The Grammy Awards are presented by The Recording Academy to recognise achievements within the music industry. They have been criticised in the past for their “urban” categories, which have often placed Black and brown artists and musicians into one box for years. In light of recent events, it has now been announced that these out-dated categories are getting a much-needed update in time for the 63rd annual award ceremony in January.
The Best Urban Contemporary is now going to be called Best Progressive R&B Album in attempt to “appropriately categorize and describe this subgenre” as well as acknowledge albums that feature song or production elements of hip-hop, dance, pop and other genres. Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You won this earlier in the year at the 2020 ceremony.
The Best Rap/Sung Performance is now being changed to Best Melodic Rap Performance to “represent the inclusivity of the growing hybrid trends”, it will nominate solo artists and song collaborations.
After taking home the Grammy for Best Rap Album back in January, Tyler, the Creator made a commentary of the Grammy’s history of giving Black artists awards in “urban categories” and described it as a “backhanded compliment”.
In addition to these changes, the Latin Pop Album and Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album categories have been changed to Best Latin Pop or Urban Album and Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album. Although the Best New Artist category will not be getting a name makeover, a rule stating that “a specified maximum number of releases prohibiting artists” will be removed, now the nomination committee will determine the eligibility of an artist based solely on how successful they have been.