Accusations of racial bias in Grammy Awards

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Allegations of racism in the Grammy Awards , as expressed in award selections, have frequently been the target of criticism going back to its inception in 1957. These accusations have been highlighted by several controversial voting results, and the controversial voting process itself. Many of these allegations have yet to be proven directly. However, they have caused numerous speculations.

Contents

Background

The Grammy Award, as presented by the Recording Academy, is an award that recognizes achievement within all facets of the music industry. It covers all major genres and recognizes performances of albums and songs, songwriting, and new artists. Criticism of the Grammys has covered various aspects, with accusations of racial bias by media outlets and fans having been brought up for decades.

Controversy

Since the inception of the Grammys in 1957, only eleven black artists have won the Album of the Year Award: Stevie Wonder ( Innervisions in 1974, Fulfillingness' First Finale in 1975, Songs in the Key of Life in 1977), Michael Jackson ( Thriller in 1984), Lionel Richie ( Can't Slow Down in 1985), Quincy Jones ( Back on the Block in 1991), Natalie Cole ( Unforgettable... with Love in 1992), Whitney Houston ( The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album in 1994), Lauryn Hill ( The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1999), Outkast ( Speakerboxxx/The Love Below in 2004), Ray Charles ( Genius Loves Company in 2005), Herbie Hancock ( River: The Joni Letters in 2008), and Jon Batiste ( We Are in 2022). [1] From 2012 to 2020, statistics showed that black artists received only 26.7% of nominations for the awards show while they represented over 38% of all artists on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. [2]

There have been several best album wins that have been questioned including Beyoncé's self-titled album's loss in 2015 to Beck's Morning Phase for Album of the Year, Lemonade 's 2017 loss to Adele's 25 , and Renaissance 's 2023 loss to Harry Styles's Harry's House . [3] [4] [5] Other cited examples include Michael Jackson's Off the Wall and Prince's 1999 failing to be nominated; Frank Ocean's Channel Orange losing to Mumford & Sons' Babel ; Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, M.A.A.D City losing Album of the Year to Daft Punk's Random Access Memories , and Best Rap Album to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' The Heist in 2014, To Pimp a Butterfly 's defeat to Taylor Swift's 1989 in 2016, [6] and Damn 's loss to Bruno Mars' 24K Magic in 2018; [7] SZA's SOS losing to Taylor Swift's Midnights in 2024. [8] [9]

In January 2020, Tyler, the Creator accused the Grammys of deliberately putting black artists in "urban" categories such as hip-hop and R&B. When Igor was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 62nd Awards, he called it a "backhanded compliment". Tyler the Creator (52163761341) (cropped).jpg
In January 2020, Tyler, the Creator accused the Grammys of deliberately putting black artists in "urban" categories such as hip-hop and R&B. When Igor was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 62nd Awards, he called it a "backhanded compliment".

Others have argued that non-white artists mostly win in smaller "racialized" categories. Beyoncé has most of her 32 awards within genre-specific categories, such as rap and R&B, categories that people of color primarily dominate. Ann Powers, an accredited writer for the National Public Radio, accused the 2017 Grammy Awards of systematic racism due to Chance the Rapper and Beyoncé being the only black artists who won televised awards. According to Powers, there is a general notion that music made with "real" instrumentation is superior to synth or sampled music, or that "stand-still" performances are outstanding to performances that incorporate dance. [11]

The Grammys has also been criticized in the past for failing to nominate famous artists of color, such as The Weeknd. The Academy's failure to nominate the Weeknd's work came as a major surprise considering the widespread success of his 2020 album After Hours and its single, "Blinding Lights". The track set numerous records, including spending 40 weeks within the top ten in the U.S., four of which the song was at number one, and spending 28 weeks in the top five. [12] After it received no nominations from the Recording Academy, the Weeknd wrote "The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency". [13]

Voting process

The voting process for the Grammy Awards has seen much criticism over the years. The voting committees are made up of hundreds of musical experts, including musicians, producers, engineers, and songwriters. Members of the Recording Academy will submit their picks for nomination, which will then be screened by 350 individuals to ensure that the nominee is placed in the correct category and eligible for a potential award. Members are then asked to vote in up to 15 genre categories and four general categories. The votes are sent to independent accounting firm Deloitte to be tallied, and a comprehensive list is sent back to the Recording Academy to be voted upon for a final time. These ballots are again counted by Deloitte and the winners are sealed until the night of the awards. [14]

Controversy has been raised over the fact that members vote for works in categories outside of their expertise, and this occurs because they are required to vote on a certain number of categories to maintain membership. Rob Kenner, a Grammy screener, described an "unwritten rule" among committee members to be cautious nominating an album by an already well-known artist if they did not want that album to eventually win an award. Kenner claims that voting members are more likely to select an album based on its popularity and name recognition, even if they have never heard the music before. [15]

Another controversial aspect of the voting process focuses on the lack of transparency regarding the composition of voting committees. The nominations for a wide variety of categories are shaped by many committees, but little is known about who are on these committees, how they are formed, or who puts them together. Looking on the official Grammy website provides no further clarity, thus obscuring the process further. [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Awards</span> American award for achievements in music

The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, and often referred to as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant awards in the music industry worldwide. They were originally called the Gramophone Awards, as the trophy depicts a gilded gramophone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Song of the Year</span> Honor presented at the Grammy Awards

The Grammy Award for Song of the Year is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards. The Song of the Year award is one of the four most prestigious categories at the awards, presented annually since the 1st Grammy Awards in 1959. According to the 54th Grammy Awards description guide, the award is presented:

to honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Record of the Year</span> Award presented by National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

The Grammy Award for Record of the Year is presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to sales or chart position." The Record of the Year award is one of the four "General Field" categories at the awards presented annually since the 1st Annual Grammy Awards in 1959.

