Winner of four Grammy awards including best rap album in 2014, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' names aren't even in contention this year. The Associated Press reports that the duo didn't even submit their eligible album This Unruly Mess I Made.
The group has been apologetic in the past about winning awards over African American artists and appropriating Black culture without touching on the social, economic and political gaps people of color face in everyday society.
Following their 2014 win, they sent a letter of apology to Kendrick Lamar, whom they felt should have won best rap album for good kid, m.A.A.d city. They also tackled racial injustice in “White Privilege II,” rounding out their mea culpa.
While their award-winning album The Heist sold a combined 4.3 million units, This Unruly Mess only sold 382,000 according to Nielsen Music. The album’s only bright spot was its first single, “Downtown.” Featuring hip hop legends Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee and Grandmaster Caz, the track reached the twelfth spot on the Hot 100.
Drake, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, De La Soul, DJ Khaled and ScHoolboy Q all received nominations for best rap album at this year's Grammys.