Do Grammys Still Matter? Artists Tell Okayplayer Why They Do

The Grammy Awards’ relationship with Black music and Black artists has never been a simple one. For decades, the institution has been criticized for overlooking key contributions, sidelining genre-shaping work and failing to fully recognize the artists who defined eras of popular music. From major categories going untelevised to repeated snubs that raised questions about whether these omissions were accidental or systemic, the Recording Academy’s oversights have been well documented.

In 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince made history by winning the first-ever Grammy for Best Rap Performance — a moment that went untelevised and sparked early questions about how the institution valued hip-hop. A decade later, Jay-Z famously boycotted the 1999 ceremony despite earning three nominations, protesting the Recording Academy’s failure to recognize DMX’s two era-defining albums (It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood) that year. Drake has echoed similar critiques in more recent years. 

And in 2024, while accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, Jay-Z returned to the same conversation — 25 years later — calling out the Recording Academy with a familiar mix of love and frustration. “We love y’all,” he said, “but we want y’all to get it right… at least get it close to right.”

Time and time again, artists and fans alike have pointed to the disconnect between how Black music is celebrated culturally and how it’s handled institutionally. This conversation isn’t new, and it isn’t baseless.

And still.

Despite the tension, criticism and even disdain some may feel, the Grammys remain one of the most visible acknowledgments in the music industry. Grammy Weekend in Los Angeles is still one of the biggest gathering points in music. A nomination still carries weight, and a win tips the scale even further — even when artists refuse to center it. There’s a difference between questioning an institution and pretending it holds no significance.

As Travis Scott recently said in a Rolling Stone interview: “There’s always the person that has one that will tell you it don’t matter. They’ll tell you it don’t matter, but when you go in the crib, it’s on the mantel.” The quote resonates because it speaks a quiet truth: recognition, even if imperfect, still counts.

For many artists, a Grammy nomination isn’t about validation from an appointed committee. It represents years of work, sacrifice and risk. It reflects growth and how far they’ve come, who they’ve evolved into, how they’ve sharpened their creative processes and the rooms they’re now able to enter. A Grammy can hold special meaning, even when the system feels flawed.

This year, instead of debating whether the Grammys matter, we asked artists a simpler, more personal question: What does a Grammy still mean to you?

The responses were honest. They came from a place of pride, honor and gratitude. Together, they paint a fuller picture of what recognition looks like now, when the culture is louder than the decision-makers, but the moment still shines.

Below, artists share what a Grammy still means to them, personally and professionally, at this point in their careers.

Rapsody 

“The GRAMMYs is one of the places we can celebrate true artistry and musicianship over the superficial. Music enthusiast, your peers, who care about frequency and feeling and art. It’s an esteemed club to be a part of, and I’m grateful for the strides made every day to evolve and protect the intention of what this nonprofit is about — celebrating greatness.”

Lalah Hathaway

“I am always honored to be recognized for my work! My hope is that a nomination provides new ways to present my art to new people, and that it increases my territory.”

Kenyon Dixon

“A Grammy still means something because it represents being seen for the work you poured your life into — especially when you did it independently and on your own terms. Five nominations later, it’s still a reminder that authenticity travels farther than any formula.”

Durand Bernarr

"Never underestimate the power of consistency, determination and a support system that truly believes in you. Moral of the story: you can’t do it by yourself. Even if you could, why would you when you don’t have to?"

Lecrae

"This 2026 Grammy recognition means a lot to me, not just personally, but collectively. I see it as standing on the shoulders of legacy hip-hop artists and cultural voices who made meaningful, quality music long before recognition ever came or never came at all. It represents a community of people who still believe in craftsmanship, substance, and music that’s meant to last longer than a moment or a trend. I’m honored to carry that legacy forward and represent everyone who paved the way."

Ledisi

“My longtime collaborator/producer Rex Rideout called to tell me I received two nominations, if I remember correctly. I might’ve screamed, 'Whaat?!' Probably cussed a little and immediately began to thank God. The feeling around it is still the same as the first time being nominated, immense gratitude. I immediately thought of the village of people who helped me get here. I’ve been consistently nominated now a total of 16 times. I’ve won one Grammy during the most challenging time in the world, during a pandemic in 2020. My art heals people. I don’t take any acknowledgement for granted. However, I don’t do music for trophies. Still, it’s a beautiful thing that my peers included me as one of the best. So many of my peers and our greats have never been nominated, and it will never diminish their great work. I am very blessed and honored to be where I am today in my career.”

Terrace Martin

“What a GRAMMY still means to me is a reminder that your peers are paying attention, and the artistic work you put into music is not going in vain.”

Bilal

“As an independent artist over 25 years in, being nominated is extremely reaffirming and rejuvenating. These types of things bring in better opportunities.”

Mad Skillz

“The one thing about a Grammy is it’s a time capsule. In that year, during that time, what you created was the best! I take everything I create super seriously, so to be recognized by my peers is an amazing feeling. A Grammy still means that what you made touched people and inspired people, and I will never get tired of that feeling.”

Lila Iké

“A Grammy nomination means the most to me right now! I’ve always wanted my work to reach as many people as possible and have a positive impact on their lives. Getting nominated for my first album is not only admirable but it reiterates to me and others who may be inspired by my work that passion and hard work will always work positively for an artist once they stay focused and keep believing in themselves!”