Award shows, like the Grammys, were tough on us early in hip-hop, not even televising our categories or splitting them up on best male or female or any of that. We had to earn them.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
We just couldn't seem to get the love from the Nashville awards shows... So Grammys really gave us validation, and so that's why they're such a big deal for us.
It's not just the 'Grammys' that I've pulled out of. I also pulled out of the English awards as well. The reason that I wanted to pull out was because I believe very much that the music industry as a whole is mainly concerned with material success.
There is so much good music in the U.S. and there is just a small section that gets recognised at the Grammys.
As we make our way toward the finish line that some of us have already crossed, I never thought I'd get a Grammy Award. In fact, I was always touched by the modesty of their interest.
The GRAMMY was a huge deal. It's the height of any musical career.
I had no idea what to expect when we did Ladies' Night. I didn't think it was going to get nominated for a Grammy. I didn't know that we would have to perform on the MTV Awards show.
My first single I was nominated for a Grammy with 'Crank That,' and I lost a Grammy to Kanye West, but it was still such a big deal for me to be nominated anyway.
Black music is too big and too powerful not to have its own awards show.
I have done so much for hip-hop and 'til this day, I haven't received any awards or any recognition for it.
Why don't the Grammys matter? Because it feels rigged and cheap - like a popularity contest that the insiders club has decided.