Historically, the Grammy Awards have been kinda shady when it comes to recognizing black musical contributions. But year after year we find ourselves in the pre-Grammy speculation game pontificating and regulating what is, is not, and should or shout not be recognized as the very best in American music.
Though Black music is the driving force behind American popular music, the true measure of this cultural fact rarely plays out when the names are called and the awards given.
Bruno Mars – 24K Magic [Official Video]
Get the new album ’24K Magic’ out now: https://brunom.rs/24kMagic See Bruno on the ’24K Magic World Tour’! Tickets on sale now.
Just about every year, theres some kind of controversy, either perceived or contrived. Oftentimes, they fall somewhere along the lines of recognition for gentrifying artists getting props over black artists, or a much-deserved artist going missing from the nominees altogether.
Raise your hand if you remember how Kendrick Lamar got robbed by Daft Punk for Album of the Year in 2014, or when Adeles 25 beat out Beyonces Lemonade just last year. How aboutTaylor Swift (1989) over Kendrick Lamar (Pimp a Butterfly) and Alabama Shakes (Sound & Color)? I mean, really, I could do this all day as there are dozens of examples.
Childish Gambino – Redbone (Official Audio)
From the new album “Awaken, My Love!” available now: http://smarturl.it/awakenmylove http://childishgambino.com http://facebook.com/donaldglover http://instagram.com/childishgambino http://twitter.com/donaldglover Music video by Childish Gambino performing Redbone. (C) 2016 Glassnote Entertainment Group LLC http://vevo.ly/rcrd4f Best of Childish Gambino: https://goo.gl/iYGsVs Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/HkY2Sh
This year were trumpeting the possibility that Jay Z will finally win a Grammy, or at least that well get an R&B singer of color up on the podium something that hasnt happened since Whitney Houston won for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard in 1994.
This year, weve got Childish Gambino nominated for Awaken, My Love. Kendrick Lamar is nominated for Album of the Year for DAMN and is once again seeking his first win in the category. Bruno Mars is nominated for 24K Magic.
Yeah, his sound is clearly inspired by Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool and the Gang, and James Brown and he adds just enough of his own flavor that you have to respect and appreciate his talent.
JAY-Z – 4:44
Watch 4:44 From JAY-Z’s new album, ‘4:44’ Streaming now on TIDAL – https://JAY-Z.co/444 Follow JAY-Z: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayZ Twitter: https://twitter.com/s_c_ Directed by TNEG Music video by JAY-Z performing 4:44. (C) 2017 S. Carter Enterprises, LLC. Marketed by Roc Nation & Distributed by Roc Nation/UMG Recordings, Inc. http://vevo.ly/Jf1vty
Jigga Man is nominated for eight honors, including album of the year, song of the year, and record of the year. Bruno Mars gets three noms; Best R&B Performance, R&B Album of the Year and the previously mentioned Album of the Year nod.
Kendrick Lamar is nominated for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap/Sung Performance for LOYALTY featuring Rihanna, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album and Best Music Video.
Kendrick Lamar – LOYALTY. ft. Rihanna
DAMN. available now http://smarturl.it/DAMN Best of Kendrick Lamar https://goo.gl/PTr3FF Kendrick Lamar – Damn https://goo.gl/6XEm55 Subscribe for more https://goo.gl/XGVyCd Dir: Dave Meyers & the little homies Prod Co: TDE Films / FREENJOY INC Prod: Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Dave Free, Nathan K. Scherrer Music video by Kendrick Lamar performing LOYALTY..
Jay-Z and Kendrick face off against each other in five categories; including Album of the Year and Rap Album of the Year.
