Steve Lacy & Thundercat Bring the Funk During the 2023 Grammys

First-time Grammy-winner Steve Lacy performed “Bad Habit” with musician Thundercat during the 65th Grammy Awards.

Steve Lacy and Thundercat rocked the house with a performance of “Bad Habit” during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Those vibing during the set included Beyoncé, Doja Cat and Kendrick Lamar, the latter which collaborated with Lacy on “PRIDE.” from Lamar’s fourth studio album, DAMN. “Bad Habit” also became a viral hit on TikTok, becoming the singer-songwriter and musician’s first No. 1 Billboard hit.

In an interview with GQ last June, Lacy spoke about how “Bad Habit” led to the intention for Gemini Rights.

“[‘Bad Habit’] was the start of this renaissance of the separation between that Steve and this Steve,” he said. “Prior to this moment, I felt like I was in a slump. I had a bunch of dope ideas, but my writing? I didn’t know how I was going to approach this record. But I feel like this song was the one that was like okay, this is what we’re about to do.”

Earlier in the evening, Lacy won his first Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album for his sophomore album, Gemini Rights. Lacy’s debut album, 2019’s Apollo XXI, was nominated when the award was formerly named Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2020. In addition to Best Progressive R&B Album, Lacy’s “Bad Habit” was nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Those also nominated for Best Progressive R&B album included Tank and the Bangas (Red Balloon), Terrace Martin (Drones), Moonchild (Starfruit), and Cory Henry (Operation Funk).

Debuting at No. 7 on the US Billboard 200, Gemini Rights sold 34,000 equivalent units in its first week. Along with “Bad Habit,” singles for Gemini Rights were “Mercury” and “Sunshine” featuring Fousheé. Last year, Lacy embarked on the Give You the World Tour with support from Fousheé. This summer, the two will join Toro y Moi and James Blake for the 12-city RE:SET Tour.