Grammys Black Music Collective Addresses Controversy

BY Erika Marie 4.2K Views
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The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective issued a statement on "one of the most inclusive Black artist nomination rosters in years."

The dissension regarding the 2021 Grammy Award nominations rolls on, but The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective Honorary Chairs have issued a statement to the Black Music Collective Leadership Council. Many have complained that there is a lack of women and Black representation in this year's nominees, leading some such as Drake or Charlamagne The God to speak openly about the division between the Grammys and the culture. Nicki Minaj recently spoke about her snub back in 2012 when she didn't win with numerous singles still on the charts, and The Weeknd had one of the most celebrated albums of the year with After Hours but he didn't receive any nominations, at all.

In the letter from the Honorary Chairs including Jimmy Jam, Quincy Jones, Debra Lee, and John Legend, they congratulated all of the nominees for the 2021 year. "Especially the Black nominees who represent one of the most inclusive Black artist nomination rosters in years," the letter reads. "It's a historic year as 10 Black women are nominated in the top four categories and more than 20 Black nominees are represented in the General Fields. Also, for the first time, all 6 nominees for Best Rap Album are Black independent artists. This is progress."

They acknowledged that "every awards cycle" can bring disappointments, but The Recording Academy is looking to become more inclusive as there is still work to be done. Read through the statement in its entirety below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.