Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” was just nominated for the rap category at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards this February — although, earlier this month, the song’s creator claimed that he wasn’t a hip-hop artist before he clarified that comment.
“Million Dollar Baby,” the explosive falsetto hit that emerged earlier this year, became the longest-running chart-topper of 2024 BillboardR&B’s chart; it continues to be inescapable on social networks like TikTok. Sure, one would think that would automatically put it in high Grammy contention, regardless.
But is “Million Dollar Baby” a rap song and should it be placed in those categories?
The controversy surrounding Richman’s back-and-forth comments, along with the fact that it was he and his team who submitted songs for the hip-hop Grammy categories, has raised questions about the motives behind the musician who created the song. making it one of the catchiest songs this year. music creation.
Earlier this week, Hollywood Reporter revealed that Richman and his people submitted the tune for the Best Rap Song and Best Melody Rap Performance Grammy Awards.
If nominated for those awards, it would compete with the year’s hip-hop hits including Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hiss,” 21 Savage’s “Redrum,” Yeah Glo!” by GloRilla. and “Like That” by Future, Metro Boomin and Lamar.
What I mean is that I am NOT a hip hop artist.
— Tommy Richman (@tommyrichmann) October 2, 2024
It seems like a pretty good decision after recent events. On October 2, as Combination reported, Richman bluntly said “I’m not a hip hop artist” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he soon deleted. This comment effectively caused a stir online. But could it all be just a case of semantics?
In subsequent posts the same day, Richman said, “I want to say I’m not THAT much of a hip hop artist” and “I’ll say it again, I’m grateful for everything. I’m saying I’m not. ” want to be canned. I grew up with hip hop. But I’m a singer.”
I’ll say it again, I’m grateful for everything. I’m saying I don’t want to be tied down. I grew up with hip hop. But I’m a singer. https://t.co/TSggd2rA4K
– Tommy Richman (@tommyrichmann) October 2, 2024
All things considered, this has caused some consternation among some involved in the hip-hop music community. When Richman’s initial denial first emerged, nationally syndicated radio host DJ Hed Effective immediatelysaid he would remove Richman’s songs from his radio mixes and urged other hip-hop DJs to follow suit.
“Fasho. So every Hip-Hop station that plays MDB or DIAL will stop today. Thanks for Heds Up,” the DJ said on X. “Glad I got the PSA before doing my radio mix ,” he added. “Now I have 2 slots open. What should I play? (From an artist who prides himself on being Hip-Hop).”
This situation highlights an ongoing debate about genre classification and the fluidity of modern music. Richman’s struggle to clarify his artistic identity is something shared by many musicians who began to overcome the pressures of commercial expectations after achieving success.
Furthermore, Grammy entries may raise questions about the authenticity and motivations behind the award categories. Do you think “Million Dollar Baby” is a rap song? Should it compete for a hip-hop Grammy?
Tommy Richman’s team submitted “Million Dollar Baby” for consideration in two rap categories for the 2025 Grammys. And after the failure “I’m not a Hip-Hop artist/I’m not just a Hip-Hop artist” , he and his team are sending very conflicting messages.
Link: https://t.co/oVDdA9Cyb8 pic.twitter.com/f04Bc1HAyk
— Rob Markman 💭 (@RobMarkman) October 17, 2024
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