For commercially released singles or tracks of new vocal or instrumental recordings. Tracks from a previous year's album may be entered provided the track was not entered the previous year and provided the album did not win a Grammy. Award to the artist(s), producer(s), recording engineer(s) and/or mixer(s) if other than the artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Album of the Year</span> American music industry award

The Grammy Award for Album of the Year is an award presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales, chart position, or critical reception." Commonly known as "The Big Award", Album of the Year is the most prestigious award category at the Grammy Awards, and is one of the four general field categories alongside Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year that have been presented annually since the 1st Annual Grammy Awards in 1959.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Best New Artist</span> Honor presented to recording artists

The Grammy Award for Best New Artist has been awarded since the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1960 "for a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist." The award was not presented in 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album</span> Honor presented to recording artists for quality alternative music albums

The Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album is an award presented to recording artists for quality albums in the alternative genre at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position". In 2023, it was joined by a companion category, Best Alternative Music Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Best Rap Album</span> Honor presented to recording artists for quality rap albums

The Grammy Award for Best Rap Album is an award presented to recording artists for quality albums with rapping at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

The Grammy Award for Best Music Film is an annual accolade for performers, directors, and producers of quality videos or musical programs. It is presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony established in 1958 when it was called the Gramophone Awards.

The Grammy Award for Best Music Video is an accolade presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to performers, directors, and producers of quality short form music videos. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Best R&B Album</span> Award

The Grammy Award for Best R&B Album is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality works on albums in the R&B music genre. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by The Recording Academy of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance</span> Accolade presented at the Grammy Awards

The Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance is an accolade presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally named the Gramophone Awards, to performers of quality traditional R&B vocal performances. The award was first given in 1999; until 2003, only albums were nominated, now just singles or tracks are. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position." As of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, the eligibility criteria for the category was amended to "more accurately represent recordings that embody the classical elements of R&B/soul music, distinguishing them from contemporary interpretations of the genre".

The Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album was an Honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality works on albums in the contemporary R&B music genre. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

The Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance was an honor presented to female recording artists at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003 and the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004 for quality rap solo performances. The Grammy Awards, an annual ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, are presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

Throughout the history of the Grammy Awards, many significant records have been set. This page only includes the competitive awards which have been won by various artists. This does not include the various special awards that are presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences such as Lifetime Achievement Awards, Trustees Awards, Technical Awards or Legend Awards. The page however does include other non-performance related Grammys that may have been presented to the artist(s).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album</span> Grammy Award Category

The Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards to recording artists for quality works on albums in the urban contemporary subgenre within the R&B field. Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the Recording Academy of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Parade (song)</span> 2020 single by Beyoncé

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">63rd Annual Grammy Awards</span> 2021 edition of award ceremony

The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony was held in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles on March 14, 2021. It recognized the best recordings, compositions, and artists of the eligibility year, running from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020. The nominations were revealed via a virtual livestream on November 24, 2020. The performers for the ceremony were announced on March 7, 2021. South African comedian Trevor Noah hosted the ceremony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">67th Annual Grammy Awards</span> 2025 edition of award ceremony

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References

  1. ↑ Ahlgrim, Callie. "Only 10 Black artists have won album of the year at the Grammys — here they all are". Insider. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  2. ↑ Alcorn, Chauncey (9 March 2021). "The Grammys rarely award chart-topping Black artists with top honors, new study finds". CNN. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  3. ↑ Mendes II, Moises (Feb 6, 2023). "Beyoncé's Album of the Year Snub Fits Into the Grammys' Long History of Overlooking Black Women". Time.
  4. ↑ Curto, Justin (Feb 6, 2023). "How Harry's House Beat Beyoncé". Vulture.
  5. ↑ Jones, CT (Feb 6, 2023). "Beyonce Broke the Grammys Record. It's Not Good Enough". Rolling Stone.
  6. ↑ Madison, Ira III (28 January 2018). "The Grammy Awards Are Racist as Hell". The Daily Beast.
  7. ↑ Sheffield, Rob (January 29, 2018). "Grammys 2018: Why You Shouldn't Be Shocked That Bruno Mars Beat Kendrick Lamar". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  8. ↑ Grein, Paul (5 February 2024). "Snubs and Surprises at the 2024 Grammys". Billboard. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  9. ↑ Frank, Jason P. (5 February 2024). "SOS--Taylor Swift Just Won Album of the Year Again". Vulture. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  10. ↑ "Tyler, the Creator calls out the Grammys for racism in their awards categories". The Independent. 2020-01-27. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  11. ↑ "The Problem With The Grammys Is Not A Problem We Can Fix". NPR.
  12. ↑ "The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" Breaks Record For Most Weeks In 'Billboard' Top 10". Stereogum. November 23, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  13. ↑ Aswad, Jem (November 25, 2020). "The Weeknd Accuses Grammys of 'Corruption' Over Nomination Shutout". Variety. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  14. ↑ "GRAMMY Awards Voting Process". Grammy Awards. October 18, 2010. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  15. ↑ McKinney, Kelsey (February 4, 2015). "The Grammy voting process is completely ridiculous". Vox. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  16. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (January 25, 2020). "Can the Grammys Be Trusted?". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved May 3, 2021.
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