Rihanna and Tems scored their first Academy Award nomination this week in the Best Original Song category for Lift Me Up featured on Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. There have been many Hip-Hop and R&B artists who were recognized for their work in Oscar history, We’re covering a few of them in this week’s In Case You Didn’t Know.
Three 6 Mafia
In 2006, Three 6 Mafia became the first rap group to win at the Oscars for their song It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp, used in the Terrence Howard-led film, Hustle and Flow. The win helped take the group to new heights. Their next album, Most Known Unknown, became their highest to chart.
Jamie Foxx
In 2005, Jamie Foxx took home an Oscar for his performance as Ray Charles in the movie, Ray. The feat did not come easy for the comedian, singer, and actor triple threat. He has said in interviews that in order for him to become Ray Charles, he had to lose 30 pounds and have his eyes glued shut to really get into character.
Jennifer Hudson
The American Idol season 3 finalist, Jennifer Hudson, finally got the recognition she deserved in 2007. She took home an Oscar for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls. As her career progressed, she eventually won Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards which gave her EGOT status. This is a feat only 17 people in history have accomplished
Common & John Legend
In 2015, Common and John Legend were on fire. Not only did they win at the Oscars for their track Glory, featured in the film, Selma, but a Golden Globe as well. The win marked major stepping stones for each artist. Common was able to join a very short list of rappers who have won an Academy Award. John Legend was able to take the next steps of reaching EGOT status. After a slew of Grammy awards throughout his career, Legend received a Tony in 2017 and an Emmy in 2018.