The Recording Academy and CBS presented the very first Home of the GRAMMYs: Where the Stars Align on the Hollywood Walk of Fame from February 1-3 to celebrate the 2023 GRAMMYs. For three days, GRAMMY House hosts a full schedule of programming, performances, DJs and multimedia art installations, with a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop this year.
In the invitation-only experience interact with a lovingly 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 area is plastered with famous lyrics and catchphrases, while the main stage is styled like a subway station, with graffiti naming some of the pioneers of hip-hop. Platinum plaques and photographs reflect the culture’s business and artistic achievements.
GRAMMY House also offers a variety of social media-ready photo ops and black and white photography. Visitors can also shop an exclusive, limited edition merch pop-up GRAMMY capsule collection designed by Brast Studio CEO Mark Braster, the lead merch designer for Fast Rolling 2023 who has worked SZAthe Los Angeles Lakers, H&M, Neiman Marcus, Jack Harlow and so on.
If you weren’t there, we’re afraid you’re missing out on some great fun! But we’re definitely not here to rub it in, we’re here to share the virtues of a fully immersive, three-day pop-up experience. Here are the key moments from the first-ever GRAMMY House.
Universe of Hip-Hop
A large “Universe of Hip-Hop” space created by Anthemic Agency and FLOOD Magazine features a multigenerational photo exhibit and art installations, including a long collage of turntables, speakers, samplers and other essentials. early devices that helped create beats and rhymes that captivated the world. The visual experience is curated by Cey Adams, Def Jam’s founding creative director and legendary imagemaker behind the iconic logos for the label and Mary J. Blige. The designer of a new book from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Adams is currently touring a retrospective exhibition showcasing 40 years of his work.
Adams called on photographer friends Janette Beckman, Danny Clinch, Brian “B+” Cross, Greg Noire, Michael Lavine and Gunner Stahl to share standout shots from their acclaimed work, and the exhibit includes some of the most recognizable images from culture, from the 1970s to today. In doing so, he highlights the important role of these photographers in the development of the visual artist of hip-hop.
“That Danny Clinch image of Tupac is iconic,” Adams offered as an example. “That’s the image you see in your sleep when you think of Tupac! When you think of Salt-N-Pepa, you think of them in 8-Ball jackets, and that’s one of Janette Beckman’s photos.”
#GRAMMYsNextGen Power Brunch
Last Wednesday, GRAMMY House hosted the inaugural POWER BRUNCH for the new, amazing achievement. class of 35 officers #GRAMMYsNextGen Ambassadors and Advisors. These executives, producers, songwriters and engineers work in various parts of the industry, and mobilize to help the Recording Academy stimulate the minds and hearts of young artists and future boundary-breakers in the business. in music.
At the GRAMMY House, the group celebrated their new roles and learned more about Recording Academy membership from Kelley Purcell, Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations.
Seize the Opportunity
For anyone entering the industry, a chance to showcase your talent can be the bridge between you and a prosperous career. During the Celestial Sessions Emerging Artist Showcase, guest host and social comedy star Desi Banks pulled three aspiring singers onto the stage to be part of the GRAMMY Week magic.
Inspirational performances contain some of the most critical lessons for making it in this industry: Take your passion with you wherever you go, don’t be afraid to fail, stay open to opportunities, and take them. With just 10 seconds of pure courage, you can create a chance that will change your career path forever. — Rachael MacQuarrie, GRAMMY U Representative
The Starmaker Studio
Thursday’s STARMAKER STUDIO brings 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 regularly drop knowledge aimed at aspiring beatmakers and creators in hip-hop and beyond.
“Culture beats strategy every time,” said Jozzy, who has three GRAMMY-nominations this year for his work on albums by Mary J. Blige and BEYONCE, advised. While business acumen is important, his advice puts natural talent at the fore, where it belongs.
After a great Q&A session with the audience, Murda Beatz said goodbye to the crowd, with a piece of advice to stick around and hang out. “Your [future] The platinum collaborator may be in this room!”
The Lit Closing Party
The packed second annual #GRAMMYsNextGen Party and Red Carpet closed out the week at GRAMMY House in style. Top young artists, tastemakers and the next generation of music executives dressed in their trendiest outfits, mingled and enjoyed light bites and delicious cocktails with the theme: One Eye Open Like CBS, Thug Passion and Grammy Gold. Special invited guests include 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 inaugural GRAMMY House set a high bar for networking, celebrating music and music culture — and it was a lot of fun. Upcoming artists, producers, creatives and executives have a new and exclusive place to gather. If these labels describe you, don’t worry about the FOMO you may have right now, event producers advise — please take it as motivation to participate in future GRAMMY House events!
Head to live.GRAMMY.com all year to watch all the GRAMMY performances, acceptance speeches, the GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet livestream special, the entire Premiere Ceremony livestream, and more exclusive, never-before-seen content from the 2023 GRAMMYs.
What Happened At The Recording Academy’s 2023 Producers & Engineers Wing GRAMMY Week Event: Musical Titans, Transfixing Sound & Undeniable Atmosphere
