So this is how far the mighty Motown has fallen.
Most music fans remember that Motown, one of the most successful and prolific record labels of all time, once celebrated its 25th anniversary (in 1983) with the return of its legendary artists at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in L.A. The show was one of epic standards for now iconic performances, including Michael Jackson’s unforgettable Moonwalk. Likewise, the 50th celebration (in 2008) was held at the prestigious MGM Grand in Detroit and was punctuated by powerful medleys performed by all-time greats Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and others. Meanwhile, its sole architect, Berry Gordy, looked on like a proud papa.
Today, in honor of Motown’s momentous 60th anniversary, the Grammys will feature the likes of … wait for it … Jennifer Lopez.
Some people lost it. When this writer asked music fans of different races about J-Lo doing Motown medleys at an Atlanta coffee shop, every one of their faces folded up as if my question had a horrible odor to it. Their first audible reactions can be summarized by the Twitter response below:
I have questions. https://t.co/UqkqAZzRV5
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) February 5, 2019
Black History Month has already gotten off to a horrid start, according to many urbanites, who point to the likes of Liam Neeson dominating the headlines with his race rage on what would have been Trayvon Martin’s 24th birthday (Feb. 4).
JLo doing a Motown Tribute is peak of a messed up Black History Month.
— malayjha 🐞 (@malaylayxo) February 5, 2019
Rap-Up reported Tuesday, just days before the 61st Grammy Awards go down in Los Angeles, that “In Living Color” alum J-Lo will perform the Motown musical tribute.
Lopez is never a name that comes to mind when you utter the word “Motown,” mainly because you actually have to be able to sing. This is a venerated record label that housed the legendary Black vocalists like The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, the Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, DeBarge, Rick James, and the list goes on and on.
Black Twitter exploded upon hearing the news. They can’t fathom why the Grammys didn’t select an artist who was directly connected to the all-time great label, especially since many are still alive, including Diana Ross, Robinson and Wonder?
Social media attacked the Recording Academy, the governing body that produces the most important awards in music, for its decision to feature J-Lo on its televised show.
To be fair, The Recording Academy is going to host a concert entitled “Motown 60: A Grammy Celebration” on Feb. 12 that will be hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and GRAMMY winner Smokey Robinson, and will feature: Boyz II Men, Chloe X Halle, Ciara, Lamont Dozier, Fantasia, John Legend, Little Big Town, NE-YO, Pentatonix, Martha Reeves, Diana Ross, Valerie Simpson, Mickey Stevenson, Meghan Trainor, and, yes, Stevie Wonder.
The problem here is: this event will take place after the Grammy Awards and will not be televised right away.
Folks have a big problem with a woman like J-Lo who is Latina and not known for her voice – she is a great performer and can act, however – to be doing a Motown tribute. And they went off. Check out a sampling of their displeasure below.
https://twitter.com/Lindsay_TSmith/status/1092954803997675522
#Motown has too much of a legacy and an impact for this to be ok. There is no excuse. This is disappointing. https://t.co/kd3aR42aHc
— Lily (@VolatileAries) February 5, 2019
#Grammys : JLo is doing the #Motown tribute.
Us: pic.twitter.com/LgogBHFgBC
— 💜🍾✨🧜🏾♀️Tai 🧜🏾♀️✨🍾💜 (@mrsjerseybelle5) February 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/stronggabe/status/1092942570190188544
https://twitter.com/Legs_for_days/status/1092919824303472642
https://twitter.com/papagayking/status/1092958996409937920
https://twitter.com/sapphirej914/status/1092904182967910400
https://twitter.com/oceanblues73/status/1092898134122934272
I didn’t know Selena was signed to #Motown cause why else would they need her in a tribute.
— Sina Bowina (@PrettiiGirl_Roc) February 5, 2019
I’d rather have Ariana grande perform a #Motown tribute than Jennifer Lopez, Ariana can singggggg. pic.twitter.com/Wq3h5Fk8ig
— Million khalid (@Cocomillion) February 5, 2019
I mean I love J-Lo but they couldn’t find not one black person for the Motown tribute? Especially during #BlackHistoryMonth ? Here’s a list:
1. Stevie Wonder
2. Gladys Night
3. Isley Brothers
4. Diana Ross
5. India.Arie
Just to name a few. #JLo #Grammys2019 #Motown— Shelley-Shel. (@Shelbell22) February 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/La_Bella_Amor/status/1093008320221171713
