Eve Receives Grammy for 'You Got Me' After 26 Years

Rapper honored for her contribution to The Roots' hit song

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Rapper Eve was awarded a Grammy for her contribution to The Roots' 1999 hit song "You Got Me" - 26 years after the song originally won a Grammy. The Recording Academy recently learned about Eve's role on the track and decided to honor her with the award during a special ceremony.

Why it matters

This case highlights how the Recording Academy has worked to correct oversights and ensure artists receive proper recognition, even decades later. Eve's Grammy win also shines a light on the collaborative nature of many hit songs and the importance of properly crediting all contributors.

The details

Released as a single in 1999, "You Got Me" was co-written by Jill Scott, who sang the chorus on the original version. However, Erykah Badu re-recorded the chorus for the version that appeared on The Roots' 1999 album "Things Fall Apart", which also featured Eve rapping the second verse. The Recording Academy recently became aware of Eve's role and decided to award her a Grammy for the song.

  • The Roots' "You Got Me" won a Grammy for best rap performance by a duo or group in 2000.
  • Eve received her Grammy award for the song on January 29, 2026, 26 years after the original win.

The players

Eve

A rap icon who was featured on The Roots' hit song "You Got Me" in 1999.

The Roots

A hip-hop group whose 1999 song "You Got Me" won a Grammy award.

Erykah Badu

The artist who re-recorded the chorus for the version of "You Got Me" that appeared on The Roots' album.

Jill Scott

The co-writer of "You Got Me" who sang the chorus on the original version of the song.

Harvey Mason Jr.

The CEO of the Recording Academy who presented Eve with the Grammy.

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What they’re saying

“It was really simple. It was really clear that we needed to make it right; it was a chance for us to make it right. So tonight, the Recording Academy is here to offer much deserved respect and recognition.”

— Harvey Mason Jr., CEO, Recording Academy (Billboard)

“I'm still processing this situation. This is actually for Little E from Philly. I'm truly, truly grateful to be in this room with all of you here; all of the great people who inspired me, my peers, everyone. But it's weird. I remember when y'all called me — I was a little tipsy, as I'd had few martinis out with a friend. But I was kind of like, 'Wow. What is yours never can miss you.'”

— Eve (Billboard)

What’s next

The Recording Academy plans to continue reviewing past Grammy awards to ensure all contributors are properly recognized, even decades later.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Recording Academy's efforts to correct oversights and ensure all artists receive the proper credit and recognition for their contributions to hit songs, even if it takes decades to do so.