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Astrid Stawiarz/Getty ImagesAhead of the upcoming Grammy Awards, Royce da 5’9 is having mixed feelings about his nomination.
In an interview with Ebro Darden on Apple Music’s The Message, the Detroit lyricist admitted he feels “embarrassed” by receiving a nomination this year, after previously denouncing The Recording Academy.
“It feels cool. I’m not going to lie, man,” says Royce. “I’m a little bit embarrassed because I’m one of those guys that was like, [eff] the Grammys.’ And I’m totally like, ‘I’m [messing] with the Grammys this year.'”
Royce said it’s the perfect “opportunity to put some things in perspective, like when I see other artists complain about being snubbed.”
“I look at it and go, ‘Oh, that’s how I was looking. I was looking like that. All right, so Imma make sure I don’t do that no more’ because you don’t want to come off that you’re not happy for somebody else,” he continues.
Royce’s album, The Allegory, is up against D Smoke‘s Bad Habits, Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist’s Alfredo, Jay Electronica‘s A Written Testimony and Nas‘ King’s Disease for Best Rap Album. The self-produced album marks Royce’s first solo nomination, after receiving a 2011 nod for his work on Eminem‘s Recovery.
He said his unique storytelling rap style was inspired by Nas‘ 1996 single, “I Gave You Power,” which outlets including the BBC, VIBE and others regard as one the greatest songs in hip-hop.
“It just opened up the door to all kinds of…ideas,” says Royce.
The 63rd annual Grammy Awards airs Jan. 31 on CBS, hosted by Trevor Noah.
By Rachel George
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