Eminem: Ground Zero for Grammys 2001
February 20, 2001 -- As the Grammy Awards approach, attention usually falls on the artist with the most nominations; this year, that honor is shared by Dr. Dre and Destiny's Child's Beyoncé Knowles (five apiece), but without a question, the spotlight is falling squarely on Eminem.
The 28-year-old rapper is up for four awards — but all eyes are on the Album of the Year category. If The Marshall Mathers LP takes that prize — in the general category rather than a rap category — the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences will be slammed as irresponsibly rewarding work that is hateful; should the album be denied the big prize, others will blast NARAS for being conservative.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against has been leading the criticism of Eminem and his album. The group is heading a coalition that is staging a Rally Against Hate, to be held outside of the awards show tomorrow at Staples Center.
Few artists have publicly criticized Eminem (perhaps fearing to be the subject of his next song?), though numerous artists have spoken out in his defense.
Singers Sheryl Crow and Toni Braxton both professed their appreciation of the rapper's music after his nominations were announced in January. "Whether you like the content or not, it's a well-made record, and it's interesting-sounding and very infectious," Crow said.
Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren said, "Personally, I don't think it's really cool to talk about slicing people up and things like that." Nevertheless, she said she loved the album and considered Eminem "a talented guy."
In Sunday's edition of the Los Angeles Times, several Grammy winners published letters of support for Eminem.
John — whose support of Eminem and his plan to sing a duet with him at the ceremony drew heavy criticism from GLAAD — wrote, "As a gay artist, I'm asked by a lot of people, 'But what about the content of Eminem's music?' I think there is far more humor on the album than people think. It appeals to my English black sense of humor. When I put the album on the first time, I was in hysterics from laughing."
Pop queen Madonna, who also pushed social mores in her day, wrote, "Since when is offensive language a reason for being unpopular? I find the language of George W. much more offensive. I find the hypocritical nature of most popular figures in our culture much more offensive. I like the fact that Eminem is brash and angry and politically incorrect."
Stevie Wonder praised the album, and called rap music "a modern blues," while soundtrack whiz Randy Newman said the Academy was too conservative for Eminem to win — "But if he did, it would be a good thing — the fact that the Grammys had that kind of vision."
The other album of the year contenders are Paul Simon's You're the One, Radiohead's Kid A, jazz-rock duo Steely Dan's Two Against Nature, and modern rocker Beck's Midnite Vultures.
Combined U.S. sales for the foursome are about a third of the 8 million sold by Marshall Mathers, but the Grammys are supposed to be about artistic achievement.
Simon already has three Album of the Year Grammys and has lost the race only once. With 16 Grammys to his credit, he is well-known to Grammy voters, who may be willing to overlook the fact that his album was a commercial and critical bomb.
Radiohead's experimental opus Kid A was the first British release to top the U.S. pop charts in several years, and the critics loved it.
Record-label owner Steve Greenberg, the man behind the Baha Men's Grammy-nominated dance anthem "Who Let the Dogs Out," said he voted for Eminem but would not be surprised if Radiohead won.
"It would be a tremendous boost to the career of a band that certainly deserves it," Greenberg said.
Beck's Midnite Vultures, a 1999 release, is seen as having a better chance in the Alternative Album category, which he has already won twice before. If Steely Dan wins, it would mark the duo's first Grammy, but pundits would also be scratching their heads in mild dismay.
In addition to Eminem and John, performers at the 43rd Annual Grammys include Simon and three Best New Artist nominees: country's Shelby Lynne and Brad Paisley, and R&B singer Jill Scott. Other artists scheduled to hit the stage include last year's Best New Artist winner, Christina Aguilera; Irish rock band U2; soul-rocker Macy Gray; pop diva Madonna; boy band 'N Sync; teenage rapper Lil' Bow Wow; and country-bluegrass singer Dolly Parton.
Reuters contributed to this report.