Most Memorable Times the Grammys Snubbed Black Artists
The Grammys have never gotten it right.
It comes as no surprise that the Grammys have once again snubbed some of the year's most prominent talents.
The rap categories are completely lacking in women nominees, despite Megan Thee Stallion, Young M.A., Tierra Whack and Missy Elliot achieving some of 2019's biggest successes in the genre. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Solange, Bruce Springsteen, and Tyler, The Creator were all overlooked for Artist of the Year consideration (though the latter is nominated for Best Rap Album), and Ari Lennox, Summer Walker, DaBaby (who allegedly wasn't considered because he has previously released "mixtapes"), and Lauv were among a of the few rising talents disregarded for "Best New Artist." Goldlink—who has been nominated for Grammy's in the past but whose brilliantly amalgamative Diaspora album wasn't considered for any award this year—sounded off on Instagram. "The lack of relevance you have just solidifed [sic] today is unbelievable," he wrote. "I've just gotten to a point after three years of being silent on this topic, that my value is much beyond what closed door establishments have been giving us."
While The Academy's disrespect this year feels particularly brash, we can take comfort in the fact that award shows are increasingly meaningless, white-washed, and more out of touch with culture as time has gone on. Let's dive back into (some of) the Grammy's biggest f*ck ups from over the years and find some cynical comfort in the the Grammy's mediocrity, since they shouldn't be regarded as any determinant of popular culture.
2016: Taylor Swift Over Kendrick Lamar
No, seriously, are you seeing a trend here? Anyways, 1989 was a fine album; some may argue it was Taylor Swift's best. It dominated the charts for months on end and had a relentless presence on both radio and in pop culture. But To Pimp a Butterfly served a higher purpose. It was more than a commercial titan; it was a socio-political call for unity, and while it may not possess the physical accolades that 1989 does, it's as perfect as a work of art can be. The loss served as salt in an already open wound, as Kendrick's political anthem "Alright" had already lost out to Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" earlier that evening.
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