Black women is music is a powerful thing. We’re constantly constantly creating and setting the standard.
As I’ve studied music, I learned that of course Black artists are paid dust, but Black WOMEN really are.
The last black women to win “Album of The Year” at the Grammys was 25 years ago. There are only three Black Women have ever won this award:
Natalie Cole (1992)
Whitney Houston (1994)
Lauryn Hill (1999)
Before then, there were 66 opportunities to award a Black Women AOTY. Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Donna Summer and etc. I could go on. All of these game changers and no AOTY.
This leads me to the subject of this blog post. We’re diving into the highest first week sales of Black female artist this century, and I’ll give my opinion on whether I think the album deserved AOTY.
As I Am by Alicia Keys (2007) 742K
The Breakthrough by Mary J Blige (2005) 729K
Survivor by Destiny's Child (2001) 663K
Lemonade by Beyoncé (2016) 653K
Growing Pains by Mary J Blige (2007) 629K
The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003) 618K
Beyonce by Beyoncé (2013) 617K
All for You by Janet Jackson (2001) 605K
B'Day by Beyoncé (2006) 541K
Soldier of Love by Sade (2010) 502K
Ashanti by Ashanti (2002) 502K
Destiny Fulfilled by Destiny's Child (2004) 497K
I am Sasha Fierce by Beyoncé (2008) 482K
E=MC2 by Mariah Carey (2008) 463K
Element of Freedom by Alicia Keys (2009) 417K
Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé (2024) 407K
Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey (2005) 404K
Damita Jo by Janet Jackson (2004) 381K
Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj (2010) 375K
The Evolution by Ciara (2006)
Stronger With Each Tear by Mary J Blige (2009) 332K
Renaissance by Beyoncé (2022) 332K
Chapter II by Ashanti (2006) 326K
A Different Me by Keyshia Cole (2008) 322K
SOS by SZA (2022) 318K
After looking at 25 albums, it's hard to believe not a single one of these didn't album of the year. Especially the first 5.
It leads to the question, “What is the criteria for album of the year winners?” Well, after doing my research I found some, not all of the criteria for winning “Album of The Year.”
Eligibility
To be considered for Album of the Year, an album must be released within October 1 of the previous year to September 30 of the current year.
Voting
The Recording Academy's voting members, consisting of artists, producers, and engineers, who vote to determine the nominees and winner. This peer-based voting process strives to uphold integrity and standards of the music industry.
Artistic Ability
Albums are judged on their overall artistic achievement. This includes the quality of songwriting, production, and vocal/instrumental performance.
Impact and Reception
This is not an official criterion, the album's impact on the music industry, as well as its commercial success and critical reception, can influence voters.
In 2023, Grammys voters didn’t cast Beyoncè for any ballots because she “wins too many awards.” I hope you read that and reacted the same way I did. What does that even mean?
For example, in the mind of Grammy voters, Taylor Swift fits all of the criteria. She’s fit the criteria FOUR times. Yet Janet Jackson, Beyoncè, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys have never fit that criteria.
Black Female R&B was at it peak years ago. That opinion could be controversial, but we’ll never see the run from 20, even 10 years ago. IF there was a modern black female artist to win AOTY, I see it being Doja Cat or Victoria Monet.
I understand that networks like BET were created to celebrate us, and you’ll have the select few that expect us NOT to be appreciate in spaces like the Recording Academy, but that isn’t fair. If BET isn’t doing their part, then there’s no appreciate for black women/artists in music.
BET started in 1980, created by Robert L. Johnson, to celebrate and showcase Black culture, music, and excellence. During the 1980s and 1990s, BET was important for highlighting Black talent and addressing issues important to the Black community. Shows like "Rap City," "Video Soul," and "BET News" became very popular and meaningful.
After Viacom bought BET in 2001, things changed. The network's focus shifted to reality TV, reruns, and content that relied on stereotypes instead of celebrating Black culture. Many of the original, thoughtful shows were replaced.
In recent years, BET has tried to improve by adding new shows and working with Black creators. Still, it has struggled to regain its former popularity.
BET's story shows how important it is for media platforms to stay true to their original mission of uplifting their communities, even when facing commercial pressures.
Black women have still made amazing music without “Album of the Year” validation. Still, their talent shines bright and inspires many. Their voices are powerful and will keep shaping music's future.
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