Many will argue that The Recording Academy neglects to rightfully recognize hip-hop when it comes to the Grammys, especially compared to other genres of music. As this has been the case for some time now, artists and fans alike have begun to question the importance of Grammy recognition — cough cough, Drake.
Nonetheless, most musicians still long for the coveted award. This can of course lead to jealousy and slander towards winners. One of hip-hop’s brightest stars, however, is all about inclusion and uplifting his peers.
Following last night’s Grammy Awards, J. Cole took to Twitter to show love to some of his hip-hop contemporaries, specifically praising Cardi B, Jay Rock and Anderson .Paak for their Grammy wins.
“I don’t never wanna be propped up by tearing somebody else down,” he said. “Seeing Cardi b win a Grammy make me feel like I won. Same with jay rock and Anderson.”
i don’t never wanna be propped up by tearing somebody else down. Seeing Cardi b win a Grammy make me feel like I won. Same with jay rock and Anderson. I feel for Travis cuz he really deserved that acknowledgement as well, but his moment is way bigger than the awards could say
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) February 11, 2019
Cole’s 2018 album, KOD, was not nominated for any Grammys, however, but it seems he’s not dwelling on his misfortune. Instead, the Carolina rapper suggests that he’s learned where true validation comes from.
“I went through a lot of heart break the first half of my career, maybe even longer, cuz deep down I needed that validation that I thought the awards could bring,” he began, before sharing a quote that represents how he now feels.
I went through a lot of heart break the first half of my career, maybe even longer, cuz deep down I needed that validation that I thought the awards could bring. But it’s a quote I’m about to google that’s the realist shit and sums up how I feel today. 4 anybody that need 2 hear
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) February 11, 2019
pic.twitter.com/CqzHNipGWa
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) February 11, 2019
In closing, J. Cole went on to shout out Young Thug, Future, Ella Mai and 6LACK, following it up by stating, “No award show could ever get it all the way right. Especially one that ain’t run by us.”
Seeing Thug get a Grammy incredible. Future too. been deserved. March madness was bigger than the Grammy’s. And congrats Ella mai 👑. 6lack really deserved too, but don’t sweat it my brother. No award show could ever get it all the way right. Especially one that ain’t run by us
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) February 11, 2019
Congrats to all of this year’s Grammy winners, and props to J. Cole for speaking from a place of love.
