A Grammy is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in music. Or at least it used to be. Hip-hop, which has taken the main stage in coming years still does not get the same respect as other music formats. The Grammys have been called out by artists, more specifically Black artists, for not getting it right, or being relevant.
Jay-Z Slams The Grammys Over Beyoncé’s Snubs
While the conversation surrounding how the Grammys treats Black artists is not new by any means, it was specifically called out by both Jay-Z and Drake this year. On Sunday night, Jay-Z took the stage for his acceptance of the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. From the stage, he discussed his feelings the Grammys’ biases. He brought to light the fact that his wife Beyoncé — who holds the most Grammys of any artist with 32 — has never won Album Of The Year.
“I don’t want to embarrass this young lady. But she has more Grammys than anyone and has never won Album of the Year,” Jay said. “So even by your own metrics, it doesn’t work.”
Drake Blasts The Grammys
Drake was not present at the award show, as he was on his It’s All A Blur: Big As The What? Tour . He was up for four awards with 21 Savage for their joint project Her Loss. Although, it did not stop the rapper for sharing hie feelings about how he felt towards the Recording Academy.
“All you incredible artists remember this show isn’t the facts it’s just the opinion of a group of people who’s name are kept a secret (literally you can google in),” he Drake gives his thoughts on hip-hop at the #GRAMMYs
"All you incredible artists, remember this show isn’t the facts, it’s just the opinion of a group of people who’s names are kept a secret (literally you can Google it)."
"Congrats to anybody winning anything for hip-hop, but… pic.twitter.com/vTZTzhyx6S
For hip-hop this year, Killer Mike racked up three Grammys. The rapper won Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists and Engineers.” The song featuring André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane. He also won Best Rap Album for Michael. Lil Durk and J. Cole also took home a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “All My Life.”
Take a look at seven rappers who have never won a Grammy below: