The Ultimate Denial

So.

The Grammy's have come and gone, and once again, the hip hop world is disappointed by its own peers. In a sad surprise, Bruno Mars swept every single big award last night, with Album of the Year sealing the nail in the coffin. Even in his acceptance speech, the music from the music industry was clear.

They are denying the power of hip hop.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love 24K Magic. That album has great hits from beginning to end, and it was a drastic stray away from Bruno's typical pop sound. However, two more albums came out that revolutionized the very sound of hip hop: Jay-Z's 4:44 and Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. Both albums received critic acclaim, successful tours, and many people talking beyond the music.

Personally, I believe DAMN. should have gotten the top honor, and so it makes me really wonder about the movers and shakers of the music industry. In the almost 40 year history since the release of "Rappers Delight", there has been a slow acceptance of hip hop and rap into the mainstream world. Sure, there are listeners of all colors, backgrounds, and countries, but the recognition of such reach has been severely delayed. The rap category was not introduced until 1995, leaving the founders and pioneers of hip hop completely left in the dark. However, there has been progress.

In a very rare occasion, two rap albums were nominated for Album of the Year, which speaks volumes, but when will the music industry accept that hip hop and rap is here to stay? Evolving rappers are basically banging on the front door, and yet they are still denied access. Bruno's sound, which sounds heavily like the r&b of the early 90's, was accepted before the raw, honest, quintessential rap of today. What kind of message is that?

If I could, I would apply to be a member of the Recording Academy, but I only write about music as opposed to making it. I can only hope that the group of voters increase, and as the newer generations of recording artists and professionals make their voices known, that hip hop and rap can no longer be denied as a powerful musical force in this world.