The music scene is in a whole different space than it was years ago, with more free music being readily available than actual studio albums. In fact, the up and coming artists aren’t the only ones releasing free music anymore. Popular stars like Future, Young Thug, and Chance the Rapper are some of the many established acts, who are consistently flooding the airwaves and Internet with tunes available at the click of a button. With all that considered, a new petition aims to get this change recognized by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in hopes that free music can finally be acknowledged for a Grammy nomination.
According to the NARAS bylaws, a release can be qualified for the award show if it is a “commercially released in general distribution in the United States” and “must be available for sale from any date within the eligibility period through at least the date of the current year’s voting deadline.” By way of Max Krasowitz, the creator of the new petition filed on Change.org, many are hoping the Academy can update this rule to reflect the new era of music and the consumption by fans. “Not all artists should be forced to release their music for free,” writes Krasowitz. “But the ones who do should not be punished for doing so.”
This petition comes as Chance the Rapper preps the release of his latest free project, Chance 3. On his standout verse for Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam,” Chano hinted at his goal for a Grammy nod, rhyming: “Let’s do a good ass job with Chance 3, hear you gotta sell it to snatch the Grammy.” Chance, among others, have voiced their support for the petition through tweets, which can be seen below.
Will Chance get his wish? The goal for the new petition is 25,000. As of this writing, 15,615 have already signed up. To be a part of this potential change, head over to Change.org for more info.