The Biggest Statements From the 2017 Grammys

Music's glitziest evening is usually better known for dazzling performances than for genuine confessions on the world as it is. That being said, given the time we live in, it was rather heartening to see so many celebrities comment--however obliquely--on the things that matter to them. From an unexpectedly dope rap performed by host and Broadway baby James Corden to a surprisingly timely #NoDAPL shoutout from Michael Jackson's daughter Paris, here are the most powerful statements made by last night's celebrities at the 2017 Grammys.

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Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes: “President Agent Orange”

A Tribe Called Quest perform with Anderson .Paak, Busta Rhymes and Consequence at the #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/Kz35sUTEs7

” Wolé© II (@Kingwole) February 13, 2017

During their breathtaking performance, rappers Busta Rhymes and Tribe Called Quest repeatedly referred to their standing president as “President Agent Orange” while referring to the hate he’s trying to engender in the country. Orange isn’t just an on-the-nose comment regarding Trump’s complexion, but it’s worth remembering that Agent Orange is the horrifying, lethal biological weapon that the U.S used to raze forests and smoke out enemy guerilla forces during the Vietnam War: to this day, parts of Vietnam still haven’t recovered from the drug fully. The performance also slammed the Muslim ban and closed off with a rousing, 4-part battle cry of the performers yelling, “RESIST!”