Popular demand almost got Macklemore and Ryan Lewis banned from all rap categories at this year’s Grammy Awards.
Over the past year, Macklemore and his partner in crime Ryan Lewis have sold upwards of 15 million copies of their hit singles “Can’t Hold Us” and “Thrift Shop.”
Due to their overwhelming success in mainstream markets, sources at the Associated Press are revealing the hip-hop duo almost didn’t qualify for the Grammys’ rap categories.
“Most rap committee members felt the duo shouldn’t qualify for the rap categories because of their success on mainstream radio and their appeal in the pop world, the source said.
At a meeting held a week later, members of the general Grammy committee discussed where Macklemore & Lewis should qualify, the source said. The general committee, which includes members from jazz, country, pop, rock and other genres, listened to their album to determine where they fit.
A general committee vote decided the group should compete for rap awards. The source said it was a landslide vote and that veto of the rap committee’s decision wasn’t a common occurrence.”
“It’s not that they don’t think he’s a rapper…It’s just that when you’re trying to protect categories and someone has become popular, it should be judged as much. … Where does their music exist? Who are their fans?” the committee member continued.
The hip-hop duo is currently up for seven awards, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album. Tune in to see if they nab any of the coveted awards this Sunday, January 26 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.
SOURCE: AP
