The response was divided equally between a positive response and the other two, which were negative or neutral.
The Grammys announced on June 10 that they were going to rename their best urban contemporary album category to the best progressive R&B album. Most observers appreciated the change. “Urban” was the buzzword in R&B for several years, but many now see the term as old-fashioned and perhaps racially insensitive. On June 5, Republic Records announced that it was banning the term.
The name change was a fair game for a quick poll, including this one that popped up in an unexpected place: the Recording Academy site itself, Grammy.com: “What do you think of the category change for Best Progressive Album? R&B? “
Options written with cake:
It is a step in the right direction.
It’s too little, too late
I am indifferent
At press time, the first option had cornered 51% of the votes. 21% took the second option. 28% left with option three. Therefore, the response was divided equally between one positive response and the other two, which were negative or neutral.
“There were some awkward feelings around [the term urban]”Said Harvey Mason, Jr., academy president and interim president / CEO, Billboard in June. “I think it has been a gradual change within the R&B community. Has been discussed [within the Academy]. It’s been a bit controversial at times.
“This is the academy’s definition of the best progressive R&B album:” This category is intended to highlight albums that include the most progressive R&B elements and may include samples and elements from hip-hop, rap, dance, and electronic music. It can also incorporate production elements found in pop, euro-pop, country, rock, folk and alternative. “
The Grammys presented genre album awards, including best R&B album, in 1994. That category continues to this day. Alicia Keys is the best winner in the category, with three victories. John Legend, TLC and D’Angelo have each won twice.
In 2002, the Grammys added a second category of R&B album. From 2002-10, it was called Best Contemporary R&B Album. Beyoncé was the best winner in those years with three victories. Usher was second with two wins.
In 2011, the Grammys eliminated 31 categories, including the best contemporary R&B album, in a major rationalization. But the following year, they added or re-added three awards, including a second R&B category: Best Urban Contemporary Album. It remained in place until last year. Beyoncé and The Weeknd were the main winners in those years, with two wins each. (Beyoncé’s total includes a collaboration with Jay-Z on The Carters.)
R&B fans should look on the bright side. Country has had only one album category since 1994.
