Music

Nicki Minaj Is Still Mad About The ‘White Man Bon Iver’ Taking Her Best New Artist Grammy

Getty Image While some debated this year’s batch, Mrs. Petty re-aired old grievances. …

With the Recording Academy releasing its nominees for the 2021 Grammy Awards today, the reactions have been flying thick and fast on Twitter about the respective merits of the nominees, the mysterious absence of The Weeknd, and the most egregious snubs. However, rather than addressing this year’s batch of nominees, one person used the opportunity to revive an old grievance against the Academy. Nicki Minaj reminded her fans that she was once nominated for Best New Artist in 2012, but lost to Bon Iver.

“Never forget the Grammys didn’t give me my best new artist award when I had 7 songs simultaneously charting on billboard & bigger first week than any female rapper in the last decade- went on to inspire a generation,” she wrote. “They gave it to the white man Bon Iver.” As usual, there’s a point to her pettiness — pun intended. The Grammys have long had a history of overlooking and underrating accomplished artists in traditionally Black genres like rap and R&B — especially women, who have rarely won albums of the year in either category and are even more seldom even nominated for general categories like Album Of The Year.

Never forget the Grammys didn’t give me my best new artist award when I had 7 songs simultaneously charting on billboard & bigger first week than any female rapper in the last decade- went on to inspire a generation. They gave it to the white man Bon Iver. #PinkFriday
— Mrs. Petty (@NICKIMINAJ) November 24, 2020

In fact, this year, there are no women nominated in the Rap category at all and only Jhene Aiko and Chloe X Halle are nominated in the new spinoff R&B category, Best Progressive R&B. Also, remember the year they gave Best Rap Album to Macklemore despite Kendrick Lamar being nominated for Good Kid, MAAD City?

So this time, we have to side with Nicki. Incidentally, though, the Academy does have the chance to clean up that eight-year-old mistake; this year’s Best New Artist category includes Chika, the breakout Alabama rapper who starred on Netflix’s Project Power and collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Doja Cat, the compelling R&B/hip-hop hybrid who racked up a No. 1 with Nicki earlier this year, and Megan Thee Stallion, who garnered two No. 1s with Beyonce and Cardi B, competing against a field that includes D Smoke, Ingrid Andress, Kaytranada, Noah Cyrus, and Phoebe Bridgers.

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Featured

Fiery And Unapologetic: Pamela Hopkins “Burn It Down”

Pamela Hopkins’ new single “Burn It Down” is a fiery and unapologetic anthem of empowerment that takes the listener through an emotional journey of betrayal and reclamation. With co-writers Dave Lenahan and Scott Barrier, Hopkins crafts a narrative that diverges from the typical revenge tale by focusing on the protagonist’s decision to seek liberation rather than retribution.

The song starts with a somber acknowledgment of trust broken by both a partner and a friend, setting the emotional tone for the track. Hopkins’ lyrics are direct and vivid, painting a picture of the protagonist’s internal struggle before she chooses to rise above the ashes of her past. The phrase “throwing a match on kerosene” is a striking metaphor that encapsulates the explosive nature of betrayal and the drastic emotional consequences it entails. However, instead of wallowing in revenge, the protagonist claims her power back by letting go of what once was, symbolized by the metaphorical burning of the life she built with her partner.

Musically, “Burn It Down” features Hopkins’ signature blend of country grit and emotional depth. Her vocal delivery is compelling, capturing the rawness of the song’s theme with a blend of anger, sadness, and eventual resolve. The instrumentation complements the narrative, with a driving rhythm that mirrors the protagonist’s journey from shock and anger to empowerment. The chorus is particularly impactful, with its catchy and defiant lines that echo the protagonist’s determination to take control of her fate: “Bet your ass I’m goin’ out in a blaze.”

Hopkins’ performance in “Burn It Down” is a testament to her skill as both a vocalist and a storyteller. She navigates the song’s emotional complexity with grace, allowing listeners to feel the protagonist’s pain and her subsequent empowerment. The song’s bridge is a highlight, as it portrays a sense of closure and finality, culminating in the protagonist watching her past go up in flames, not with regret but with a sense of pride and self-worth.

What sets “Burn It Down” apart from other songs in the revenge genre is its emphasis on personal strength and the idea of starting anew. The protagonist isn’t looking for revenge in the traditional sense; she’s seeking a clean slate, a chance to rebuild without the shadows of her past holding her back. This theme is universal and resonates with anyone who has faced betrayal and found the strength to move forward.

Pamela Hopkins continues to establish herself as a significant force in the country music scene with this release. Her ability to infuse personal experience and emotional storytelling into her music allows her to connect deeply with her audience. “Burn It Down” is a powerful addition to her discography, showcasing her vocal prowess and her knack for crafting songs that are both relatable and cathartic.

In summary, “Burn It Down” is more than just a song about betrayal; it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever had to pick up the pieces and find strength in the aftermath of a broken relationship. Through her storytelling and commanding vocals, Pamela Hopkins delivers a song that is both a personal catharsis and a rallying cry for empowerment.

-Frank Fantina

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Artist Spotlight

Elijah Noida to Release New Single “Shikari” on September 30th

California-based artist Elijah Noida is set to release his latest single, “Shikari,” on September 30th. The track delves into themes of survival and the quest for truth, offering a fresh and captivating narrative. With roots in Siberia, Elijah moved to California in 2017, chasing his dream of becoming a music superstar. Now residing in NoHo, he is fully immersed in the American music scene, creating and living the life he loves.

“I moved from Siberia to California to follow the damn dream of becoming a superstar, like my favorite music bands that I listened to when I was a teenager.” – Elijah Noida

Accompanying the release of “Shikari” is a thrilling music video that takes viewers on a suspenseful journey. In the video, Elijah uses special glasses to uncover hidden threats among us, revealing reptiles and aliens disguised as everyday people. This gripping visual narrative complements the song’s intense message, promising to change the way listeners perceive the world around them.