Did Macklemore Deserve To Win?

By Stephen Knoll on January 27, 2014

Yes. In answer to the titular question, yes. Now everybody being reactionary in nature is claiming racism on part of the Grammys and white privilege.  I’m not denying that either exist or don’t exist, I’ve covered before what’s wrong with this country in

Best New Artist and possible Steve Urkel stand-in (From Alwaysgirls.com)

regards to race and things are pretty bad in some cases. But, why can’t we let just let a man enjoy what he earned? Yes, I mean earned. I don’t know why people want to immediately discredit this win for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, is it because “Thrift Shop” was a more pop album? Or is this hate a case of racism, just not the type you identify with the word?

I can’t say I am familiar with a lot of Kendrick Lamar’s music, but this seems to be where the center of the issue comes in. The problem here seems to be that Lamar was shut out in all awards while Macklemore won Best New Artist and Best Rap Album, both times beating out Lamar. Best New Artist is OK for most people because that’s genre free, but Best Rap Album is what ruffled all the feathers and Macklemore’s subsequent apology to Lamar admitting he “robbed him”. In a genre dominated specifically by one race, suddenly an outsider won and the entire world was uncomfortable. So instead of Macklemore being able to enjoy his moment in the sun, it’s stuck in the muck and mire of a racially charged America. What baffles me is that people all say Lamar was robbed and Macklemore deserved to win, but people seem to ignore he also beat out Drake, Jay-Z, and Kanye West for Best Rap Album. To my knowledge Kanye has been pretty silent over the whole deal and when Yeezus is quiet about being “robbed” something seems off to me. So, why all this hate? No one batted an eye when Eminem won. Did we give him more credit as a rapper because he was more crass and abrasive? (Note: I am a huge fan of Eminem’s and always have been, but there is a decided difference between him and Macklemore).  Macklemore did publish screencaps of his apology and the world has been quick to scorn him.

The Apology Text (From Stereogum.com)

What saddens me most is that he has worked for everything and he earned those awards. Not because he’s white, not because the Grammys are rigged by the Illuminati (I’m not sure if this has been a story, but I’m sure someone out there thinks this), but because he put in the time and effort into it. “Thrift Shop” maybe an annoying song to you, but I’d bet money you know exactly what you’re going to do if you only have $20 in your pocket. This article from Salon.com prompted my response, along with some other news stories from around the web. The article itself makes great points, but is quick to dismiss Macklemore and Lordes, whose song ‘Royals’ won Best Record of the Year, simply because they are white. Racism, reverse racism, whatever you wish to call it is wrong and always will be. Yes, there are things deeply wrong with our country and it’s views towards race and the voting process might be a bit sketchy at the Grammys, but I don’t know that. When did music stop being music and start becoming something associated with particular racial groups? Certain cultures have different types of music, but it’s still all meant to bring people together. So, congratulations Macklemore on your deserved win.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format