Royce Da 5'9" Was "Embarrassed" By Grammy Nod After Criticizing Awards

BY Erika Marie 3.2K Views
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Royce Da 5'9", Ebro, The Message, Grammy, The Allegory, Lil Wayne
The Detroit rapper says that being nominated has given him a new perspective and he'll be less critical of the ceremony in the future.

The 2021 Grammy controversy haunts the Recording Academy, and while they've faced criticism over their choice of nominees this year, Royce Da 5'9" is excited about his mention. The Detroit rapper's project The Allegory received a nod for Best Rap Album and Royce spoke about his inclusion while chatting with Ebro Darden on The Message.

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The outspoken emcee isn't usually one who is at a loss for words, but the Grammy nomination hit hard after it made him reevaluate his stance on the award ceremony. “It feels cool," said Royce on the Apple Music series. "I’m not going to lie, man, I’m a little bit embarrassed because I’m one of those guys that was like, ‘F*ck the Grammys.’ And [now] I’m totally like, ‘I’m f*cking with the Grammys this year.'”

Now that he is an insider of sorts due to his nomination, Royce's viewpoint shifted because he was able to see how he came across in previous years as he criticized the show. “It’s an opportunity to put some things in perspective," he added. "When I see other artists complain about being snubbed, I look at it and go, ‘That’s how I was looking. I was looking like that.’" From this point forward, Royce said he is committed to being happy for his fellow entertainers as to not come across as bitter or judgmental.

Elsewhere, Royce spoke about Black artists and how fame has impacted their careers, especially those who have been in the industry for some time. The rapper used Lil Wayne as a reference, mentioning Weezy's previous controversial stance on socio-economic issues in America. “Lil Wayne, I heard come out of his mouth in an interview that racism doesn’t exist,” Royce stated. “Being famous early for a Black person is crippling.”

Check out his interview with Ebro on The Message below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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