This year's nominees represent "a great statement about diversity: not only in terms of the artists, but the membership that makes those choices," says Recording Academy president Neil Portnow. "It also shows that hip-hop and urban music is so prevalent. It pervades society to an extent where it really is reflective of the times, and that's how we would wish to be presenting our nominations in any given year. In some respects, it may be historic and that's something we're very proud of."