Alicia Keys Accepts Dr. Dre Global Impact Award At 2025 Grammys: ‘DEI Is Not A Threat, It’s A Gift’
Alicia Keys was celebrated at the 67th Grammy Awards with the 2025 Dr. Dre Global Impact Award presented by the Black Music Collective. Established in 2023 and named after legendary producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. Dre, the award celebrates individuals who exemplify artistic excellence, groundbreaking entrepreneurship, and a commitment to philanthropy with an influence that transcends music.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Keys has not only redefined contemporary R&B but has also used her platform to highlight social justice and humanitarian causes worldwide. Upon accepting the prestigious honor presented by Queen Latifah, she considered her sister in music “one of the most inspiring artists of our time.”
Taking the stage wearing a black gown with gold embellishments and a jeweled headpiece, she told the audience: “Tonight is a beautiful, powerful thing that we are cultivating. I just want to give big love to my brother Dr. Dre, who created a sound that began a movement, and your sound told me that if you’re a creative growing up in Compton or Hell’s Kitchen, you can touch the world.”
The 44-year-old also went on to thank her fans, team, her husband, Jay-Z, and other women producers who have paved the way for her and are also opening doors for others.
“I’ve always had to fight for a certain level of respect as a songwriter, a composer, and especially a producer. It’s strange that we don’t think of women as producers like Quincy or Dre or Swizzy, but female producers have always powered the industry,” she said. “Patrice Rushen, Missy Elliott, Linda Perry, Grimes, Solange, and so many more. We stand together, so it’s a beautiful feeling to be acknowledged for the thing I always thought people didn’t really recognize about me. This is a beautiful thing.”
CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr. spoke highly of Keys, stating in a press release: “From her timeless music to her unwavering dedication to uplifting others, Alicia has made an indelible impact on the world. Alicia embodies everything the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award represents—her artistry knows no bounds, her advocacy inspires meaningful change, and her influence has profoundly shaped culture.”
He added, “We are honored to celebrate her extraordinary legacy and the transformative contributions she continues to make in music and beyond.”
