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Killer Mike arrested after Grammys sweep in rap categories
Grammys night started off triumphant for Killer Mike. The rapper achieved a clean sweep in all three rap categories he was nominated in: Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Album. “Atlanta, that’s a sweep!” Mike exclaimed on stage, while doing a celebratory dance. Unfortunately, the moment came to an abrupt halt when news of his arrest began circulating online. According to Variety, Killer Mike was handcuffed and taken into custody shortly after making plans to celebrate his big wins. Videos online show LAPD escorting Killer Mike from the Crypto.com Arena in handcuffs. It was later revealed that he was charged with misdemeanor battery stemming from an alleged altercation with a security guard. The highs and lows of Killer Mike’s Sunday night are unfortunately a common occurrence for artists who are Black and in the hip-hop space. Even at their highest moments, rappers become targets of police surveillance. —Jessica McKinney
Rap awards took a backseat
Although there were notable victories in the rap categories, such as Killer Mike's clean sweep, rap had a minimal presence at the live show. A significant issue was the Grammys' decision not to broadcast the rap categories. While rappers like Killer Mike delivered acceptance speeches, these moments were shared online and not featured in the live airing. Additionally, rap was underrepresented in terms of major performances, with Travis Scott being one of the few to take the stage. During his performance of "FE!N," he appeared to express frustration with the Recording Academy, shouting, "They slept on me 10 times." For context, Travis Scott was a nominee for Best Rap Album for Utopia at the 2024 awards but ultimately lost to Killer Mike's Michael. Despite previous nominations for Astroworld and hit singles like "Sicko Mode," "The London," and "Highest in the Room," he has yet to secure a win. The lack of televised focus on rap underscores the strained relationship between the awards ceremony and the broader rap community. —Jessica McKinney
No Spanish language performances
The Latin Grammys are continuously one of the most-watched award shows, with steady, increased viewership over the last few years. This year at the Grammys, despite a keen awareness of the impact and strength of the demographic, and a momentary honoring of one of the women leading the charge, there was a glaring missed opportunity to have one of the many present Latin stars take the stage. Peso Pluma, who won Best Música Mexican Album, was in attendance, as well as Tainy, who is one of the best producers in the game and artist in his own right, most recently sharing the heavyweight supported Data. Either artist would have been a great watch, appealing to a massive audience. Plus, they would have likely brought out guests of their own, with Tainy possibly beckoning the likes of Rauw Alejandro, Sech, or even Bad Bunny. Peso Pluma could’ve performed with Kali Uchis their album standout “Igual Que Un Ángel,” or "QLONA" with the already present Karol G. And, if the subject matter or approach was the issue, there were more traditional acts the Academy could have gone for as well, including the iconic Panamanian artist Rubén Blades who won the Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album this year, or Mexican crooner Natalia LaFourcade who won in the Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album category. Not having a Latin act at yesterday’s show, after including one in nearly every show in the last few years, felt like a big miss. —Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo
Questionable
Grammys X account mistakenly says Nicki Minaj won Best Rap Song
Well, this was awkward. Ahead of the live televising of the Grammys, the official X account of the Recording Academy made a huge error. It’s customary to share some of the winners, since not all categories are presented on live television. That is why when the Recording Academy tweeted that Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice won the category for Best Rap Song for “Barbie World,” some people were initially excited. It would’ve marked Nicki and Ice’s first Grammys wins. However, the excitement was short-lived. The Best Rap Song trophy actually went to Killer Mike for his single “Scientists & Engineers.” Naturally, this ignited outrage online, but the real question is, how could the Recording Academy make that type of mistake, especially when they are the ones calling the shots? Looks like they need to have a serious talk with their social media team. —Jessica McKinney
Beyoncé’s superstardom doesn’t seem to translate to major category wins
Beyoncé is the celebrity of all celebrities. Who else has a line of fellow artists queuing to say hello or snap a picture of her? During each commercial break, Queen Bey appeared to be bombarded by celebs wanting to have a quick word, from Kacey Musgraves to Dua Lipa and Trevor Noah. Fans online quickly took notice, sharing the many Getty Images that were taken during the unofficial “meet and greet.” So if Beyoncé is admired and praised by so many, why hasn’t that translated to top category wins at the Grammys? Only the Recording Academy can answer that question. —Jessica McKinney
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