Alicia Keys says Grammys 2019 will be "sickest" yet
- by Winston Welch
- in Culture&Arts
- — Feb 10, 2019
Rapper Kendrick Lamar - who won a Pulitzer Prize for his album "DAMN." but not a Grammy for Album of the Year - earned eight nominations, while Canadian rapper Drake snagged seven.
The Times' latest story, which was published on February 7, suggests the artists' rejection may have stemmed from a longstanding tension between the Recording Academy and the hip-hop community.
In an interview with the New York Times, Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich said that he offered a performance slot to Kendrick Lamar who passed up the opportunity.
The televised bash in Los Angeles, which kicks off at 5:00 pm at the Staples Centre, is not without controversy, as the Recording Academy grapples with how to embrace diversity in its ranks.
"As always, we only have so many nominees in every category", he continued. The article points out the hip-hop community's lack of representation and acknowledgement in the major song and album categories throughout the years. This year, 15 women are nominated in the big four categories, including Gaga, Chloe x Halle, Carlile, Janelle Monae, and Cardi B.
The nominations have been set, the presenters have been chosen, but one thing the Grammys had a hard time doing this year was solidifying who would perform.
"The fact of the matter is, we continue to have a problem in the hip-hop world". Brandi Carlile is up for six awards, while Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Maren Morris and H.E.R. each have five nominations.
He is nominated for eight Grammys this year, inlcuding two for Best Rap Song, Best Song, and Rap Performance.
"We can blame men, and we can blame the industry and we can blame commerce, but it has to start with us", the 37-year-old told Variety. Taylor Swift, who is also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album, is also expected to skip the show.
But for others, part of rap's appeal is that it remains non-conformist.
"In a way, then you lose that outsider edge".
In what is sure to be a Grammy moment to remember, Yolanda Adams, Fantasia, and Andra Day will honor the legendary Aretha Franklin.
"I am referred to as a black artist, like last night at [the Grammys], I'm a black artist..."
