Childish Gambino has made Grammy history with his song “This is America” becoming the first hip-hop song to win the coveted “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year” awards, according to CNN. The song beat out mega-hits such as “Shallow,” “God’s Plan,” and others.

it is important to note that Song of the Year honors songwriters, while Record of the Year honors the recording artist. Childish Gambino, whose real name is Donald Glover, received both honors.

Childish Gambino did not attend the awards show. He even declined an invitation to perform at the Grammys.

The Recording Academy has attempted to diversify its awards amid criticisms that they overlook and fail to recognize rap and hip-hop artists in more mainstream categories. Rather than being relegated to merely categories of their genre, there has been an effort to recognize rap and hip-hop artists in more wide-spreading and general categories.

Fans were elated with Childish Gambino’s win, and hopefully, this win signals a turning of the tides for the Grammys.

#ChildishGambino (@DonaldGlover) won Record Of The Year for “This Is America.” It was the fourth win of the night, as the track also won Song Of The Year, Best Music Video and Best Rap/Sung Performance. #GRAMMYshttps://t.co/qDgOlrqBK0

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 11, 2019

So “This is America” has won the first SOTY and ROTY for a rap song… in 30 years of rap as a Grammy category.

Lol… and he ain’t there. pic.twitter.com/2Z0Pv5bO27

— Naima Cochrane’s Burner Acct (@stillnaima) February 11, 2019

Congrats to Childish Gambino for winning Song of the Year at the 61st #GRAMMYs — here’s his surreal, unforgettable look at gun violence in #ThisIsAmerica pic.twitter.com/SUekuGIGfG

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 11, 2019

We won 4 Grammys last night! Still hyped! Thanks for having me choreograph! Congrats Childish Gambino! 🤩 #ThisIsAmerica #Grammys #ChildishGambino pic.twitter.com/WqYY1roZNG

— Sherrie Silver (@SherrieSilver) February 12, 2019

Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna