Every Hip Hop fan remembers the moment when the Grammys was seen for it's true colors, a popularity contest, and not just any popularity contest, but one that doesn't understand the Hip Hop fanbase. The moment Macklemore's The Heist was awarded the best rap album award took everyone by surprise, even Macklemore himself. Most casual fans couldn't remember his name, his impact was completely missing, and though his project wasn't bad, it was no masterpiece. Rap fans were floored to hear that Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid M.a.a.d City was not getting the proper respect it deserved. Not only was it the best rap album that year, it was arguably one for the best bodies of work in ages.
We could say this is the 1st time this blunder happened, but there is a long history of people not understanding the genre of hip hop and how the fans feel about the projects awarded...or even nominated.
What makes things even worse is the constant neglect of major hip hop artist being seen on the same scale as artist in pop or rock genres. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was the first time a Hip Hop album was awarded album of the year at the Grammys, and in all honestly if it wasn't for the heavy R & B influence and light hearted messaging of certain songs I don't think it would have won. Not to mention that year it won was ONE OF THE WORST list of nominations I've seen in my lifetime.
When hip hop isn't the only compelling body of work by comparison can the hip hop still be seen as transcendent, influential, and important in comparison to just being popular?
It seems like there is a tainted balance for hip hop. Either the music has to be as pointless and over commercialized as pop, or it has to be the the highest selling dissertation over drums you can find. I know this seems like I'm not anticipating greatness out of these nominees, but have you heard a pop album in the past two decades??? If the names on the album aren't Adele, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, or Bruno Mars there's a large chance they aren't talking about ANYTHING of value.
I'm waiting to see someone explain how Taylor Swift's self titled album has more societal impact than To Pimp a Butterfly or how "In da Club" isn't easily the best and most dominant song of 2003.
There's things that happen in Hip Hop that will live on for generations, artist who make music that change how we see the world, and they somehow (more often than not) lose out to the Chainsmokers's and "Call me maybe" of the world. The reason why hip hop does not care about the Grammys, and has every right not to, is because there are numerous other award shows based around Hip Hop, that care about the voice of its people. The Grammys panel appears out of touch with the reception and messaging of hip hop music, and are too caught up in the marketability.
With all this said, I actually think the hip hop/rap awards were given to more deserving artist than usual. Childish Gambino deserved every award he could take, "God's Plan" is still getting consistent spins today, and anytime TDE receives an award it's a good day. I just wish Pusha T brought home rap album of the year, but once again...marketability.
In conclusion, as a hip hop fan, I haven't cared about the Grammys in years. I don't care to buy into a popularity contest that underminds the creativity and messaging in rap music. I'm not saying we shouldn't care about those who won, but we shouldn't care about those who chose them to win.
Congratulations to all the winners, but remember, the it's about your legacy, not your popularity.
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