The Grammys’ ‘Urban Contemporary’ Category Is Now Called ‘Progressive R&B’
In light of recent Black Lives Matter-related initiatives, the Recording Academy has decided to rename one of its categories for the Grammy’s.
As Rolling Stone explains, the Best Urban Contemporary Album category will now be called Best Progressive R&B Album. The Academy defines that the Best Progressive R&B Album will “highlight albums that include the more progressive elements of R&B and may include samples and elements of hip-hop, rap, dance, and electronic music.”
In a statement about the recent changes, Harvey Mason Jr., Chair & Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, said, “We’re constantly evaluating our Awards process and evolving it to ensure the Grammy Awards are inclusive and reflect the current state of the music industry.” Chief Awards Officer Bill Freimuth added, “Each year, we receive a number of rule change proposals from artists, producers and songwriters asking us to reevaluate our process.”
As Rolling Stone points out, the word “urban” has not been completely removed from the show. There will still be a Best Latin Pop Or Urban Album category.
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Gary Clark Jr. performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Bonnie Raitt performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: H.E.R. performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: H.E.R. performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Rosalía performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Rosalía performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Brittany Howard and Alicia Keys perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Host Alicia Keys performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: H.E.R. performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Rosalía performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Images for the late Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant are projected onto a screen while YG, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, and Roddy Ricch perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )Meek Mill
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Demi Lovato performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Demi Lovato performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Billy Ray Cyrus, BTS and Lil Nas X perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Billy Ray Cyrus and Lil Nas X perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lil Nas X performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Diplo, Lil Nas X and Mason Ramsey perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lil Nas X performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lil Nas X (4th from L) and music group BTS perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lil Nas X performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Joseph Simmons of Run-DMC, and Joe Perry of Aerosmith perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs next to Lizzo during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Billie Eilish onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels of music group Run–D.M.C., and Joe Perry of music group Aerosmith perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Joseph Simmons of music group Run–D.M.C., Steven Tyler of music group Aerosmith, and Darryl McDaniels of music group Run–D.M.C. perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Joe Perry of music group Aerosmith performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Steven Tyler of music group Aerosmith, Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels of music group Run–D.M.C., and Joe Perry of music group Aerosmith perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Joe Perry and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Steven Tyler of music group Aerosmith performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Ariana Grande (2nd R) performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Ariana Grande performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Ariana Grande performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Billie Eilish performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Ariana Grande performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Finneas O'Connell and Billie Eilish perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Camila Cabello performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Camila Cabell performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Usher and FKA Twigs perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Usher and FKA Twigs perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: An image of the late Kobe Bryant is projected onto a screen while host Alicia Keys speaks onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas of Jonas Brothers perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Tyler, the Creator performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Host Alicia Keys speaks onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Host Alicia Keys speaks onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Tyler the Creator performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The 2020 GRAMMY Awards: See Highlights From The Performances
ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Usher performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Kevin Jonas of music group Jonas Brothers perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, and Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Usher performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Gwen Stefani performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: (L-R) Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton perform onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lizzo performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lizzo performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lizzo performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lizzo performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
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ShareLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: Lizzo performs onstage during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
