Ebuzz News
Archived: WAP Backlash Drowns Out Blue Ivy’s Win Somewhat, As Social Media Weighs in On Sunday’s Grammys.
While there’s much to celebrate in the aftermath of the 2021 Grammy Awards held in LA on Sunday night, there’s also a hum of disappointment by conservatives who feel that rappers, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B’s WAP performance, was over-sexualised for television.
Let’s start off by congratulating the youngest winner though. Nine- year- old Blue Ivy, the eldest child of JayZ and Beyonce, won her first award for “Brown Skin Girl,” which copped the award for Best Music Video. The single was originally released for the 2019 Disney film, The Lion King: The Gift, before being adapted for Beyoncé’s 2020 film, Black Is King.
The 9-year-old was not present at the event but her parents sure were, Beyonce dressed in a short, black leather textured, off-shoulder dress that clinched her curvaceous physique to a tee, while her hubby’s growing dreadlock hairstyle seemed to steal the spotlight with every turn of the camera in the couple’s direction.
Beyonce, in an Instagram caption alongside the film’s debut, wrote : “The events of 2020 have made the film’s vision and message even more relevant, as people across the world embark on a[n] historic journey. We are all in search of safety and light. Many of us want change. I believe that when Black people tell our own stories, we can shift the axis of the world and tell our REAL history of generational wealth and richness of soul that are not told in our history books. I pray that everyone sees the beauty and resilience of our people.”
The talk of the day however is the performance by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, many arguing that their performance was not family friendly, in an award show that was aired on CBS, and is usually marketed to audiences that may include younger children. On Twitter, irate spectators, virtually cringed as the pair gyrated across television screens around the world. “I truly hope no children were watching the WAP performance..” wrote @courtneywyn18, while @Saccole said, “WAP!! At the #GRAMMYs, really… where is the reserved decency and honor for our children! There’s a time and place for everything ppl! This was neither for this song. No class #GRAMMYs.”
“The left is fine with the disgusting performance Cardi B just gave at the Grammys but Dr. Seuss is too dangerous for our children?” asked conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Earlier this month, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced that six of the children’s book author’s titles will no longer be sold because of racist and insensitive imagery.
There were others however, who thoroughly enjoyed the performance, arguing that it was just what the Grammy’s needed.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE 2021 GRAMMY WINNERS
Song of the Year
“I Can’t Breathe,” Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.)
Best New Artist
Megan Thee Stallion
Best Pop Solo Performance
“Watermelon Sugar,” Harry Styles
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Rain on Me,” Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande
Best Pop Vocal Album
“Future Nostalgia,” Dua Lipa
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
“American Standard,” James Taylor
Best Dance Recording
“10%,” Kaytranada featuring Kali Uchis
Best Dance/Electronic Album
“Bubba,” Kaytranada
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
“Live at the Royal Albert Hall,” Snarky Puppy
Best Rock Performance
“Shameika,” Fiona Apple
Best Global Music Album
“Twice as Tall,” Burna Boy
Best Reggae Album
“Got to Be Tough,” Toots and the Maytals
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
“Jesus Is King,” Kanye West
Best Rap Album
“King’s Disease,” Nas
Best Rap Song
“Savage,” Beyoncé, Shawn Carter, Brittany Hazzard, Derrick Milano, Terius Nash, Megan Pete, Bobby Session Jr., Jordan Kyle Lanier Thorpe and Anthony White, songwriters (Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé)
Best R&B Album
“Bigger Love,” John Legend
Best Rap Performance
“Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé
Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Ebuzz News
Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.
Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.
One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’
The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.
In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.
The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’
Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.
