Top Artists Who Never Won A Grammy

Diana Ross

Yes, one of the DIVAS of music has never won a Grammy and I just can’t figure out why.  I saw her at a Grammy party last night (I wasn’t there, just watching online) so there doesn’t seem to be any anger there but…why haven’t they honored a QUEEN?

Frankie Beverly & Maze

I have to believe that the only reason this legendary group has never won a Grammy is because they didn’t really crossover into the mainstream.  There truly can be no other reason because they still sell out shows and songs like “Happy Feelings,” “Joy and Pain” and others that are worthy of Grammys.

Tupac

As prolific and well-known as he was, I suspect that Pac may have been a little too hard for the Academy.  But still, I would think at least two of his albums were worthy of Grammys.

Brian McKnight

If we can erase almost every uptempo song Brian has ever recorded or released, then we know his catalog is almost…perfect.  But as I look through his Grammy noms, I feel like they’ve purposely nominated him for his cornier songs, minus “Still,” “Anytime,” and “Love of My Life.” Brian really should have won a Grammy by now!

New Edition

 *throws my computer out the window* I was REALLY surprised to read that my favorite child group never won a Grammy. They literally had hit after hit after hit during the 80s and every girl – black and white – wanted at least one of them to herself. I think “N.E. Heartbreak” was their last real chance for a Grammy. NARAS should be ashamed!

Nas

Before I get into how I feel about this let me say that I will never, EVER forgive Nasir Jones for his verse in the song, “Oochie Wallie.” I kid you not, we haven’t been right since the song came out. But that doesn’t take away the fact that this man should have multiple Grammys. Illmatic was released in 1995 which was before the Best Rap Album category was introduced into the Grammys in 1996; however, since It Was Written came out in 1996, it without a doubt should have won.  Real hip-hop just isn’t made for these types of awards.

Vanessa Williams

I guess beauty, talent and “it factor” just aren’t enough, huh? I mean, “Save the Best for Last” wasn’t enough for the powers that be?! Do you think that they remember her Penthouse/Miss America fiasco and that’s why she’s never won? That couldn’t be it, right?

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth

While I can respect Arrested Development winning the Grammy in 1993 for best rap performance by duo or group, these men should have no doubt won an award for “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y).” That song has gone down as one of the greatest hip-hops songs ever created and should have been respected as such.

DMX

Yes, he’s crazy but even with all that, he was loved for many years by most music lovers. It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot is an album that, in my opinion, was too deep for its own good. They should have showed the man some respect during his more formidable hip-hop years.

Notorious B.I.G

Ahhhh, Brooklyn’s Finest. I probably could have used the entire article to talk about all the ways I love B.I.G but that would have been boring, huh?  Some would say that he didn’t “peak” in time to get a Grammy which would be odd because he peaked “enough” to get a nomination. Perhaps there were just too many drug and sexual references.