Once Jay-Z voiced his critique of The Grammy Awards that highlighted the Album of the Year snubs against his wife, Beyoncé, the debate over The Recording Academy’s recognition of Black artists intensified. There’s a growing chorus of voices advocating for the acknowledgment of Black artists — from music industry insiders to consumers alike. Not only are there many Black artists who deserve Grammys, but these awards are also long overdue.
Unfortunately, the snubs have caused some artists — from The Weeknd to Nicki Minaj — to either boycott, criticize, or withdraw their submissions. That said, it’s time to shine a light on The Recording Academy and artists who should have a few trophies on their mantels.
A brief history of The Recording Academy and its voting committee with Black artists.
It’s crucial to understand the Grammy Award and its historical biases by examining the nomination and voting process. The Recording Academy members consist of industry professionals, artists, engineers, and musicians, forming the core of the Grammy voting community. Members submit their choices for nominations within various categories, including Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and genre-specific awards.
However, the vagueness of the selection process has led to questions about its fairness. Critics argue that the lack of transparency within the nomination process contributes to the underrepresentation of Black artists and genres.
A closer look at Black artists who have been snubbed by The Recording Academy.
Despite the efforts to diversify the Academy’s membership and address systemic issues, the Grammy Awards continue to face scrutiny for failing to recognize the artistic achievements of Black musicians. From Nicki Minaj to Busta Rhymes, here’s a closer look at Black artists who fans believe should have earned a gramophone.
1. Nicki Minaj
From album sales to collaborations, Nicki Minaj is widely regarded as one of the most influential female rappers of all time. As such, the Trinidadian femcee has amassed hundreds of hits and accolades throughout her career. Initially, she received a nomination for Best Rap Performance for “My Chick Bad,” a collaboration with Ludacris at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. However, she went home empty-handed. Moreover, the “Pink Friday 2” rapper would go on to be nominated 12 times, sparking disappointment among her dedicated fanbase, “The Barbz.”
2. Busta Rhymes
With his magnetic stage presence and unique rhyme schemes, Busta Rhymes has become a legend in the hip-hop world. From his early days with “Leaders of the New School” to his solo ventures, Busta Rhymes’ impact on the rap genre is undeniable. The New York-based rapper has been nominated 12 times but has yet to win a Grammy.
3. Snoop Dogg
The father of hip-hop and a cultural legend, Snoop Dogg, has remained a prominent force in the music industry for over two decades. From his seminal debut album, “Doggystyle,” to his new ventures, the rapper’s impact is unmatched. Despite his enduring music popularity and influence, the West Coast rapper has yet to win a Grammy. In fact, Snoop Dogg has been nominated 22 times, but The Recording Academy voting has not proved to be a fan of his musical contributions.
4. Tupac
Regarded as one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history, Tupac has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre with his introspective storytelling and razor-sharp wordplay. With classic albums like “All Eyez On Me” and “Me Against the World”, Tupac has cemented his post as a hip-hop icon. Nevertheless, The Grammy Awards have failed to recognize his artistic brilliance with a gold statue.
5. Diana Ross
Despite being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Recording Academy in 2012, the legendary Diana Ross has notably never won a Grammy. This absence of recognition is particularly evident, given her immense impact on popular music and culture.
Ross’s iconic song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” a timeless classic beloved by generations, received a Grammy nomination but failed to secure a win. This oversight underscores the systemic biases that have historically plagued The Grammy Awards, particularly when acknowledging the contributions of Black artists like Diana Ross. Despite her enduring legacy and iconic status, Ross’s Grammy snub is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure equitable recognition within the music industry.
6. Aaliyah
R&B sweetheart Aaliyah left us at the peak of her career, but her music still inspires today’s newcomers. With her smooth vocals and stage presence, Aaliyah was a force to be reckoned with. Despite her undeniable talent and influence, she never received a Grammy Award during her lifetime. Her groundbreaking albums, “One in a Million” and “Aaliyah,” set new standards for R&B and hip-hop fusion, yet The Recording Academy failed to give the star her flowers.
Black Artists aren’t defined by The Recording Academy, but they do deserve recognition.
The history of The Grammy Awards is deeply intertwined with the evolution of popular music, yet it is also marked by systemic biases and oversights. For decades, Black artists have been marginalized and overlooked by The Recording Academy, despite their immense contributions to the cultural landscape.
As the call for greater diversity and inclusivity within the music industry grows louder, The Recording Academy must recognize and celebrate the extraordinary talents of Black artists. Until then, the legacy of inequality and injustice will continue to cast a shadow over music’s most prestigious honor.
Who are some Black artists who deserve Grammys that you love? Let’s discuss this in the comment section below.
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