VB rap duo Clipse wins Best Rap Performance for “Chains and Whips” at Grammys

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach natives Pharrell Williams and rap duo Clipse, featuring Pusha T and Malice, performed Sunday on music’s “biggest night” at the 68th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

This came after Clipse, featuring Kendrick Lamar and Pharrell, won the Best Rap Performance Grammy for “Chains and Whips.”

Virginia Beach natives Pharrell and Clipse set to perform at Grammys

Note: Featuring Kiahnna Patterson covering the Grammy Weekend and Brick by Brick: LEGO Shipbuilding events (This video above aired Nov. 27)

Pharrell and Clipse’s performance on the Grammys featured the gospel choir Voices of Fire.

Clipse were up for five Grammys this year. Besides Best Rap Performance, they were also up for Best Rap Album for “Let God Sort Em Out,” Album of the Year for “Let God Sort Em Out,” Best Music Video for “So Be It” and Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips.”

Pharrell, who had already won 13 Grammys ahead of this year’s awards, was nominated for four Grammys this year: Album of the Year for “Let God Sort Em Out,” Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” Best Rap Song for “The Birds Don’t Sing” and Best Music Film for “Piece By Piece.”

Pharrell was also honored during the Recording Academy Honors with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, recognizing what the Grammys said is his “musical achievements, entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic efforts and global cultural influence.”

Portsmouth native Missy Elliott is a past Recording Academy Honors honoree.

Kendrick Lamar won four awards, including best rap album, bringing his career total to 26, more Grammys than any other rap artist.

Trever Noah, a comedian, hosted this years Grammy Awards for the sixth consecutive year.

Performances during the ceremony included sets by Bruno Mars, Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter, according to the New York Times.

For over two decades, Pusha T and Malice, the Virginia brothers are the ones who make up the rap duo Clipse and have tended to a very specific corner of hip-hop, according to the New York Times.

Rap duo, Clipse, have been the purists, the moralists, the keepers of a traditionalist flame that lies perilously close to nostalgia, but remains alive with possibility, according to the New York Times.

Clipse returned to the rap scene after a 16-year hiatus, was nominated for five awards including:

• Album of the Year (Let God Sort Em Out)

• Best Rap Performance (Chains & Whips)

• Best Rap Song (The Birds Don’t Sing)

• Best Rap Album (Let God Sort Em Out)

• Best Music Video (So Be It)

Hip hop duo Clipse returns to hometown of Virginia Beach for sold-out show

Williams, who already has 13 Grammy wins, was nominated for four awards including:

• Album of the Year (Let God Sort Em Out)

• Best Rap Performance (Chains & Whips)

• Best Rap Song (The Birds Don’t Sing)

• Best Music Film (Piece By Piece)

Back in January, 10 On Your Side’s Kiahnna Patterson spoke with Clipse about their five nominations.

Pusha T says it was a big shock being nominated for Album of the Year. Malice says he hopes their work inspires the next generation and prompts them to think for themselves. ” I would encourage them to not buy into the mainstream” said Malice “I would encourage them to be the unique individual that God intended for them to be.”

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