Why it took 27 years for Eve to finally receive her Grammy for The Roots’ “You Got Me”

Nearly three decades after one of hip-hop’s most defining songs was released, rapper Eve has finally received the Grammy recognition she was denied for years.

“You Got Me,” released in 1999 by The Roots, appeared on their critically acclaimed album Things Fall Apart, a project inspired by the late Nigerian literary giant Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel of the same name. The song went on to become a cultural landmark, blending vulnerability, soul and sharp lyricism at a time when hip hop was evolving into deeper storytelling.

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Author and Rapper, EVE. Image: Facebook/@fashion4life

The track featured Erykah Badu on vocals and a standout verse from Eve, whose contribution added emotional weight and perspective to the record. However, despite her presence on the song, Eve was never officially credited.

In 2000, “You Got Me” won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, with The Roots and Erykah Badu accepting the award on stage. Eve, whose verse had become one of the song’s most quoted moments, was excluded due to her lack of official credit.

@deepbysound the roots and erykah badu win a grammy (2000) for best rap performance by a duo or a group #erykahbadu #theroots #questlove #grammys #grammyawards #blacktiktokcommunity #blackculture #90sthrowback ♬ original sound - deepbysound

Eve appeared on Ebro Darden’s podcast, where she first publicly spoke about not being credited on the original record and not receiving a Grammy for her verse, a discussion that ultimately helped raise awareness of the issue. According to reporting, the Recording Academy only learned of the situation after hearing the podcast conversation, which prompted them to take action.

@janellejs #greenscreen #eve #theroots #yougotme #erykahbadu #storytime #musictok #philly #whosthatgirl #raptok #ebro #hot97 #fyp #fypp #4up ♬ Calm LoFi song(882353) - S_R

In 2024, Eve also appeared on Questlove’s podcast, Questlove Supreme, where she and the Roots’ drummer and co-founder Questlove spoke candidly about what actually happened behind the scenes. On the podcast, Questlove acknowledged that the group’s internal miscommunication and disorganization had contributed to the oversight and apologised to Eve for how things unfolded.

That long-standing omission was finally corrected on January 29, when Eve was honoured at the Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective in Los Angeles. Nearly 27 years later, she was officially awarded her Grammy, recognising her contribution to what is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.

GRAMMY's Black Music Collective ceremony. Image: Facebook/@fashion4life

In her acceptance speech, Eve reflected on the moment with grace and perspective, reminding the audience that what is meant for you will always find its way back, even if it takes decades.

The story of “You Got Me” also includes Jill Scott, who was the original writer and vocalist on the track. While Scott helped shape the song’s foundation, the final version featured Erykah Badu’s vocals, a decision that would later spark conversations around credit, visibility and recognition in the industry.

This rare correction is one of the few times the industry has revisited its past to right a wrong. Many contributors to iconic work remain uncredited, unseen and unrewarded. Eve’s moment stands as a powerful reminder, and a hopeful signal, that recognition, though delayed, still matters.