Rivalries, Rants, and Record Wins at the 2024 Grammys

The 2024 Grammys, which aired February 4, continued the ceremony’s streak of both vindication and exasperation. The Grammy Awards have long stood as the pinnacle of musical recognition, yet their history is fraught with controversies and criticisms. From allegations of systemic bias against certain genres and artists to high-profile snubs, the institution has often found itself at odds with the very community it aims to celebrate. In recent years, the Recording Academy has faced mounting pressure to address these issues, leading to promises of increased transparency and inclusivity. The 2024 Grammy Awards were anticipated as a turning point, with significant wins for artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar. However, the event also highlighted persistent challenges, including fan-driven narratives that overshadow artistic achievements and systemic issues within the industry. Examining the Grammys reveals its role as both a barometer of musical excellence and a reflection of the industry’s ongoing struggles with representation, authenticity, and artist welfare.

Beyoncé’s first-ever Album of the Year (AOTY) win was a watershed moment, one that should have been met with universal acclaim given years of blatant snubs (Lemonade (2016) losing remains indefensible). Notably, last year, Jay-Z publicly criticized the Grammys for failing to credit Black artists, using his wife’s omission from AOTY status as a prime example. Yet, rather than focusing on the significance of this overdue recognition, the internet—and even some media outlets—fixated on the “losers.” Viral edits of Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Sabrina Carpenter looking “devastated” flooded timelines, with publications amplifying baseless speculation about their reactions. Whether Eilish actually cried or if Swift’s composed smile masked disappointment became the subject of intense scrutiny; their responses, unfortunately, overshadowed the historic win itself. This discourse reflects a larger issue. The Grammys have perpetuated a toxic culture where every performance and award is scrutinized for its potential to fuel feuds between artists. While fans drive much of this, the media and industry players often stoke the fire for engagement. More frustratingly, this distracts from Beyoncé and the artistry that won her this award in the first place. Some fans dismiss her win by arguing that they’ve “never even heard Cowboy Carter,” a nonsensical complaint given that the Grammys are not meant to be a popularity contest. Others have even gone so far as to claim that Beyoncé’s music isn’t “real” country, an assertion laced with casual racism and a narrow, exclusionary view of the genre. These narratives reduce the conversation to spectacle rather than substance, undermining the very purpose of the Grammys: to celebrate artistic achievement.

Another highlight of this year's Grammy Awards was Kendrick Lamar’s sweep in the Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories for his track "Not Like Us," a diss track aimed at fellow rapper Drake. The song, which accuses Drake of inappropriate behavior, intensified their longstanding feud. In fact, Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Lamar and Universal Music Group in January 2025, alleging the track contained defamatory content. Despite the legal turmoil, Lamar's success with "Not Like Us" was further amplified by his historic performance as the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, where he featured the contentious track. This series of events has ignited discussions about the ethical responsibilities of awarding bodies in recognizing controversial works. While some critics argue that the song’s popularity was fueled by the public’s fascination with the feud, overshadowing other deserving artists like Eilish, whose "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" was also nominated, the overwhelming support for Lamar’s track at the Grammys suggests a broader acceptance of its artistic merit. Notably, during the ceremony, attendees enthusiastically sang along to the now-iconic line, "Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A Minor," highlighting the song’s cultural impact.

The Best New Artist category was won by Chappell Roan, who delivered a beautiful, impactful, and candid acceptance speech. Roan's heartfelt plea resonated deeply within the music community, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles that artists face. She recounted her personal experience of being dropped by a label during the pandemic, leaving her without job prospects or health insurance, which she described as a dehumanizing betrayal by the system. Her speech ignited a broader conversation about the responsibilities of record labels toward their artists. In response to her call for action, fellow musicians such as Charli xcx and Noah Kahan pledged $25,000 each to support uninsured artists, demonstrating solidarity and a collective push for systemic change. Industry leaders also took note; Universal Music Group announced the launch of a mental health fund in partnership with the Music Health Alliance, aiming to provide comprehensive mental health resources to music industry professionals. Roan's courageous stand has not only highlighted the pressing need for fair compensation and healthcare for artists but has also spurred tangible actions toward improving the well-being of those who create the music we cherish.

For all its moments of progress, the Grammys remain a deeply flawed institution, tethered to industry politics, commercial interests, and a voting body that often fails to keep pace with cultural evolution. The 2024 Grammys reaffirmed the ceremony’s dual identity as both a celebration of artistic excellence and a lightning rod for controversy. While historic wins like Beyoncé’s long-overdue AOTY victory and Lamar’s dominant showing signaled progress, the event also underscored the industry’s persistent struggles with representation, media-fueled fan rivalries, and artist welfare. Roan’s impassioned plea for fair treatment served as a reminder that, beyond the spectacle, musicians continue to navigate an exploitative system. As the Recording Academy strives for reform, the question remains: can the Grammys truly evolve into an institution that prioritizes artistic merit, equity, and integrity over industry politics? The conversations that sparked this year suggest that change is possible—but only if the music community, fans, and industry leaders commit to holding it accountable.