Next Monday sees the nominations for the 2016 Grammy Awards announced!
The coveted honor is deemed as the Holy Grail for singers and performers alike. Garnering 57 years of prestige has not come without its fair share of controversy. While often difficult to find the rationale in the decisions behind who is nominated and ultimately given the award, it is clear that commercial success alone is not always enough.
After the jump, we outline a few of music’s top acts that are yet to obtain the coveted gramophone trophy.
The Katy Kat blazed on the scene in 2008, with her #1 single ‘I Kissed a Girl.’ Though boasting 9 number one singles, 5 of which came from one album, Ms. Perry would surely be a shoe in to receive music’s most esteemed award. Unfortunately for the ‘Dark Horse‘ maven her 13 nominations remain simply that. Is the competition just too fierce for the ‘roaring’ bell? Possibly, but Grammy or no Grammy, Rihanna’s BFF managed to be the highest paid female in music this year. You win some you lose some.
Nicki Minaj
The self-proclaimed Queen of Rap has kicked down many doors for fellow female rappers, but has failed to snag an award many of her predecessors have (Queen Latifah, Lauryn, Missy, Kim, Eve). Onika currently reigns while having the most Billboard Hot 100 hits for a female rapper, as well as being the only female rapper to have two consecutive #1 albums. She also has won the BET award for Best Female Hip-Hop artist for the past six years. Though her loss of “Best New Artist” to Bon Ivor had many fans and critics in frenzy, maybe ‘The Pink Print’ will warrant some accolades of its own.
Justin Bieber
Love him or loathe him, The Biebs has had a lasting affect on Pop culture whether negatively or positively. Although the past few years have seen the star in the limelight for scandal rather than critical acclaim, this does squander the success that Justin has achieved. With five #1 albums, and a borderline frightening fan base, we would be surprised if the ‘What Do You Mean’ singer didn’t snag one of these awards in the near future.
J. Cole
The Fayetteville bred star has made quite the name for himself since first explaining ‘Who Dat’ really was. Though having the commercial success that many of his Rap contemporaries could only dream about, Cole remains one of many rappers that have yet to see their introduction change form “Grammy Nominated artist.” Cole has had three successive #1 albums, and is argued as one of the best in the game. Will 2016, be the year for the man with a ‘Crooked Smile?’ Only time will tell.
Jennifer Lopez
Lastly but surely not least, Jenny from the Block. As a triple threat that has been consistently building her brand over the past two decades, one would suspect that the Latin Queen would at least have a Grammy to her name. With 8 top 10 albums and four #1 singles, it is surprising that the media mogul has only managed to obtain TWO Grammy nominations. Yes, TWO nominations! Neither of which ultimately garnered her the coveted award. Interestingly enough, J.Lo has also only been nominated for 2 Latin Grammy awards. Say what folk will, Ms. Lopez is arguably one of the most seasoned overall entertainers we have today. If her recent showing at the American Music Awards is anything to go by, the ‘First Love,’ belle is not taking a seat anytime soon. At this point in her career, the hope for a Grammy may have been lost… but one can dream. Here’s hoping album #8 at least brings a nomination.
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The arguments that stem from the reasoning behind these Grammy related decisions are endless, so we will leave them to your discretion. An award does not indicate talent nor validate ones worth, but to be fair it is icing on the career cake to be recognized for your contributions.
Here are a few notable artists that have never received a Grammy Award:
Diana Ross
Notorious B.I.G.
Tupac
Janelle Monae
Snoop Dogg
Janis Joplin
Nas
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Interesting Fact: DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith were the first artists to win a Rap Grammy Award in 1988.