RAYE’s “Ice Cream Man” will receive the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award during Grammy Week 2026, with the Recording Academy honoring the song days before the 68th Grammy Awards. The recognition places the track among the most socially impactful works acknowledged by the Academy this year.
Written by RAYE alongside BloodPop and Mike Sabath, “Ice Cream Man” will be formally celebrated at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The event takes place on the eve of the 2026 Grammys, which air live on Sunday, Feb. 1, from Crypto.com Arena.
Released on RAYE’s critically acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues, this poignant number has stood out for its unflinching subject matter and emotional clarity. Drawing from personal experience, “Ice Cream Man” confronts sexual violence and the structures that allow abuse to go unchallenged. Through raw honesty, it amplifies the voices of sexual assault survivors, and underscores the urgent need for both empowerment and justice for them. Its stark storytelling has made it one of the most discussed and impactful tracks of RAYE’s career.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the song reflects music’s ability to spark awareness and give voice to those often unheard, aligning with the mission behind the Harry Belafonte award.
“This song is a powerful reminder of music’s unique ability to raise awareness, inspire change and provide a voice to those too often unheard. Its bravery embodies everything this award stands for, and we look forward to recognizing it along with its songwriters at this year’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony.”
Grammy Week 2026 leads into the main ceremony on CBS and Paramount+, with the Premiere Ceremony streaming earlier that day on live.grammy.com and YouTube. For RAYE, the honor marks another significant moment in a career defined by artistic control, honesty, and cultural resonance.
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