By 2008, Kanye West was no stranger to the GRAMMY stage. The rapper had already taken home six gramophones, including two for Best Rap Album (for 2004's The College Dropout and 2005's Late Registration). But his third win in the category was perhaps the most meaningful yet.
West's 2008 Best Rap Album win served as a tribute to his late mother, Donda, who had passed away in November 2007 — three months before the 50th GRAMMY Awards. After acknowledging the support and prayers he had received from his fans and peers, Ye offered a heartfelt homage to his mom.
"I know you're really proud of me right now, and I know you wouldn't want me to stop, and you want me to be the number one artist in the world," the rapper — who had "MAMA" etched into his hairdo for the ceremony — said. "And mama, all I'ma do is keep making you proud."
In the latest episode of GRAMMY Rewind, watch Kanye accept his Best Rap Album trophy for Graduation. The two-minute speech also featured a declaration that hip-hop isn't dead and a shout-out to Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, who were up against West in the Album Of The Year category for Winehouse's classic Back to Black.
Two Graduation tracks also won that night: "Stronger" for Best Rap Solo Performance, and "Good Life" for Best Rap Song, bringing West's total to nine GRAMMYs at the time. To date, the hitmaker has racked up 22 wins. He has five more nominations this year, including another for Best Rap Album — another tribute to his mother, titled Donda.
Explore more GRAMMY Awards history below and check back every Friday for new editions of GRAMMY Rewind.