Why Is Everyone Mad At The Grammys?
Yesterday, the Recording Academy announced the nominations for the 2021 Grammy awards. Following the announcement, artists and fans alike all took to social media to voice their complaints about the nominations, and how the grammy awards once again failed to understand the modern music scene. From musicians publicly speaking out to a blatant disregard for certain musicians, we’ve rounded up the worst (and best) parts of the Grammy nominations.
THE BAD
The Weeknd
Despite a stellar year with his latest album After Hours, The Weeknd failed to receive a single nomination for the 2021 Grammys. The Canadian musician, whose song ‘Blinding Lights’ is the longest-running top 10 hit in US chart history, took to social media to address the controversy. In a tweet, he wrote “The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…” The last thing an award ceremony, which celebrates musicians wants is to piss off one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke; the American rapper who sadly passed away back in February of this year, has been mostly ignored in the Grammy nominations. His posthumous album “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” has been in the top 10 for weeks yet he’s only received one nomination; for Best Rap Performance. It’s clear they should have done more to honour and celebrate his legacy.
Album of the year
This is less of a controversy than the previous points, more so one made out of anger and confusion. In 2019, when the Grammys expanded their Album of the Year category from five to eight, fans expected to see nods to more underrated musicians with a loyal following. Instead, we’ve just gotten what appears to be an extended list of average mainstream albums. Haim, Jhené Aiko and Dua Lipa are all understandable choices, but why is there no nod towards Fiona Apple, Tame Impala or the previously mentioned Weeknd?
THE GOOD
Megan Thee Stallion
From WAP to Good News, Megan Thee Stallion has been one of the shining lights of a truly forgettable year. She has received four Grammy nominations; Best New Artist; Record of the Year, Rap Performance and Rap Song. In a statement received by Culted, Megan Thee Stallion said: “Being nominated for a GRAMMY is something I’ve always dreamed about and it really is a true honour. I’m so grateful for all the love, support and recognition I have received over the last few months and as well as The Academy, more than anything I would like to thank my Hotties, who have helped make any of this possible. I love you all.” We love you too Megan.
Roddy Ricch
The 22-year old rapper from Compton has had a stellar debut year, with ‘The Box’ played on every radio station, Spotify playlist and that one white dad singing it in the car. Roddy Ricch earned himself five nominations. ‘The Box’ was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Rap Song, and ‘Rockstar’ with Da Baby was nominated for Record of the Year, Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. It’s a promising sign that he will be a star for years to come.
Best Rock Performance
For the first time in the Grammys history, all the nominees for the Best Rock Performance are female. Made up entirely of solo women or female-fronted bands, the list includes Fiona Apple, Phoebe Bridgers, Haim, Brittany Howard, Grace Potter and Big Thief. It’s a testament to the evolution of rock within the United States, a category that has often been dominated by men.
While many proclaim this to be a horrible end to a horrible year from the Grammy awards, others see it as just another year of an antiquated Recording Academy not understanding what the people like to listen to. The awards ceremony is set for the 31st January, with the format yet to be announced regarding COVID-19 protocols. You can check out the full list of nominees here.
More on CULTED
See also: MANY IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY REMAIN SILENT AFTER OCTAVIAN ABUSE ALLEGATIONS
