It's been a long time. But I'm back. And what better way to come back then to give my vision of what went down at this year's Grammys. And there was a lot to see
The Grammys were always known for celebrating the diversity of music, breaking new artists, and showing unity in the music industry for the sake of creativity. In recent years, the awards have become more politically charged. Safe choices are selected in place of opportunities for creative genius on stage. This decision has resulted in the show being out of the touch with what the masses are listening to. Many times, deserving artists get the India Arie treatment.
Though the awards were hosted by recycled host LL Cool J, they did start off with a very good Beyonce performance. A well deserved moment in the spotlight after a surprise album release not backed by her own label. Yes it was sexual and a bit raunchy but so is Miley Cyrus (Was she even there?). Plus Beyonce is Beyonce and she pulls it off much better than old chicken cutlets. Speaking of the twerk novice, the lack of it did not go un-noticed while Robin Thicke performed a much classier and enjoyable "Blurred Lines" set with the group, Chicago.
The mash-up performance with Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar was amazing. However, I think Kendrick deserved a solo performance given the amazing year he has had. Like many, I thought that Kendrick Lamar was robbed for Best new artist. An opinion that was echoed by winner, Macklemore. I don't take anything away from him or his impact as an artist but it didn't hurt to have a single that was about one of the political and controversial topics that we face in this country. I know that music is not just about the content encompassed within each line, it's also about the feeling that that song is able to conjure from our souls. Both Kendrick and Macklemore represent what Hip Hop is about. Though Macklemore has the more obvious crossover/pop success, Kendrick Lamar achieved it while still making rap songs. I think that ability is special.
Aside from surprise snubs, there were a couple of surprise bright spots. Pink's performance was dope as usual. She has been for a long time. But, she was really at her best during this performance. Pink has always found ways to evolve her craft and still be relevant to fans and the industry. But, in this specific performance she once again shows her dedication to evolving as a performance artist. What artist have you seen do a full acrobatic routine (without nets) and still be able to stun you with their amazing vocals? She is a rare talent who I think in some strange way still has not received her props for her body of work. But, maybe the greatest thank you is being relevant enough to perform.
However, the performance that brought me the most joy was Daft Punk's performance of "Get Lucky" feat Stevie Wonder. I can't tell you how much joy it gave me to see such deserving artists win. It was also significant because, Daft Punk's Random Access Memories was the group's first release in over 10 years. Their song didn't have any deep content. It was a simple song with a simple idea but it didn't need to because it invoked a feeling that many people could relate to. That is what music is about. Ironically, Daft Punk winning is a safe choice as well. But it proves that great music doesn't always have to be controversial. The Grammy was once a prestigious award given to a deserving artist for their contributions to the music industry. Now it seems as if the panel in charge of the decision is out of touch with what the masses are listening to. But as consumers, we shouldn't look to a certain award to justify that the music that we listen to in our cars, on our phones, or on our computers is good or not.
Aside from surprise snubs, there were a couple of surprise bright spots. Pink's performance was dope as usual. She has been for a long time. But, she was really at her best during this performance. Pink has always found ways to evolve her craft and still be relevant to fans and the industry. But, in this specific performance she once again shows her dedication to evolving as a performance artist. What artist have you seen do a full acrobatic routine (without nets) and still be able to stun you with their amazing vocals? She is a rare talent who I think in some strange way still has not received her props for her body of work. But, maybe the greatest thank you is being relevant enough to perform.
However, the performance that brought me the most joy was Daft Punk's performance of "Get Lucky" feat Stevie Wonder. I can't tell you how much joy it gave me to see such deserving artists win. It was also significant because, Daft Punk's Random Access Memories was the group's first release in over 10 years. Their song didn't have any deep content. It was a simple song with a simple idea but it didn't need to because it invoked a feeling that many people could relate to. That is what music is about. Ironically, Daft Punk winning is a safe choice as well. But it proves that great music doesn't always have to be controversial. The Grammy was once a prestigious award given to a deserving artist for their contributions to the music industry. Now it seems as if the panel in charge of the decision is out of touch with what the masses are listening to. But as consumers, we shouldn't look to a certain award to justify that the music that we listen to in our cars, on our phones, or on our computers is good or not.
