Image: Designed by The Musiq Brainiac. Inspired by Beyoncé’s cover photo for the record “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
There has been a lot of talk about black artists being snubbed at the Grammy Awards, in the recent years. One of those artists being Beyoncé, especially since the 65th Annual ceremony, when Beyoncé’s husband, Jay Z made comments on the subject.
During Jay Z’s acceptance speech, for his Dr. Dre Global Impact Award win, Hov stated, “…I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more grammys than everyone and never won Album of the Year.” Many believe he was referring to, Pop Icon and R&B artist, Beyoncé because, well, she does have the most grammys.
Jay Z makes a valid point. Queen Bey has the most grammys and several album nominations but hasn’t won one for Album of the year. Why is that?
Beyoncé’s Album of the Year Nominations
As of 2023, Beyoncé has 32 Grammy Awards and 79 nominations and of those 79 nominations, 5 were for Album of the Year.
- At the 52nd Grammy Awards, her album I Am… Sasha Fierce was nominated and Taylor Swift’s Fearless took it home.
- During the 53rd Grammy showing, it was Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster that Beyoncé was featured on that got her nominated and The Suburbs by Arcade Fire won that one.
- In 2015, at the 57th awards show for the Grammys, Beyoncé by Beyoncé was nominated and Beck’s Morning Phase won.
- At the 2017 Grammy Awards Ceremony, Lemonade by Beyoncé was nominated and Adele’s 25 won.
- Then in 2023, Queen Bey’s Renaissance was nominated and Harry Styles won album of the year.
Not saying that the winners do not deserve their wins but with the type of records the Beyoncé puts out, it makes one wonder what type of metric system does the Grammys follow to determine winners. Is it solely based on popularity of songs and artists amongst the music consumers? Beyoncé is popular but with the demographic that runs the awards and dominates the US, she falls behind artists like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift
Beyoncé’s Best Albums
Beyoncé’s albums are innovative and demonstrates that she is on the same level as Pop Icon, Micheal Jackson. Similar to Micheal, Beyoncé has put out albums that told a story from beginning to end, like album, Lemonade, where she releases a visual album depicting her marital struggles and overcoming it. It was one of the first times Beyoncé brought the public into her personal life and she did it through her art with music, poetry, and imagery.
Last year, Beyoncé had us all in a chokehold when she released her house music album Renaissance. There was no pause between songs and the transitions were effortless. The songs were catchy and upbeat with so many punchlines. Definitely the type of album one can dance the night away to or get a good workout to. The album was the theme of the year for 2023 and the same is expected for Act ii this year.
Also, the Black is King album was not nominated but it should have been. It was released as a movie based on Beyoncé’s ancestor’s West African culture. The songs were a mix of R&B and Hip Hop with some Afrobeats incorporated. The musical film showcased West African music, dancing, attire, and culture.
These three albums deserved album of the year and not just because the songs are amazing because her 32 grammys prove that but, as mentioned, what sets Beyoncé apart from the rest is that she is so creative. Beyoncé doesn’t do a lot of public speaking but you get to know her through her art. There is always a lesson with her albums. She teaches about art, politics, and history through music, dance, poetry, and imagery.
Is Beyoncé taking the 67th Annual Grammy Award for Album of the Year?
Beyoncé is already making waves and causing a little controversy, this year, during this Black History Month. The 32 grammy award winner hasn’t even released the album but released two records: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.” Now “16 Carriages” is more of an emotional song that will have you teary eyed and “Texas Hold ‘Em” is a more upbeat dance record. Both records fall in the country music category which is a major difference for the rhythm and blues, pop singer.
Although the Caucasian demographic has been dominating the country music scene for years, what most did not realize is that country music was created by black people. So, in a land where race and racism is still major topics, Beyoncé releasing these records caused some people to be upset. Some country radio stations would not play the country records because they state she is not a country singer but there have been plenty of well-known artists who have dabbled in different genres before. What makes this one so different?
Also, Beyoncé is not the only black artist who has dabbled in the country music genre. Lil NasX and K. Michelle are a few examples. Then there are several others who specialize in country music, such as, Tanner Adell, Cowboy Troy, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, and many more. Beyoncé has shined light on these artists by her being the music sensation that she is and releasing top charting records in the category.
Even though the release of these songs have gotten some negative feedback, the records have been doing numbers. In a recent update, “Texas Hold ‘Em” is number 1 on 7 billboard charts and one is country and “16 Carriages” is number 9 on the country music chart and it’s only been eight says. Beyoncé made history with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” making her the first black woman to hold the number one spot in the country music charts. These accomplishments are major and is what makes one wonder if she will get Album of the Year, for this album, especially if majority of the songs are anything like the first releases.