More than 25 years after its release, rapper Eve has finally received official Grammy recognition for her contribution to The Roots’ iconic track “You Got Me.” The emotional moment unfolded at the 2026 Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective during the 68th Grammy Awards on January 29 in Los Angeles.
Eve, visibly moved, took the stage to accept the long-overdue acknowledgment. “I’m still processing this situation,” she told the audience. “This is actually for little Eve from Philly—the little girl Eve who was just writing rhymes and just wanted to be in the business.”
A Quarter-Century Wait for Recognition
The Philadelphia native’s verse appeared on “You Got Me” when she was still largely unknown, performing under the name Eve of Destruction. Despite delivering the track’s standout opening rap verse, she received minimal credit at the time. She wasn’t featured in the music video. Early press coverage rarely mentioned her name. Her contribution was treated as a footnote rather than a foundational element.
“What is yours can never miss you, even 30 years later,” Eve reflected during her acceptance speech. “So I am truly grateful for this.” The moment resonated deeply with industry veterans and fans who have long argued for proper recognition of her work.
The Complicated History Behind You Got Me
“You Got Me” dropped in 1999 as the lead single from The Roots’ album “Things Fall Apart.” The track earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2000. However, the song’s creation involved multiple artists whose contributions weren’t equally recognized.
The official version features Erykah Badu on the chorus. Yet the song was originally recorded with Jill Scott, then an unknown Philadelphia poet and songwriter. Scott co-wrote the track and sang the original hook. When MCA Records pushed for a more established name, her vocals were replaced. She retained songwriting credit but lost her voice on the radio version.
Brandy Shows Support for Former Co-Star
Among those celebrating Eve’s recognition was singer and actress Brandy. The two starred together on ABC’s 2021-2022 drama “Queens,” which followed a fictional 1990s hip-hop girl group reuniting to reclaim their legacy. As Eve took the stage, Brandy could be heard shouting, “Yas, Eve! Speech! Speech!”
The show’s premise mirrored real conversations about delayed credit in music. Eve portrayed Brianna Robinson, a hip-hop executive. Brandy played Naomi McIntyre, a sidelined singer. Their shared on-screen history added meaningful weight to this real-life moment of recognition.
Key Advocates Push for Proper Credit
Eve acknowledged the people who fought for her recognition. She specifically thanked her husband and veteran radio personality Ebro Darden. “Shout out to Ebro,” she said from the stage. “He was the one who wouldn’t give up on this.”
The delay in recognition raises important questions about visibility and historical memory. Many artists, particularly women in hip-hop, have faced similar challenges. Their contributions get minimized or forgotten entirely. Years pass before the industry acknowledges their work properly.
The Song’s Lasting Impact on Hip-Hop
“You Got Me” represented a pivotal moment in hip-hop and neo-soul. The track paired The Roots’ signature live instrumentation with emotional vulnerability. It arrived when hip-hop was still finding ways to express tenderness. The song’s authenticity came from multiple talented voices working together.
Eve’s verse brought a cool, confident, conversational tone to the record. Her contribution grounded the song in lived experience. It gave the track a voice that resonated beyond its initial release. Longtime fans recognized this impact immediately, even when the industry didn’t.
Rewriting Music History
This Grammy moment signals something larger than one artist’s recognition. History isn’t static, and credit delayed still matters. “You Got Me” was always a collaborative triumph. Jill Scott’s pen crafted it. Erykah Badu’s voice elevated it. Black Thought’s lyricism sharpened it. Eve’s verse anchored it.
For years, only part of that story received attention. Now audiences are reassessing the record with clearer understanding. Eve’s contribution is finally being named out loud. The industry is slowly learning that proper credit matters, regardless of how much time has passed.