Inside Grammys Weekend 2023

Image via Getty Images for Warner Music

The Warner Music Group party stretched out across so many rooms at the Hollywood Athletic Club that it felt like a maze (and I mean that in a good way). In the main room, you could find Anderson .Paak putting on a DJ set, just down the hallway from a quieter corner where executives like Kevin Liles brushed shoulders with artists like Saweetie and NLE Choppa. The whole thing had the energy of a mansion party, but a little more approachable (and with more free Grey Goose cocktails). Warner always knows how to throw a hell of an event, and this year was no exception.

Spotify’s Best New Artist party was one of the most in-demand events of the weekend (guest list spots were nearly impossible to find) and it’s easy to see why. There were appearances (and performances) from all of this year’s Best New Artist nominees, plus special guest cameos by everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Doja Cat to Charli D’Amelio. Even Trevor Noah pulled up. The artist who stole the show, though, was Omar Apollo, who had the performance of the night. We’ve been telling you he’s a star for a while now, but this weekend reminded us just how far he’s come, and by the looks of it, he’s on the brink of much bigger things. The whole point of the Spotify Best New Artist party is to celebrate artists who are at a pivotal breakthrough moment in their careers, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Omar right now.

If you’ve been paying attention to Grey Goose’s affiliations with music lately, you already know they have great taste for R&B. Before this year’s Grammys even started, they produced a series of Sound Sessions performances, featuring Ella Mai, Pink Sweat$, and Muni Long, and I still haven’t stopped thinking about Tinashe’s performance next to a giant waterfall at their Grammys brunch in Vegas last year. Anyway, they brought that same energy to their R&B party this year, dubbed Rhythm & Bleu. The night featured sounds from Siobahn Bell and Bryan-Michael Cox, plus a performance by Josh Levi. The food was great, the vibes were chill, and, of course, the specialty cocktails were flowing.

UnitedMasters held a massive concert at the Hollywood Palladium with performances from Brent Faiyaz, Russ, and Tobe Nwigwe. The performers weren’t the only stars in attendance, though, because everyone from Jay-Z and Beyoncé to Nas to Future to Jermaine Dupri pulled up for a celebration of independent music. I had to leave for another event in Calabasas before Brent took the stage, but Russ and Tobe held it down while I was there.

This year, Boi-1da was nominated for Producer of the Year at the Grammys, and his whole team made sure to celebrate him in style with Bacardi. Hosted by ISLA Mgmt, the Simon Gebrelul-founded management company that represents Boi-1da (along with a long list of other talented producers and artists), the event took place at the lavish rooftop of the Pendry West Hollywood. There were beautiful skyline views of Los Angeles, great food, and appearances from the likes of Giveon, NAV, Jack Harlow, Bryson Tiller, Freddie Gibbs, Ella Mai, PartyNextDoor, Murda Beatz, and more. (And, of course, free custom-made Bacardi cocktails). What else could you ask for? (This might have been the classiest event I made it to all weekend, for those keeping score at home.)

I’m sad to report that I didn’t actually end up making it to this one because of everything else going on Friday night, but I regret it, because it looked like a great time. As I’ve heard, EMPIRE celebrated Adam Blackstone’s nomination in the Best Traditional R&B category by holding an event that drew guests like Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes, Key Glock, Too Short, NLE Choppa, and a lot more. I’ll be sure to make it next time.

A little before midnight, my friends and I took a long Uber ride out to the hills for a party at French Montana’s house. When we walked inside, there were hookahs set up all over the living room, a giant French Montana plaque hanging in the living room, and lots of food. If you have any doubts about it being a lavish affair, I’m here to tell you that the chicken was painted gold. Gold! I’m not joking. Anyway, the whole event took place in celebration of Katastic, a new company that’s launching this month. It’s been referred to as “NASDAQ for artists” and promises to give musicians the opportunity to “value and sell their IP like any other publicly traded company.” In celebration, CEO and founder Dragos Stanescu threw a party that lasted deep into the wee hours of the night, and I must say it took place at the most memorable location of any Grammys party I ended up at this year (or any year, for that matter).

Here’s a scene I never thought I’d witness with my own two eyes: Usher and Floyd Mayweather roller skating to songs from Dr. Dre’s The Chronic in celebration of the album’s 30th anniversary. Usher, a co-owner of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, was the star of Interscope’s Grammy event (I’ve literally never seen anyone nicer on a pair of skates) but Floyd was a close second. I never expected to see a boxing legend like Floyd on a roller rink, but I’m glad as hell I did. This is the kind of shit you want to witness at Grammys weekend. Thanks, Interscope.