Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' Wins Song of the Year at 2019 Grammys

2/10/2019 by Tatiana Cirisano

Scott Garfitt/Shutterstock

Childish Gambino performs at Lovebox Festival on July 14, 2018 in Gunnersbury Park, London.

Donald Glover and co-writer Ludwig Goransson won song of the year at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday (Feb. 10), for their provocative track "This Is America," performed by Glover as Childish Gambino.

The Atlanta hip-hop artist wasn't in attendance at the ceremony to accept the honor. But that didn't stop him from making history: "This Is America" is the first rap song to ever win song of the year, the prestigious "Big Four" award which recognizes songwriters.

"This Is America," which touches on gun violence, racism and discrimination in America, is also one of the most overtly political tracks to win the award. The song and its viral music video (raking in 482 million YouTube views to date) were released back in March, concurrently with Glover's Saturday Night Live appearance as Childish Gambino.

The honor marks Glover's fourth career Grammy award, including "This Is America"'s non-televised wins earlier this evening for best rap/sung performance and best music video (directed by Hiro Murai). Later this evening, "This Is America" is up for record of the year.