KENDRICK KILLS IT

If the Grammy’s actually mattered, I would start my article with a rant about my sheer disappointment with the Academy. But let’s be honest, I’m disappointed every year.
My jaw hit the floor when Macklemore jumped on stage Sunday night to give his acceptance speech for Rap Album of the Year.
Not that Macklemore’s success should be discredited. “The Heist” is a decent album and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis produced everything independently (they will also never let anyone forget it). In addition to winning this award, Macklemore’s performance at the Grammy’s and made a large statement that hadn’t been made at this award show before.
He played his best song of the album, “Same Love”, which speaks in favor same-sex marriage rights. While singing on stage, he had Queen Latifah marry 33-gay and straight couples. There was a lot of love in that performance.
But not enough love was shown for Kendrick Lamar this year.
After the ceremony, Macklemore proceeded to text Kendrick Lamar to express his true feelings on his award.
In his text, he stated:
“You got robbed. I wanted you to win. You should have. It’s weird and sucks that I robbed you. I was gonna say that during the speech. Then the music started playing during my speech and I froze. Anyway, you what it is. Congrats on this year and your music. Appreciate you as an artist and a friend. Much love.”
I couldn’t agree with you more, Macklemore. He posted his humble message on Instagram, and suddenly the image became viral.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City” is one of the best hip-hop albums in years. When Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog retire the crown of west coast rap ruler to you, you know you’re doing something right. It’s not just an album with good beats; Lamar took his experience as a good kid growing up in Compton and shed light on an unpopular side of culture.
Every song on the album has a purpose, and they speak for the voices that often times don’t get heard. There is something so intelligent to this art. But, tracks like “Thrift Shop” are going to overshadow songs like “Swimming Pools,” which gives an almost poetic view of the struggles of alcoholism? This disappoints me.
Lamar’s performance Sunday night alone should have granted him the award. Alongside Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar stole the stage.
In a world where 2 Chainz gets airtime on the radio, the Academy should be bowing down to the talent of Kendrick Lamar.