The summary of this whole letter is for readers to understand that citing facts regarding units sold, gross at concerts or fan base has nothing to do with the process of the Grammy's and should not be used as a foundation for argument.
I have read your (Steve Stoute’s) letter thoroughly and acknowledge your expertise in music culture. After reading a number of blogs and articles, viewed reports, and skimmed comments, I decided to bullet facts and truths that will hopefully bring clarity to those in recent opposition to the 53rd Grammy Award winners.
- Recording Academy members and record companies enter recordings and music videos released during the eligibility year which they consider worthy of recognition in the GRAMMY Awards process.
- Submitted recordings and music videos in the proper categories must meet specific qualifications (i.e.: Must be submitted by good dues standing members and registered labels, etc.)
- However only VOTING MEMBERS can vote.
- Voting Members must be in good dues standing.
- Categorized submissions are then nominated by members resulting in the "Nominees".
- The nominees are then voted by all "in good dues standing members" resulting in the winner.
I then bullet my questions and need for clarification for this argument to be justified as a grounds for change and a firm reaction for recording artist.
- Was there a significant number of voting members whose expertise and favorites are within the categories that concern your gripes (Maybe there were more voting members in good standing who were jazz related members and perhaps votes also included other members who would normally vote for hip hop- like Esperanza)
- Even though Eminem sold a crazed number above the other nominees, there may have been more members who favor Steely Dan or any other non multi platinum artist winning the Album/Artist/Record of the year
- Were the voting members of hip hop and pop genre related enough votes to stand against voting members who are not of those genres within the Album/Artist/Record of the year
- Were some of the voting members swayed by their own likes and interest and not vote within their expertise or representation within their genres?
With all of your expertise, Mr. Stoute, and those upset and ready to take on The Recording Academy/Grammy, I challenge you to:
- Research - Request the tallies. See how many people voted. See how many members are represented of genres that concern you (Request can probably be made by a member(s) in good standing) and to also,
- Encourage more recording artists within those genres of concern to become members and once becoming members - PAY DUES ON TIME!
IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE RECORDING ACADEMY. With all of the hip hop and pop culture music, producers, writers that exist, there could have definitely been an impact and a difference seen in votes if they were members.
Thank You for Reading!
E. Lane aka The Bizness Girl
**Editor's Note: Learn more about joining The Recording Academy here. I encourage those that qualify to do so. I swear it is easy. No one is conspiring against anyone. GET INVOLVED. Students that are interested in getting involved in the entertainment industry should join Grammy U. That's a personal endorsement as a former member.
Related Reading:
Steve Stoute Explains $40,000 NYT Ad Attacking Grammys (The Hollywood Reporter)
