Last night (May 15), Solange took home the Artist of the Year award at the Webbys, the leaders in recognizing online excellence, for “her remarkable use of the Internet as a force for promoting community and diversity.”
After being presented with the award by visual artist Kara Walker, Solo kept within the show’s tradition of five-word acceptance speeches, but put her own spin on it.
Not only did she decide to sing her acknowledgement, but also quoted the most classic track from 90s hip-hop duo Luniz: “I got fiiive on it.” To applause and laughter, she then dropped to a crouch and threw up a peace sign.
Last year, Kanye West nabbed the same award and though he wasn’t in attendance to accept it, he sent a pre-recorded speech, deadpanning, “I can’t stand short speeches.”
His wife Kim Kardashian West also won that night, receiving the Break the Internet award, and recited an equally tongue-in-cheek speech: “Nude selfies ’til I die.”
Read the Webby Awards’ celebratory statement on Solange below:
“Not only is Solange one of the greatest artists of our time, but she’s also a true artist of the online generation. Solange has demonstrated her digital prowess in myriad ways, most notably with the website Saint Heron—her collaborative platform and online store for artists. Saint Heron is an unparalleled celebration of cultural diversity and the evolution of music; and it’s through this platform that Solange has provided a completely new and unique space for collaboration between artists, as well as a large audience for creative expressions by artists of color. Of course, Saint Heron is a natural extension for Solange, who regularly uses her Twitter account of nearly 3 million followers to celebrate diversity, and to promote racial and social justice. For her unique understanding of the power of the collaborative nature of the Internet, it’s our privilege to honor Solange as the 2017 Artist of the Year.”