Over the course of the year we’ve witnessed numerous award shows from the Grammys to the Vmas, to the Mobos and the Brit Awards and its been a common theme that artists who deserved at least a little bit of recognition have been snubbed for a watered down, more “commercial’ friendly counterpart, this recognition doesn’t need to be an award it could be an onstage moment but still the various outlets have not given  particular  artists a chance. For example just the other day at the Vmas Kendrick, Drake, J Cole weren’t even present at the awards show because they somehow know their talents wouldn’t be appreciated, same thing that happened at the Brit Awards- Grime and  Uk Hip Hop  artists had to accompany the polarising  Kanye West (future presidential candidate) to even get some shine. It feels like no matter how much noise the great aforementioned US acts make, they are being overshadowed by artists with a couple of hits who have the advantage of lighter skin complexion such as Iggy Azelea and Macklemore. In the UK it is a slightly different story as the Brit Awards still refuse to allow our ‘street music’ to be elevated onto a nationwide platform and be celebrated while they swell are favouring white contributions to the culture over our own as Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Jess Glynne are sweeping up awards for fun while others who are equally as talented or maybe even more so such as Angel, Shakka, MNEK. In the case of the births artists they have undeniable talent and put contributions into the culture making great music while respecting the groundwork laid for them which you have to respect.

The television companies that co ordinate these shows have realised how powerful the culture is and want to tap into and some may so expand, others might say exploit but it is key for them to not try market it on one type of person-i.e the white person and show the doors of Hip hop, Rnb, Soul and Grime are open to everybody and anybody who wants to make great music and positive contributions towards the culture. Although it may seems like this is a rant a lot of amazing moments have happened for both cultures at award shows for example John Legend and Common getting a 5 minute standing ovation at the Oscars for their awe-isprining  performance of ‘Glory’ from Selma and the perviously mentioned Brit performance which put Uk hip hop and Grime on national television for the first time in years.

Overall I believe it is our duty as listeners and supporters of the culture to not support the mainstream music awards unless they fairly represent our cultures correctly and fairly until that point we just have to keep supporting the artists and people who are trying to make great music and who are trying to help communities by giving back.