Why Did Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Win Grammys For Best Rap Song, Album & Performance?

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis took home four major Grammy Awards at the 2014 Grammys and there’s definitely one in particular that has caused backlash.

Not only did Macklemore & Ryan Lewis win four awards, but the duo performed their song “Same Love” whilst 34 couples got married including a few same sex marriages.

While the duo seemed to have been accepted in mainstream hip-hop media, they still received backlash for taking home “Best Rap Album” for their “Heist” release which features chart topping song Thrift Shop.

Some sources say they won for their popularity and not their talent, others say they won because they were ‘white’ at the right time; while others say they were the ‘safe option’ compared to the other hip hop artists nominated for the same award.

As reported on MemphisRap.com, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were up against Drake for “Nothing Was The Same,” Jay Z for “Magna Carta…Holy Grail,” Kendrick Lamar for “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” and Kanye West for “Yeezus.”

Many hip hop critics and hardcore hip hop fans expected the “Best Rap Album” to go to Kendrick Lamar for his album “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” which many view the rapper as being snubbed out of the award.

Meanwhile, the Grammy’s voting process apparently involves members and record companies submitting entries, which are then screened for eligibility and category placement and then voted on by Academy’s voting members based on ‘quality.’ Unless revealed by the voting members themselves, many would have to be left wondering why the Grammy “Best Rap Album” 2014 went to Ryan Lewis and Macklemore, who even himself tweeted to Kendrick Lamar saying the rapper was “robbed,” referring to his own disbelief in taking home the award.