Brandy will be honored at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors, hosted by the organization’s Black Music Collective.
The R&B star will receive the Black Music Icon Award at the ceremony on Jan. 29 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, days ahead of the 2026 Grammys.
“So grateful and truly humbled to receive the Recording Academy’s Black Music Icon Award. This honor means more than words—standing on the shoulders of those who paved the way, and celebrating the legacy, resilience, and brilliance of Black music,” said Brandy. “Thank you to the Recording Academy for seeing me, supporting me, and honoring the journey.”
Gospel mainstay Kirk Franklin will also be presented with the award, which recognizes “Black music creators whose artistry, innovation and service have shaped the industry and inspired generations around the world.”
It’s worth noting that Franklin was originally set to be honored at the 2025 ceremony prior to the Recording Academy’s decision to condense Grammy Week programming in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfire response.
Legendary producer Pharrell Williams will receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award for his musical achievements, entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic efforts and “far-reaching cultural influence worldwide.”
“Pharrell, Brandy and Kirk are true visionaries and masters of their craft,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Each has built a legacy that transcends genre, defies convention and shapes culture. Their artistry continues to inspire generations of artists around the world.”
Mason added, “I’m thrilled to join the Black Music Collective in honoring three of music’s brightest stars in January and celebrating their immeasurable contributions to the industry.”
Established in 2020, the Black Music Collective is a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and the music community.
“The Black Music Collective is necessary to help drive the Recording Academy into a new era. Creating an open space for Black music creators can only benefit our membership as a whole,” said Mason, who was then the interim CEO of the Academy.
Past honorees at the Recording Academy Honors include Alicia Keys, Dr. Dre, JAY-Z, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Lil Wayne, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, and Sylvia Rhone.
In other Brandy news, the Vocal Bible will release her first memoir, Phases, on March 31. Last fall, she co-headlined The Boy Is Mine Tour with Monica.
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