"Truth Is, Hip-Hop Has Never Been Respected by The Grammys": Diddy Blasts Recording Academy During "Icon Award" Acceptance

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

"For years, we’ve allowed institutions that have never had our best interests at heart to judge us. And that stops right now."

A day out from the 2020 Grammy Awards, Diddy may have already set the tone for this year's ceremony.

READ: Former Grammys CEO Accuses Academy of Misconduct and Discrimination

During his acceptance speech for the annual "Icon Award," the Bad Boy founder blasted The Recording Academy for its history of snubs for classic albums by black musicians. And he got right to it. Opening his acceptance speech with the declaration, "truth is, hip-hop has never been respected by The Grammys," Diddy cited revered albums by Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyonce, Missy Elliott and Snoop Dogg, that were never nominated for a golden gramophone as a testament to his prognosis. He goes on to ask the A-list-only crowd to boycott the annual awards show if representation in nominees isn't addressed. "If we don’t go, nobody goes. If we don’t support, nobody supports," Diddy told the audience in a clip captured by Vibe.

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You can watch Diddy's full acceptance speech for the "Icon Award" below. Tune in tonight to see how it all unfolds at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. The ceremony begins at 8PM EST and is being broadcasted live on CBS.