LOS ANGELES (AP) 鈥� At a pre-Grammy event celebrating Black music鈥檚 cultural power, used the Recording Academy stage to deliver a prayer 鈥� not for himself, but for U.S. leaders.
鈥淚 want to pray for the leaders of this nation and the powers that be,鈥� Williams said Thursday night at the Recording Academy鈥檚 Black Music Collective event in Los Angeles, where he received the Global Impact Award.
鈥淚鈥檓 praying that they find it in their hearts some empathy, some grace and, most importantly, some mercy for these people who may not have been born in this country, but love it just as much,” he said.
The 13-time Grammy winner鈥檚 remarks drew applause inside the Fairmont Century Plaza ballroom, just days before Sunday鈥檚 .
鈥淭rust me,鈥� he said, 鈥渢hey would not be here if they didn鈥檛 believe us when we keep saying that this is the greatest nation on the planet. So please. … empathy, grace and mercy.鈥�
Williams was one of three honorees at the fourth annual event, which celebrates artists whose influence extends far beyond music.
and gospel trailblazer each received the Black Music Icon Award.
presented Williams with the award after performing a medley of songs they crafted together, including 鈥淩ock Your Body鈥� and 鈥淗appy.鈥� Before handing him the trophy, Timberlake praised his longtime collaborator as 鈥渙ne of one,鈥� adding, 鈥淵ou are one of my favorite humans, bro. I am so honored to be here.鈥�
delivered one of the night鈥檚 most emotional tributes, crediting Williams with opening doors throughout his career.
鈥淓very door he goes in, he comes back out, grabs people, gives them the key,鈥� Tyler said. 鈥淵ou have been, you are and you will always be my North Star.鈥�
Dr. Dre, for whom the award is named, highlighted Williams鈥� impact across music, fashion, philanthropy and entrepreneurship. He said that Williams has consistently leveraged his music, fashion and culture to advocate for social change.
鈥淔or this, I am so proud to have my name on an award now shared by him,鈥� Dr. Dre said.
In his own remarks, Williams described music as 鈥渢he skeleton key鈥� that unlocked opportunity throughout his life.
鈥淎 good skeleton key opens all doors, not just exclusive ones,鈥� he said. 鈥淢usic opened the doors to the things that matter the most in my life.鈥�
Brandy, was serenaded with renditions of her songs by Coco Jones, FLO and Kehlani. She appeared visibly moved after she took the stage and sang 鈥淎lmost Doesn鈥檛 Count.”
鈥淣ever did I imagine my name and the word 鈥榠con鈥� to ever merge,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 humbly just a vessel chosen to use the gift to inspire, touch and change a life.”
Franklin, introduced as 鈥渢he king of urban gospel,鈥� was honored following performances by John Legend, who sang 鈥淗e鈥檚 Able,鈥� along with Lecrae, PJ Morton and Tamela Mann.
The 20-time Grammy winner reflected on his upbringing 鈥� such as being adopted, experiencing homelessness and sleeping in his car 鈥� and how faith shaped his journey.
鈥淚 learned early on about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and never wanted to be afraid to say that name,鈥� Franklin said. 鈥淚t hurts when I see the faith that I really believe in be so divisive and not be a message of love.鈥�
He said: 鈥淲hen all this fades and passes away, I want to be known for how I love people.鈥�
The evening also delivered a surprise moment when Recording Academy CEO presented Eve with a long-overdue Grammy for her contributions to The Roots鈥� 2000 hit 鈥淵ou Got Me.鈥� Though Eve rapped on the song, she wasn’t credited when the track won best rap performance by a duo or group more than two decades ago.
鈥淭o make it right,鈥� Mason told the audience, 鈥渢he Recording Academy is here to offer a much deserved respect and recognition.鈥�
An emotional Eve accepted the award to a standing ovation. 鈥淭his is actually for little Eve from Philly,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hat is yours never can miss you.鈥�
Since its launch, the Black Music Collective has worked to champion Black creators and industry leaders, previously honoring Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, John Legend and Mariah Carey. The group also supports scholarships and initiatives aimed at cultivating the next generation of Black music leaders.
But amid the tributes and performances, Williams鈥� prayer lingered in the room. It was a reminder that for him, impact is both global and deeply personal.
鈥淚mpact comes in many forms,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes global, sometimes local, sometimes cultural and sometimes deeply personal.鈥�
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