Here we go again. “Urban” culture is overlooked. The most “relevant” rapper doesn’t win the rap category. The one uplifting film which happens to be about Blacks doesn’t win the Oscar nor get nominated (I’m not mentioning any film in particular because I’m sure this problem will not cease anytime soon).
However, I notice fans and different media outlets telling artists they shouldn’t care about winning these big marquee awards. I disagree. Not because urban culture (my blood boils when I say that term) or any other culture needs validation, but because it puts you next to your heroes.
As an artist, how awesome would be to say you’re in the same conversation as Michael Jackson? Winning a Grammy is the only way you can do that! Don’t get me wrong, Grammy winners aren’t always the most talented people, or the most “qualified” winners, but they did win.
And you can’t take a win away from someone. Not winning a Grammy won’t ruin your career, but it sure can make it. For every non-Grammy winner, you have a Lauryn Hill. She owned the Grammy’s with her debut album The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill, and that was the last time she was nominated.
Let’s not be mad at the artist for wanting to win a trophy, and let’s change the process. I don’t know if we should hold our eligible voters more accountable to speak up and vote for hip-hop and black culture, or if we should continue to voice our opinions until “the man” can’t escape them.
Either way, we should encourage our artist to celebrate their great music and films every year during award season, but remind artist their value doesn’t live and die with the award.
P.S. sorry for all of the quotes, I’m feeling really sarcastic today.