Kanye West Owned the Grammys, If You Don't Include That Whole Herbie Hancock Thing

At the Grammys last night, Kanye West was one man against evil forces that included the ceremony's producers, Vince Gill and Herbie Hancock, proving that there is no leniency for the mourning. To his credit, Kanye was responsible for one of the few thrilling musical moments of the evening, with his rousing performance of "Stronger" with a surprise "appearance" by Daft Punk, followed by "Hey Mama," which has become the de facto tribute to Dr. Donda West after her passing.

Kanye went on to beat out Common, Jay-Z, T.I. and Nas for the "Best Rap Album" Grammy. During his staggering acceptance speech where he spoke to his mother, he found himself battling the show's producers, who attempted to cut him off with the "wrap it up" chords.

But the biggest upset of the evening was when Kanye (along with Amy Winehouse) lost the "Album of the Year" Grammy to Herbie Hancock's River: The Joni Letters. Ouch. Herbie himself was visibly surprised. Hip-Hop heads internet-wide called foul. But, it would behoove Mr. West to be happy with winning these, although that might be too much to ask:

• Rap Album: "Graduation," Kanye West.
• Rap Solo Performance: "Stronger," Kanye West.
• Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Southside," Common, featuring Kanye West.
• Rap Song: "Good Life," Aldrin Davis, Mike Dean, Faheem Najm & Kanye West, songwriters (J. Ingram & Q. Jones, songwriters) (Kanye West Featuring T-Pain).

Shade truly abounded when Vince Gill accepted the "Best Country Album" award, presented to him by Ringo Star.

Kanye took the jab in good spirits, but he probably tripped Vince Later on. Also, now we know who Vince Gill is!

Despite all of these things, Kanye was the biggest winner of the evening. We can only hope that his quest to be Dark Overlord of the Universe Number One Artist in The World is eventually trumped by only wanting to make the quality music we know he has in him.

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