As expected, the Grammy Awards gave a lot of love to Jay-Z, Kanye West, Adele and Frank Ocean, who marked a breakthrough year with six nominations, two wins, and his debut awards performance with the song, “Forrest Gump.”

Taking place at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, host LL Cool J began the annual event by introducing himself as emcee of Music’s Biggest Night, referencing the influence of Michael Jackson in his life, his love for vinyl, and the passing of Whitney Houston the year prior. Adele received the first award of the evening for Best Pop Solo Performance for her live edition of “Set Fire to the Rain.”

Best Urban Contemporary Album, a new category this year, was presented by Nas and Kelly Rowland, and went to Ocean for “Pyramids,” his first win at the ceremony. Ocean thanked his mother, who was teary-eyed in the audience, along with his managers, group Odd Future, and record label, Def Jam.

Jay-Z and Kanye West took home early awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for their hit “N***** in Paris,” with producer Hit-Boy on site to accept the honors during the pre-telecast ceremony. They later received the award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration along with Ocean and The-Dream for “No Church In the Wild.”

Rihanna, who won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video for her song “We Found Love” with Calvin Harris, made a soulful performance of her song  “Stay,” and later led a tribute piece to Bob Marley, singing his classic “Could You Be Loved,” with sons Ziggy and Damian Marley, as well as Sting and Bruno Mars.

LeCrae received the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album for his release, Gravity, a rap record which he said wasn’t necessarily intended to be classified as Christian, but was gratefully embraced by the gospel community.

“It was an honest album,” the 33-year-old noted. “I’m honest about my faith. I’m not afraid to say I’m a Christian.”

Best Rap Album went to Drake for Take Care, and electronic DJ Skrillex won three Grammy Awards, adding to the three he earned last year. After receiving his prizes, he acknowledged the fusion of dance music and hip hop, speaking specifically on his collaborative project with A$AP Rocky.