Music Is Life: Derrick Milano Celebrates Grammy Glory with a Hollywood Bash
- By: Meera Rathod
A star-studded party with proceeds supporting wildfire relief, plus an iconic performance by Busta Rhymes…
Fresh off his sixth Grammy win, Derrick Milano took over Academy LA on February 2 to host an exclusive “Music Is Life” after-party, transforming the heart of Hollywood into a playground for the music industry’s elite. Guests mingled, sipped on specialty cocktails, and even got treated to a surprise performance by rap legend Busta Rhymes. Best of all, a portion of the event’s proceeds went toward aiding wildfire relief efforts—proving that good times and doing good can go hand in hand.
Academy LA provided the ideal Hollywood backdrop, brimming with a who’s-who of music’s finest ready to toast Derrick’s big night. The intimate guest list—think top-tier producers, performers, and industry execs—made every corner feel like a private club. Derrick Milano, arriving in high spirits alongside his fiancée Blac Chyna, kicked off the festivities, proving this wasn’t just another awards after-party—it was a celebration of community, creativity, and giving back.
Amid raised glasses and celebratory beats, Derrick Milano’s latest accolade shone bright—his sixth Grammy earned through co-writing Shakira’s “Puntería” alongside Cardi B. Already hailed for his work with Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Justin Bieber, Derrick embraced the spotlight once again, expressing gratitude for the fans, collaborators, and creative spark that continue to fuel his success. The room buzzed with applause and admiration, solidifying his status as a songwriting force to be reckoned with.
The crowd was already riding a high, but everything kicked up another notch when Busta Rhymes took the mic. He launched into a medley of fan favorites, dropping verses from “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” and his iconic section of “Look at Me Now,” turning the intimate gathering into a full-blown concert. Topping it all off, he offered a heartfelt toast to Derrick, saluting his sixth Grammy and leaving everyone buzzing about the impromptu performance long after the lights came up.
While this after-party glittered with top-tier talent, it also championed a greater cause. Partnering with the California Community Foundation, a portion of the night’s proceeds went directly toward supporting wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, making sure the spotlight felt as much about giving back as it did about celebrating. Derrick Milano’s heartfelt message—emphasizing unity, resilience, and uplifting one another—resonated throughout the evening, turning the post-Grammys glow into a beacon of hope for those in need.
Elevating the night’s festive mood, an eclectic lineup of sponsors treated guests to top-tier sips and bites. Special shoutout to Starface, Poppi, Voss, Ghost, Ike’s Sandwiches, Ooka, and Paymatrix for keeping the crowd energized and nourished, while JAJA Tequila and Fever Tree mixed up signature cocktails that struck the perfect balance of indulgence and refreshment. Each brand brought its own flair to the event, weaving together a luxurious yet laid-back after-party vibe that fits right in with the evening’s message of unity and celebration.
By night’s end, “Music Is Life” had proven that star power and a philanthropic spirit can go hand in hand. From iconic live performances to heartfelt speeches focused on rebuilding the community, Derrick Milano’s after-party left a lasting impression that resonates far beyond the Hollywood hills. With six Grammys under his belt, as well as an unwavering commitment to giving back, the future looks brighter than ever for Derrick and the city he’s proud to uplift.
PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Archuleta / Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife
