Kanye West finally hears Beck’s Grammy-winning album, likes it

NEW YORK | Almost two weeks after blasting Grammy winner Beck, rapper Kanye West said that he finally has heard his album — and liked it.

The outspoken rapper nearly rushed onto stage at the Grammys when Album of the Year went to Beck’s “Morning Phase” and afterward said that the alternative rock icon should “respect artistry” and give his prize to fellow nominee Beyonce.

Asked Friday about the criticism he faced over his behavior, West said: “I deserved it, man. I was completely hypocritical.”

West said that he was recently dining with Taylor Swift — another artist he had denounced in the past for winning an award — and the restaurant put on “Morning Phase.”

“Maybe they did it on purpose, so I could finally hear it. But I was like, man, this is kind of good. I ain’t gonna lie,” West told the New York hip-hop radio station Power 105.1 FM.

West said he would listen more thoroughly to “Morning Phase” and conceded: “Maybe it was, potentially, an Album of the Year.”

But West stood by his argument that the music industry’s biggest night should award superstars who generate money for the Grammys by bringing fans who watch on television.

West has won 21 Grammys in his career, making him one of the most awarded artists. He performed at the February 8 Grammys alongside Paul McCartney and Rihanna.

Beck, who is known for his eclectic mash-ups of genres, turned to a more introspective, acoustic sound with “Morning Phase.” The 44-year-old Los Angeles rocker has won critical acclaim over his two-decade career but his fan base is far more niche than those of West or Beyonce.

British soul singer Sam Smith, who rose to fame last year with the ballad “Stay With Me,” swept the other three of the most prestigious awards at the Grammys.

source: interaksyon.com

Eminem wins record sixth Best Rap Album Grammy

LOS ANGELES | Eminem won the Grammy Sunday for Best Rap Album for “The Marshall Mathers LP 2,” beating out newcomers to cement his role as the most awarded and top-selling rapper ever.

With the win, Eminem has won a record six Grammys for Best Rap Album.

“The Marshall Mathers LP 2″ was his eighth studio album, and was considered a sequel to his largely autobiographical “The Marshall Mathers LP” from 2000, which remains the fastest-selling album by a solo artist in the United States.

The now 42-year-old Eminem beat out a field that included Iggy Azalea, who would have been the first solo woman to win in the category. Eminem raised controversy with a recent song in which the rapper — or, he says, a character he is playing — threatens to rape Azalea.

Azalea hit back by charging that Eminem was old and could not think of anything new other than to threaten a young woman.

Eminem did not appear to accept the award, presented at a ceremony ahead of the main televised Grammy gala that features major pop performers.

On “The Marshall Mathers LP 2,” Eminem teamed up with veteran producer Rick Rubin, who brought in hard rock elements, as well as his veteran mentor Dr. Dre. The album features the hit “The Monster,” in which Eminem again collaborated with singer Rihanna.

Eminem – who is sober after a long history of substance use – on the album reflected at length on his trajectory into superstardom from his troubled youth in Detroit, where he grew up as Marshall Bruce Mathers III in a largely African American community.

But Eminem also encountered further controversy on the album by using anti-gay slurs. Eminem had for years tried to battle accusations of homophobia, going so far as to perform at the 2001 Grammys in a duet with Elton John, who is gay.

Eminem argued that he supports gay rights but that he uses the slur as a narrative device.

On “The Marshall Mathers LP 2,” Eminem also patches up with his mother after a notoriously difficult relationship, including past lyrics in which he hinted at violence against the “selfish bitch.”

source: interaksyon.com