According to articles circulating the internet, R&B singer Monica is saying she often feels snubbed at award shows even though she’s a record-breaking artist. She goes on to explain that she “ Hasn’t really won any awards” and is “The Most Forgotten” in the industry. I am definitely a big Monica fan, so this prompted me to do a little research.
Has Monica been forgotten? She achieved six number one hits on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming the first artist with chart-topping singles in three consecutive decades, a distinction she shares with an elite group of acts including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, James Brown and Marvin Gaye.Now those are some big hitters!
During an online search I discovered Monica has received about 40 various award nomination and BET.com states she has only won 5 awards in her thirty year career. Has Monica been producing what the industry deems “award winning hits” for the entire 3 decades or just hits? Who are these people that get to decide who wins? I am wondering if Monica is talking about one specific award like a Grammy for a solo artist, song of the year, or album the year that she hasn’t received. It can’t be said that she didn’t win a Grammy because she actually did in 1999. The Grammy win was for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with vocals for her collab with Brandy for “The Boy Is Mine”. Perhaps she wanted a solo Grammy win, if so, I can understand that wholeheartedly for an artist who has been in the industry for 30 years.
Monica mentioned she sits very comfortably as the underdog, it doesn’t bother her. However, I am a believer that if you bring it up it bothers you, even if it’s just a little.
I remember one particular singer, the son of a Grammy winning artist, spent his entire career chasing a Grammy. When he did not obtain it their were reports he became depressed. He was so focused on a Grammy he was not able to enjoy the success he had and even resorted to drug usage. I would imagine it hurt him deeply to see new artist receive the prestigious award without putting in the years of work in the music industry.
Longevity and lots of records don’t mean anything anymore. Many new recording artist are becoming popular on social media and given the opportunity to perform at award shows overlooking artist that have been in the industry for decades. This is also a common occurrence in sports as rookie athletes receive millions in signing bonuses and endorsements which is far more than what many veteran athletes have seen in their entire career.
I think this all smells of a new album coming out soon so let me get the internet buzzing. Well Monica, if there is a new album coming you better bring it cause folks are going to be tearing it apart to see if it is award worthy…stay tuned.
