Opinion

The 61st Annual Grammys, broadcasted this past Sunday night, was filled with many surprises: Diana Ross performed, Alicia Keys played two pianos at once and Michelle Obama appeared in the opening. But the most shocking decision made that night was the winner of Best Rap Album.

The contestants in this category were Cardi B, Mac Miller, Nipsey Hussle, Pusha-T and Travis Scott. Cardi B took the Grammy for this category. This fact not only upsetted me, but many others who expressed their feelings via Twitter.

Due to Miller’s death this past fall, his parents attended the Grammys to accept the award if he won. This fact makes the loss more disconcerting.

Swimming was Miller’s album that was nominated. I believe this was one of his best albums. Every single song was special because Miller opened up and put a personal touch on them. He talks about love, loss, realizations, optimism, mental struggles and addictions. 2009, specifically, was a difficult song for him to write because he revealed a vulnerable side of himself. He talked about his mental battles and, I believe, his path he went down after he lost the love of his life, Ariana Grande. The lyrics in each song are meaningful, special and creative.

What I love the most is that Miller includes a line of positivity and optimism in each song. He understands and wants to perceive to his fans that no matter the struggle or loss, they will always get through it.

For many of the songs in Swimming, the beat is smooth, catchy, and silky. Miller combines rapping, singing and ad-libs all in one. This is why a majority of Miller’s songs are top hits. I am in love with each one for their creativity in the rhythm and in the wording. However, my favorite has to be Wings. He starts rapping to a soft beat then jumps into singing. His voice also sounds amazing at those singing parts. The lyrics are meaningful and touch me.

In some of Cardi B’s songs like Invasion of Privacy, Be Careful and Get Up 10, she does have creative lyrics and tells her story of parts of her life. But for other songs like Bartier Cardi, her lyrics are nonsense. I think Swimming talks about something more relatable and personal, and it is for sure more mellow. In addition, there are only a few songs in Invasion of Privacy that I enjoy, but I am in love with every single song on Swimming.

Cardi B has worked hard, made something of herself and has been through a lot in her life. However, Mac Miller deserved the Best Rap Album win because he crafted a masterpiece. Not saying Cardi didn’t, but Miller put so much into each song in Swimming. His vulnerability shows in this album and each song is a hit. Miller is hands down an artistic genius.