Kanye West | 2nd Stay In School Benefit Concert (Warner)
When nominees for the 37th Annual American Music Awards were read Tuesday, one name was noticeably missing -- Kanye West.
West received a total of zero nominations for his 2008 effort "808s & Heartbreak" and its respective singles, while counterparts Jay-Z and T.I. picked up a few nods.
While there is no confirmation of a deliberate shutting out of West, after his acceptance speech destroying rant at the 2009 MtV Video Music Awards earlier this year, some believe this is just the beginning for the rapper.
E Online, announcing nominees, including Taylor Swift (who leads this year's nominees with six nods), could not resist taking a few jabs at the "Heartless" star Tuesday.
Writing "That's right, kids. Cut off America's sweetheart and you're as good as sitting out the next awards season. Or at least the 2009 American Music Awards," E! latches on to statements by some critics who, just weeks ago, said West should be banned from attending (or perhaps being nominated) award shows. Ironically, Joe Jackson agreed. In September, Jackson was quoted saying "They should blackball him out of show business for that. He just leapt up there; that was bad". But, not everyone agrees.
Even with his choice to interrupt Taylor Swift's speech in September, BET Hip Hop Award organizers nominated West. Not just with one award however, West was nominated for a leading nine awards. At press time the result of those nominations (win or lose) had not been revealed by the network, who taped the show Saturday. Just like you, we'll find out if West won when the show airs October 27.
Regardless of his onstage antics and the criticism that resulted, West's music was lauded by fans in late 2008 and throughout much of 2009. In fact, his album ("808s & Heartbreak") was certified Platinum less than two months after its release. It also spawned the hit single "Heartless," to be later followed by collaborations with Rihanna, Keri Hilson, The-Dream, Kid Cudi, Jay Z and Jamie Foxx. Nonetheless, West either made an unforgivable mistake or simply failed to measure up to his counterparts.
What do you think ?
For more on the American Music Awards, including who's performing and who is nominated, click HERE.
The 37th Annual American Music Awards will air Sunday, November 22 on ABC.
Comments
I think it's pathetic how people fall for the damsel in distress BS so much that they're forgetting what amazing music this man makes. Every album he's put out is worthy of a Best Album Grammy nod, let alone an AMA. People love their villains and their helpless blondes tied to the train tracks in need of rescue. Kanye West got me listening to Hip Hop and when everyone started hating him for the Mtv stunt, it made me love him more. He wasn't mad about Taylor winning, he was mad about Mtv using these awards as advertising instead of acknowledging good art. Did he do it the wrong way? Sure did. But I get it! And who gives a Flying F what Joe Jackson EVER says?! Really- that's who you're going to quote.
If I'm the only one that still loves Kanye, that'd be fine by me - then I know I'd get better seats to his shows!
Another notable shutout: Whitney Houston. It seemed like whenever she released an album, she was practically invincible at the AMAs. She received a lot of good press for her return to music and had a #1 debut, but the AMAs are showing new love; the Grammys will be the ultimate test for her as lots of hype into the album's release was about meeting the Grammy deadline; I'm not sure if Arista submitted, be she was definately eligible given that Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 was released after I Look To You.
It's just ridiculous that kanye got no nominations. Kanye is at the top of his game. The haters can keep hating, hate him or love him, ye is one talented guy.
Its completely ridiculous that he didn't get a nomination, considering 808s & Heartbreak was one of the most emotional albums of all time...yea, i said it!!! The fact that people don't want to acknowledge that because they don't feel its "real hip-hop" or because he made a mistake with Taylor swift(NEVER hurting her PHYSICALLY) is a debacle in itself...I know I might sound like I'm overreacting a bit, but it just blows my mind the ridiculous music taste people have, then they have the nerve to diss real music...
It's time to stop all the hating on Mr.Kanye if he had'nt pull that stunt he would've been on top of the list so y not in the middle or at the bottom he's the hottest rapper out so all the haters u know who u are will keep on being haters so don't let them keep u down remember u run the town.So to all the haters stop u guys know he's the best.
Kanye is the best. F all the haters, and F the VMAS. thats so september, its october now...but anyway, even tho 808s wasnt exactly a rap album, it still was a great album and it was deep, so Kanye should have recieved a nomination.
WE LOVE YOU KANYE!!!! ....p.s. dont nobody care about wat yu did at the VMAS, thats old news, we still love ur music.
man Yeezy is like the hottest MC of 09. not only was 808s and heartbreaks good, but he was featured on almost everybody album, and had some of his best verses ever. From Knock You Down to Run This Town, Forever, Ego Remix, Digital Girl, Make Her Say, Maybach Music 2, and so on.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!