With all the hoopla about “true” hip-hop being overlooked at the Grammy Awards—namely Kendrick Lamar and YG—one may wonder how much the prestigious music event even matters to the culture. Knowing that hip-hop was created by people who were considered outcasts by most of mainstream America, how should rappers feel about the constant snubs year after year.
Well, VIBE caught up Golden Globe winner Common at New York’s Tao Downtown location on Saturday (Jan. 31st), for a brief discussion about hip-hop getting recognized by the Grammy Awards. Common was nominated for a Grammy for “Glory,” off the Selma soundtrack.
“It’s the biggest platform for music; as far as music being heard, performances, and being recognized,” Common said to VIBE at Tanqueray’s Trunk Show. “It’s important for [the culture] because hip-hop is important to music, and it influences the world. So it’s necessary to be recognized on the biggest stage of music.”
The Tanqueray Trunk Show is a nationwide campaign that shares business tips, pitches concepts, and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. In attendance at the event were Maxwell Osborne, of Public School, Ronnie Fieg, of KITH NYC, and Jason Geter, manager of Iggy Azalea and co-founder of Grand Hustle Records.
“This event is based around entrepreneurship, and creating access for people to reach their dreams,” Common said. “I’ve been able to pursue my dreams and I thank God for that. So if there’s any information that I can give, I’d like to share it. It’s about sharing information and communicating. You always working and grinding to get to the next level no matter how successful you become, and these are the ways you learn things to keep you going.”