Rapper Cardi B urged music fans to focus on the Black, independent artists that are being represented as the Recording Academy works to honor its commitment to diversity.
In a tweet on Saturday, the rapper offered her endorsement of “the small black artist that got nominated that got overshadowed,” proclaiming, “It’s their moment finally !”
She wrote that regardless of the attention they’ve received this year, many of the nominated artists have garnered minimum exposure by media and award shows traditionally.
“However let’s not forget the Grammys nominated soo many independent black artists this year that don’t get the exposure by blogs, magazines and other awards shows like Chika, D Smoke, Royce 5’9, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Electronica, Kaytranada, Brittany Howard, Kykal Kilgore, Ledisi, Jean & Marcus Baylor, Like James, Gregory Porter, Giveon, Ant Clemons, Robert Glasper, Free Nationals & Thundercat, and so much more,” she tweeted.
How I feel bout the Grammies .Don’t forget to congratulate the small black artist that got nominated that got overshadowed again cause of the drama .It’s their moment finally ! pic.twitter.com/uoSJtG1aqi
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) March 13, 2021
The “Bodak Yellow” artist sympathized with independent artists who “feel overlooked because you might not look like others” and those who “stay out of drama and the media or yet still not as popular.” she added, “However you’re a talented-ass f**k and one day you wake up and you find out you’re nominated and got a notice from one of the biggest awards show purely cause of your TALENT!”
She wrapped up her statement by expressing that fans and critics should take time to appreciate lesser-known talent, despite their “favorite” artists boycotting the processes that helped make them stars.
As Blavity previously reported, The Weeknd recently revealed that he will boycott the Grammys moving forward, citing corruption in its award selection process and a lack of transparency during nominations.
“Because of the secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys,” the artist’s statement read.
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, publicly bashed the Grammys in November after he discovered he wasn't nominated.
“The Grammys remain corrupt,” he wrote on Twitter last fall. “You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency.”
The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) November 25, 2020
In an interview with Variety, interim president of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr. revealed that he, too, was surprised that The Weeknd was shuttered from any nominations.
“We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. I was surprised and can empathize with what he’s feeling. His music this year was excellent, and his contributions to the music community and broader world are worthy of everyone’s admiration," Mason said.