The 60th Annual Grammy Awards had multiple inspirational performances, and Logic’s was no exception.
The rapper took the stage with Alessia Cara and Khalid for their smash hit “1-800-273-8255.” They were joined by suicide loss and attempt survivors for the song, which is named after the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Khalid’s verse in the song usually ends the performance, but at the Grammys, while the background music still played, Logic took the opportunity to speak about the track’s message of inclusion and standing up for those who can’t do so for themselves yet.
Here’s a full transcript:
“Black is beautiful. Hate is ugly. Women are as precious as they are stronger than any man I have ever met. And unto them, I say stand tall and crush all predators under the weight of your heart that is full of the love they will never take away from you. Be not scared to use your voice, especially in instances like these when you have the opportunity. Stand and fight for those who are not weak, but who have yet to discover the strength that the evil of this world has done its best to conceal.
To all the beautiful countries filled with culture, diversity and thousands of years of history, you are not sh*tholes. And, lastly, on behalf of those who fight for equality in a world that is not equal, not just and not ready for the change we are here to bring — I say unto you, bring us your tired, your poor, and any immigrant who seeks refuge. For together, we can build not just a better country, but a world that is destined to be united.”
The comment about “sh*thole countries” is a direct response to immigration remarks reportedly made by President Trump behind closed doors with reference to Haiti and Africa. Logic’s plead to empower women is most likely related to the Time’s Up movement and the sexual misconduct allegations running rampant in Hollywood.
He posted the original speech, with edits to reference President Trump, directly on his Twitter.
Thank you Grammys. pic.twitter.com/pFfLTIbGFQ
— Bobby Tarantino (@Logic301) January 29, 2018
Backstage, Logic explained that he was originally asked by the Recording Academy to make a speech.
“I wanted it to come from the heart,” Logic said. ”I’m not Tupac, or this prophetic dude or anything like that, I just want to make music and have fun. However, I have a power that a a lot of people in this world don’t, and I’ve been given a stage that the one percent get. I thought if I was going to have this power, I’d use it for positivity — peace love and positivity to spread a positive message. Everyone is beautiful, and the world isn’t equal — and we need to fight towards that.”
Logic is certainly using his musical platform for change. And people are listening.