Gritty and Philly rapper Tierra Whack win Webby Awards
Gritty's acceptance speech was all Philly.
Philly is all up in your internet.
Philadelphia rapper and creative genius Tierra Whack and Philadelphia Flyers mascot and creative crazy creature Gritty took home the internet’s highest honors at the Webby Awards on Monday night in New York City. The awards are handed out annually by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
Whack was named Webby Artist of the Year for her “ingenious use of the Internet to create experimental, genre-bending, and imaginative art — most notably with her debut album ‘Whack World,' " according to the Webby website.
Gritty — whose social-media team spoke last week about his meteoric success since his September debut — was the 2019 People’s Voice Award winner for social media in the athletes and sports teams category.
As always, our city’s orange and ornery overlord was humble.
“I continue to amaze me,” he wrote on Twitter.
Gritty slayed on the red carpet in a custom-made black suit, orange-and-black tie, orange pocket square, and hockey helmet. He took the stage to the theme from Rocky and brought up a confetti stick, which he popped off to celebrate the occasion. Much hand squeaking was also had. That’s right, Gritty’s hands squeak. It’s nonsensical. And totally adorable.
Webby Award winners are asked to keep their speeches to five words only. In a solid nod to his Philly roots, Gritty wrote his speech on a sign that read: “It Pronounced Wooder, Not Water.”
Whack was presented her award by Philadelphia rapper Freeway, who noted that Whack was “expanding what we thought was possible for music and social media all while creating a damn good album.”
Also looking lovely in orange, Whack’s five-word speech was perfect and poignant: “Weird, hype, and creative kids.”
If Philly is anything, it is weird and hype and creative. And now it’s winning awards for it.
Philly native son Will Smith also took home a Webby in the Events and Live Streams category for his bungee-jumping video in the Grand Canyon called “The Jump.”
The Webby award is just one more accolade for Gritty to add to his resumè, which he released last week during the Flyers’ offseason. Gritty’s career objective: the Iron Throne. His phone number: 867-5309 (watch out, Jenny). His college scholarship: the Nicolas Cage Independence and Patriotism Award. And his chief skill: Master of karate and friendship.
Gritty’s social team said he’s received offers from many employers since he posted his resumè on Twitter. Among them: Amtrak, SEPTA, and Runner’s World.