grammys13-red-carpet

Once again, this year the Grammys were so highly anticipated but surprised turned out a bit sub-par. The fashion was repetitive and disappointing. There were a few fashionistas that showed out including Kelly Rowland in her risqué black Georges Chakra Couture dress. Her daring statement was matched with a sleek, pulled back hairstyle and bangs. Her curvaceous red carpet appearance attracted the likes of many. Katy Perry’s soft sea green Gucci gown and Jennifer Lopez’s all black, thigh high spilt was the topic of conversation. Janelle Monae remained in her classic black and white pants suit with a pop of a red lip. Tom Ford was worn by more than one man in several ways. The suits were sharp and custom made.  Following the red carpet interviews and mani cams, there was something that was already happening before the awards ceremony had begun. The Grammys seemed to have been a bit biased this year. The controversy is evident if one paid very close attention. Awards were being announced throughout the entire day and posted via Twitter. Not every award was being announced, but only one genre seemed to have been singled out. Hip Hop. Is Hip Hop not as important to be recognized as an earned effort? But why?

Thousands show up for this awards ceremony each year. Some come to celebrate the accomplishment of being nominated or as a supporting guest. No one is to know beforehand which award(s) they have received; that’s the thrill of the announcement. Hip Hop seemed to have been separated from this idea this year and the awardees were aware of their Grammy, but why show up since this is the reason they attend? Have these men and women not earned their right to be in suspense the way all others are? Miguel took the stage as the second performer singing “Adorn” aside Wiz Khalifa. It seems as if Hip Hop was dismissed and only displayed when R&B was involved. The vibe was extremely foggy. Pay very close attention. Hip Hop has evolved into a beautiful, influential movement and it has become a respected genre for decades now. Have we come this far to still fall back like this? Many were looking forward to Frank Ocean’s performance. Ocean sang, “Forest Gump” and it was debatable if this was an adequate display of his vocal ability since it didn’t have the intensity that some were hoping to hear.  Rihanna got on stage to sing her latest single, “Stay” and also performed, “Could You Be Loved” with Ziggy and Damien Marley for the Bob Marley tribute.

The Grammys did not live to its usual expectations this year. LL Cool J was an amazing host and was full of great inspiration to many. After hosting, he ended the night with a performance of his own with Chuck D. This paid tribute to the origin of true Hip Hop. Just when it may have seemed like things got better, the show was cut short by several commercials. Their voices were drowned out and it came across as very rude. There was no slow transition in ending the Grammys; it was simply interrupted. Everyone is entitled to express their thoughts, but the facts are there before the eyes of millions. -Free @InkStains_