pop-up experience. Here are the key moments from the very first GRAMMY House.
Hip-Hop Universe
A large “Universe of Hip-Hop” space created by Anthemic Agency and FLOOD Magazine featured a multi-generational photo exhibit and art installations, including a massive collage of turntables, speakers, samplers and other essential early tools that helped to create the rhythms and rhymes that captivate the world. The visual experience was curated by Cey Adams, Founding Creative Director of Def Jam and legendary image designer behind the label’s iconic logos and Mary J. Blige. The designer of a new book for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Adams is currently visiting a retrospective exhibit showcasing 40 years of his work.
Adams enlisted fellow photographers Janette Beckman, Danny Clinch, Brian “B+” Cross, Greg Noire, Michael Lavine and Gunner Stahl to share standout shots of their acclaimed work, and the exhibit included some of the most recognizable images from culture, from the 1970s to the present day. In doing so, he underscored the vital role of these photographers in the development of hip-hop visual artists.
“That image of Tupac’s Danny Clinch was iconic,” Adams offers as an example. “That’s the picture you see in your sleep when you think of Tupac! When you think of Salt-N-Pepa, you think of them in those 8-Ball jackets, and that’s one of the pictures of Janette Beckman.”
#GRAMMYsNextGen Power Brunch
On Wednesday, the GRAMMY House hosted the first POWER BRUNCH for the new, surprisingly accomplished class of 35 officials #GRAMMYsNextGen Ambassadors and Advisors. These executives, producers, songwriters and engineers work in various sectors of the industry and have come together to help The Recording Academy stimulate the brains and hearts of young artists and future pioneers in the music industry.
At GRAMMY House, the band celebrated their new roles and learned more about Recording Academy membership from Kelley Purcell, VP of Membership and Industry Relations.
Take the chance
For anyone entering the industry, a chance to showcase your talent could be the bridge between you and a successful career. During the Celestial Sessions Emerging Artists Showcase, guest host and social comedy star Desi Banks lured three aspiring singers onto the stage to be part of the GRAMMY week magic.
The inspiring performances embodied some of the most critical lessons for succeeding in this industry: bring your passion wherever you go, don’t be afraid to fail, stay open to opportunities and seize them. With just 10 seconds of pure courage, you could create a moment that will forever change your career path. — Rachael MacQuarrie, GRAMMY U representative
The Starmaker Studio
Thursday’s STARMAKER STUDIO brought together top platinum producers to share stories and advice with the next generation. Moderated by Murda Beatz, panel members Jocelyn “Jozzy” DonaldLondon On Da Track, Jeff Gitty, Larrance “Rance1500” Dopson, ATL Jacob, Tommy Brown and Ojivolta have consistently dropped knowledge for aspiring beatmakers and creators in hip-hop and beyond.
“Culture beats strategy every time,” Jozzy, who has three GRAMMY nominations this year for his work on the Mary J. Blige albums and Beyonce, recommended. While business acumen is key, his advice puts natural talent front and center where it belongs.
After a great Q&A session with the audience, Murda Beatz bid farewell to the crowd, with advice to stay and mingle. “Your [future] A Platinum collaborator may be in this room!”
The lit closing party
The second annual #GRAMMYsNextGen party and red carpet capped off GRAMMY House week in style. Leading young artists, trendsetters and the next generation of music executives wearing their hottest haircuts, mingling and enjoying light bites and delicious themed cocktails: One Eye Open Like CBS, Thug Passion and Grammy Gold. Special guests included actors, artists and influencers such as Jaden Smith, DaniLeigh, Lil Mosey, Jaden “jxdn” Hossler, London on da Track, JELEEL!, Bktherula, Earthgang, Sebastian Bails, Asher Angel, Mod Sun, Zhavia , Yung Trench , Loren Gray, Surf Mesa, Em Beihold, Vedo, King Mala, Jogie, McKayla Chandler, Blu de Tiger, Max Drazen, Lilliana Ketchman, Aidan Bissett, Trevor Daniel, Cub Sport, Nija Charles, Sierra Capri, Ava Kolker , McKenzi Brooke, La’Ron Hines and Diarra.
The first GRAMMY House set the bar high for networking, celebrating music and music culture – and just plain fun. Up-and-coming artists, producers, creatives and executives have an exclusive new place to aspire to congregate. If these labels describe you, don’t worry about any FOMO that may be present right now, event producers advise – please take this as motivation to attend future GRAMMY House events!
Head toward live.GRAMMY.com year-round to watch all of the GRAMMY performances, acceptance speeches, the special GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet livestream, the full First Awards livestream, and even more exclusive, never-before-seen GRAMMY 2023 content.
What Happened at The Recording Academy’s 2023 Producers & Engineers Wing GRAMMY Week Event: Musical Titans, Piercing Sound, and Unmistakable Atmosphere
