Ari, Cardi, and Grammys Oh My!!!

COURTESY PHOTO

As a slave to pop culture, I have to absorb nearly every bit of content or controversy that happens. I enjoy it, I truly do. I don’t have a problem at all. I could stop whenever I want. With that out of the way, this has been a big week for music and I can’t hope to try and split these topics up individually. Instead, I’ll try and hit everything in a single article with a swirl of topics. Prepare yourself; and let me take you on a journey through US history, by starting with Ariana Grande.

Ariana Grande released her newest album “Thank U, Next,” following up on the world-wide acclaim she received for the earlier released titular song. The album featured works such as “7 Rings” with Grande’s wealth and fame on full display. Some fans saw it as an awesome anthem for successful women, while others viewed it as being a betrayal of her humble attitude. Also appearing on her album were more emotionally driven works like “Ghostin” and “Fake Smile.” A far more somber tone is found in these works with references to her relationships with Mac Miller and Pete Davidson being central themes.

Shifting to another major female icon, Cardi B has been in the spotlight non-stop. After a very public break up and reconciliation with her husband, Offset, the rapper soon found herself defending women on Twitter. With conservative political commentator Tomi Lahren questioning her position as a role model for young women (and support of Democratic politicians), Cardi was quick to respond with several choice words: “Leave me alone I will dog walk you” (from Cardi B’s Twitter, on Jan. 20^th, 2019).

Cardi’s February continued to be eventful as she embraced her status as a sex symbol and performed at the Adult Video Awards. Her haters took to the Internet in retaliation, but the Grammy winner brushed their negativity to the side.

Speaking of the Grammys, you’ve likely already heard that they were terribly received by viewers and musicians alike. Ariana Grande chose not to perform, due to the producers allegedly refusing to let her sing certain songs for her segments of the show. She was not the only one to have issues with producers: Childish Gambino, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar all also declined to perform. With the Oscars fast approaching, and no host planned for the first time in three decades, I’m eager to see if disappointing award shows will be a trend for 2019.

Controversy and arguments began with Cardi B beating the recently diseased Mac Miller for Best Rap Album. The creator of the winning album “Invasion of Privacy” responded saying she was sharing the Grammy win: “You wanna know something? I read an article that Mac Miller’s family said that if he don’t win, they want me to win, so I’m sharing this Grammy with you mother******. Rest in peace.”

So much happened in a few short weeks. I’m so happy that I get to talk about this kind of stuff. Everyone loves drama and the music industry is the perfect place for it to brew.