Posted: 2025-2-13
Eminem Blasts the Grammys: Calls Out ‘Useless’ Awards and Industry Bias Eminem, one of the most influential and commercially successful rappers of all time, has once again voiced his disdain for the Grammy Awards. The Detroit-born artist, known for his raw lyricism and unfiltered opinions, has never shied away from criticizing the music industry.
This time, he took direct aim at the Recording Academy, calling the Grammys "useless" and exposing what he perceives as a rigged system that exploits famous artists for viewership while rewarding lesser-known acts that lack mainstream recognition. A History of Bad Blood: Eminem vs. The Grammys Eminem’s latest outburst against the Grammys is far from his first. The rapper has had a long, complicated relationship with the Recording Academy. Despite winning 15 Grammy Awards throughout his career, he has consistently voiced his frustration with the institution, claiming that the awards often fail to recognize true artistic merit and instead cater to politics and industry connections. The rapper has openly criticized the Grammys in his music, most notably in his 2020 song "The Ringer," where he raps about boycotting the event. Additionally, during a 2018 interview, Eminem stated that he would never attend the Grammys again, expressing his belief that the awards were rigged and did not reflect genuine talent. "Don’t Put My Name in It"—Eminem Rejects Grammy Recognition Eminem made it clear in his recent statements that he wants nothing to do with the Grammys. He explicitly warned the Recording Academy not to include his name in their nominations or invite him to the ceremony.
This sentiment underscores a growing trend of disillusionment among major artists who feel that the Grammys exploit their popularity for television ratings while failing to honor them in major categories. Other major artists, including The Weeknd and Drake, have also publicly criticized the Grammys, with The Weeknd famously calling the awards “corrupt” after being snubbed despite his massively successful album After Hours in 2020. Like Eminem, many artists believe that the Grammys use their names for publicity while ultimately awarding less deserving acts. The Problem with Grammy Voting: "Who Even Voted for Them?" One of the most damning aspects of Eminem’s rant was his questioning of the Grammy voting process. "If I lose an award to Kanye or Kendrick, I can understand. But losing to people you know have no fans or are not famous is funny. So who voted for them?" This comment highlights a long-standing issue within the Grammy system: the lack of transparency in its voting process. Many fans and artists have speculated that Grammy winners are often chosen based on industry politics rather than genuine artistic achievement or fan support. There have been multiple instances where lesser-known artists have won over commercially successful and critically acclaimed musicians, leading many to question the integrity of the awards. The Recording Academy has repeatedly defended its voting process, claiming that it is based on the merit of the work rather than popularity. However, critics argue that this explanation does not hold up when some of the biggest and most culturally impactful artists are consistently overlooked in favor of more obscure choices. "Nicki Minaj Has No Grammys—Who’s Better Than Her?" Eminem’s defense of Nicki Minaj in his rant also struck a chord with many fans. "Look at Nicki Minaj, she got no Grammys. Which female rapper is better than her? No one." This statement points to another glaring inconsistency within the Grammys—Nicki Minaj, despite being one of the most successful and influential female rappers of all time, has never won a Grammy. Nicki Minaj has been vocal about her own frustrations with the Recording Academy. In 2020, she called out the Grammys for snubbing her in 2012, when she lost Best New Artist despite dominating the charts. Her impact on the rap industry is undeniable, yet she remains without a Grammy, raising serious questions about the fairness of the awards. Other female rap icons, including Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott, and Megan Thee Stallion, have received Grammy recognition, but Nicki’s continued exclusion from the winners’ circle has led many to believe that there is a deeper bias at play. The Larger Issue: Do the Grammys Still Matter? Eminem’s comments add fuel to an ongoing debate about the relevance of the Grammys in modern music. Once considered the pinnacle of musical achievement, the Grammys have faced growing backlash from artists who feel that they no longer accurately represent the industry. The rise of streaming and social media has given artists direct access to their fans, reducing the need for institutional validation. Many musicians now prioritize fan engagement and streaming numbers over industry awards, which they view as outdated and out of touch. Drake, another vocal critic of the Grammys, famously suggested that artists should not measure their success by Grammy wins but by the impact they have on their audience. In a 2019 acceptance speech, he stated, "You’ve already won if you have people singing your songs word for word, if they’re coming to your shows." What’s Next for Eminem and the Grammys? Given Eminem’s firm stance against the Grammys, it seems unlikely that he will ever attend the event again. However, his criticism is part of a larger movement within the industry that calls for more transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in major award shows. The Recording Academy has attempted to address these concerns by introducing changes to its voting process and expanding its membership to include more diverse voices. However, many artists and fans remain skeptical about whether these changes will lead to meaningful reform. For Eminem, his legacy in hip-hop is already cemented, with or without Grammy recognition. His influence, record sales, and cultural impact speak for themselves, making him one of the most important figures in music history. As more artists speak out against the Grammys, it remains to be seen whether the institution can regain its credibility or if it will continue to lose relevance in an industry that is increasingly rejecting traditional gatekeepers. Final Thoughts Eminem’s explosive comments about the Grammys highlight the growing frustration among artists who feel that the awards no longer hold the same prestige they once did. By questioning the voting process, calling out industry bias, and defending overlooked artists like Nicki Minaj, he has sparked yet another important conversation about the role of award shows in modern music. Whether the Grammys will change in response to such criticism is uncertain, but one thing is clear: artists are no longer willing to stay silent about industry injustices. And as long as voices like Eminem’s continue to challenge the status quo, the debate over the Grammys' credibility will rage on.