Last night (Feb. 8), I watched what I’d consider to be one of the least hip-hop Grammy Awards in recent memory. Sure, we saw some of hip-hop’s familiar faces, but they were either singing a ballad or were there to make a good impression on the red carpet. I wasn’t upset by it, because I expected it. Therein lies the issue.

To many people’s surprise, most of the awards in the Rap and R&B categories were awarded before the televised portion of the ceremony even began, off-screen. I’m not entirely sure what the process is of deciding which awards are televised and which aren’t. But I imagine part of the equation is how many people does the network think actually care about which award. They have a valid point there. After years of providing a disservice to the entire genre, no one really looks to the Grammys to validate anything hip-hop related.

Last year, they dropped the ball by letting Kendrick Lamar walk out with as many Grammys as he walked in with: zero. Instead, Macklemore pretty much cleaned house, then apologized for it, because even he knew the jig was up.

I don’t want to come off like the fan that can never be satisfied. I can be. Kendrick Lamar won his first pair of Grammys last night for “i,” the inspirational track that’s meant to uplift spirits. I personally like the song and love its message. I’m happy that he’s no longer on the long list of “Grammy Nominated” artists that never won. But part of me can’t help but wonder if this was done as a means to make up for last year’s slip-up of historic proportions.