Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Grammy Report: Kanye pulls another Taylor Swift?

Getting Swifted
He's back...

Just when you thought it was safe to watch a music award show again, Kanye strikes once more.

Who can forget his mic grabbing 2009 MTV awards rant at the expense of Taylor Swift for winning best video over Beyoncé?

"Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!."


At this year's Grammys, the overbearing man-child had another Taylor Swift moment -- well almost -- when this time Beyoncé lost album of the year award to Beck

kanye west animated GIF

This time, however, he didn't steal the mic and shout-out that Beyoncé was robbed of another award. No. Kanye saved his rant to after the award show.

After the Grammys ended, Kanye West told E! that Beck should have given his Album of the Year award to Beyoncé. "Beck needs to respect artistry, and he should have given his award to Beyoncé," West said.

Kanye, who believes he's the Michael Jackson -- an artistic messiah -- of his generation, is notorious for his off-script temper tantrums and blunt pronouncements. Remember his "George Bush doesn't care about black people" ad lib at a Hurricane Katrina TV benefit (with a bewildered Mike Myers by his side).

To be truthful, I find myself agreeing with the sentiment West is addressing: the baffling nomination and award voting process of the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars etc. For example, the inane folly of suburban America having a disproportionate voice on who wins soul, R&B, Hip Hop an rap awards.

 Can you picture urban communities deciding who wins Nashville country awards?

My problem with West is his methodology. Kanye's spontaneous one man protests are childishly flawed and come off cartoonish. He would better serve the cause if he could channel his impulses and emotions into his art.

He has the platform and canvass to make it happen sonically and visually as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Gamble/Huff were able to do.

Like adults tell their toddlers to use you words, we tell Kanye, use your art.





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