Kanye West Owned the Grammys, If You Don't Include That Whole Herbie Hancock Thing

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Kanye West Owned the Grammys, If You Don't Include That Whole Herbie Hancock Thing

nOvaMatic | 02/11/2008 at 2:15 PM | Comments (9)

At the Grammys last night, Kanye West was one man against evil forces that included the ceremony's producers, Vince Gill and Herbie Hancock, proving that there is no leniency for the mourning. To his credit, Kanye was responsible for one of the few thrilling musical moments of the evening, with his rousing performance of "Stronger" with a surprise "appearance" by Daft Punk, followed by "Hey Mama," which has become the de facto tribute to Dr. Donda West after her passing.

Kanye went on to beat out Common, Jay-Z, T.I. and Nas for the "Best Rap Album" Grammy. During his staggering acceptance speech where he spoke to his mother, he found himself battling the show's producers, who attempted to cut him off with the "wrap it up" chords.

But the biggest upset of the evening was when Kanye (along with Amy Winehouse) lost the "Album of the Year" Grammy to Herbie Hancock's River: The Joni Letters. Ouch. Herbie himself was visibly surprised. Hip-Hop heads internet-wide called foul. But, it would behoove Mr. West to be happy with winning these, although that might be too much to ask:

Rap Album: "Graduation," Kanye West.
Rap Solo Performance: "Stronger," Kanye West.
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Southside," Common, featuring Kanye West.
Rap Song: "Good Life," Aldrin Davis, Mike Dean, Faheem Najm & Kanye West, songwriters (J. Ingram & Q. Jones, songwriters) (Kanye West Featuring T-Pain).

Shade truly abounded when Vince Gill accepted the "Best Country Album" award, presented to him by Ringo Star.

Kanye took the jab in good spirits, but he probably tripped Vince Later on. Also, now we know who Vince Gill is!

Despite all of these things, Kanye was the biggest winner of the evening. We can only hope that his quest to be ~~Dark Overlord of the Universe~~ Number One Artist in The World is eventually trumped by only wanting to make the quality music we know he has in him.

Tags: grammy 2008, herbie hancock, kanye west

Comments

Kanye, we all lose parents. Quit acting like you're the only one. You're not Prince, so get over yourself and move on. I prefer it so you would get out of the entertainment industry all together; no one would miss you.

Janet | February 26, 2008 10:47 AM | Permalink

I was disgusted by Kanye's foolishness while accepting his award, talmbout he should win Album of the Year. I mean at what point do you have some humility? You just suddenly lost your Momma. Everything can be taken away from you in an instant. At what point does he become appreciative for his success and the recognition he has gotten? Nothing wrong with always wanting to take it to the next level, but don't talk greasy like that. God don't like ugly.

Vivrant Thang | February 12, 2008 1:50 AM | Permalink

This was one great moment in Grammy history... Vince Gill delivered a beautiful jab at a kid who by anyone's standards deserved it. Trust me, I feel for KW in his time of grief, because grief is a very real and very deep emotional state. But he seems to take himself way over the top serious, unless I'm overlooking something here. Anyway, kudos to Vince who laid that out for all to see last night.. gotta love that. Especially coming from someone as gentle and kind and respected in the industry known as music... A good dose of humility is good for the diet, Kanye...

rcf

raycharlesfreak | February 12, 2008 1:33 AM | Permalink

Kanye was great at the Grammy's. Amy on the other hand needs to be in somebody's rehab facility.

Love | February 11, 2008 8:39 PM | Permalink

Kanye West is an arrogant bastard!! His music sucks!! Vince Gill was right on!

Cindy | February 11, 2008 7:56 PM | Permalink

Like Usher said there are no losers in the category for Album of the Year.. Kanye won atleast four awards last night..Vince Gill is a hater..Just think how the people who were nominated and didn't get jack to take home..The grammy's were borrinngg..THe excitement of the night was watching Amy WHinehouse's crazy, gangst *ss..I was waiting for her to fall flat on her face..lol

Lina M | February 11, 2008 6:23 PM | Permalink

ain't gonna be too much more of this Herbie Hancock sniping 'round here.

*gritting*

DJStylus | February 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Permalink

Kanye and Amy probably split the vote --- giving it to Herbie.

Not that it's a bad thing that he did. Very talented man, that Hancock is.

rkj | February 11, 2008 3:50 PM | Permalink

I think I'm going to check out that Herbie Hancock album. It HAD to be good to beat out Kanye and Amy.

suga | February 11, 2008 2:17 PM | Permalink