What’s as big as the super bowl and as important as the Oscars? Only the biggest night in music. The Grammy’s. Tonight the biggest names in entertainment will be honored for their hard work this past year. While some of our favorite rap artists such as Kendrick Lamar, a.k.a K.Dot, is holding it down with 11, yes ELEVEN, nominations, we can’t forget about some of our favorite RnB singers. RnB music is essential for the soul-at least in my opinion-and I am for damn sure, that most of my fellow RnB-heads can agree with me on that. While we love a good flow or two from our favorite rap artists, we can’t deny the sweet sounds of some good ‘ol RnB.
The Weeknd, also known as Abel, should be very proud of himself as he holds down the RnB world with seven nominations-record of the year, album of the year, best pop solo performance, best R&B performance, best R&B song, and best urban contemporary album. Our girl Tamar Braxton is also nominated for best R&B performance for her ballad “If I don’t have you.” Warner brothers up and coming artist Andra Day also falls in this category with her hit single “Rise Up.” Jeremih should also be poppin’ bottles on his nomination for “Planes” featuring J.Cole.
Faith Evans has been a little quiet these past couple of years, but her nomination for best traditional R&B performance for “He Is” speaks wonders. Lalah Hathaway is also holding it down for the ladies for her single “Little Ghetto Boy.” Also in that category is Jazmine Sullivan with “Let It Burn,” Tyrese with “Shame,” and Charlie Wilson “My Favorite Part of You.”
“Best R&B Album” also features some of our favs including Leon Bridges Coming Home, D’Angelo and the Vanguard Black Messiah, Andra Day Cheers To The Fall, Jazmine Sullivan Reality Show, and last but definitely not least, Charlie Wilson’s Forever Charlie.
Our bae Kehlani has a lot to be proud of. Her second mixtape You Should Be Here, (which I should repeat, is just a mixtape. Not an album. A Mixtape) is nominated for “Best Urban Contemporary Album.” Also in that category is Mr. Abel himself with Beauty Behind The Madness.
What about the music that makes us dutty wine and rock our hips back and forth? That good ol Reggae. Nominees for “Best Reggae Album” are Rocky Dawuni Branches of the Same Tree, Jah Cure The Cure, Barrington Levy Acousticalevy, Luciano Zion Awake, and Morgan Heritage Strictly Roots.
We can’t forget about the music that helps us get through the rough times. I’m talking about Gospel music. Some of our favorite powerhouse voices might be bringing home that gold trophy. Our girls Karen Clark Sheard with Destined To Win (Live), Dorinda Clark-Cole Living It, and Tasha Cobbs One Place Live are nominated for “Best Gospel Album.”
Our top nominees Kendrick Lamar and the Weeknd will take the stage at this year’s Grammy’s. Adele, who has made the major comeback with 25, will also be hitting the stage. She may not be nominated, (because her album was released too late to be a nominee) but don’t put it past her to shut that stage down with a phenomenal performance. We can expect a lot this year from the biggest music awards show. Who knows what surprises will be in store? I’m ready. Are you?
Let’s take a look back at some of the top Grammy moments while we watch the Grammy’s on CBS right now!
Check out this Michael Jackson performance at the 1988 Grammy Awards.
Watch Mariah Carey Slay “Vision of Love” at the 1991 Grammy Awards.
Check out Beyonce perform “If I Were A Boy” at the 2010 Grammy’s.
Chris Brown does what he does best at the Grammy’s in 2012 performing “Turn Up The Music” and “Beautiful People.”
Photo found on YouTube.
By: Simone Grant
