Web Editor Adrian Broaddus’ Editor’s note: As another Grammy Award show comes around, it’s another chance for the white-based, Grammy fat cats to make bonehead selections on winners. Frank Ocean, who undoubtedly released the best album of 2016, decided to skip out on the Grammys this year, and who could blame him? It’s just another opportunity for radio-heavy pop stars to get critically regarded. However, I’m happy for Chance the Rapper because he rose the ranks of an independent artist and received a Grammy nomination without selling a single record. Chance is everything the music industry fat cats hate, yet they can’t do anything about it because the numbers are there. I’ll continue my protest of the Grammys this year and only tune in to see Chance’s performance.
Entertainment Editor Leslie Sariñana’s Editor’s note: The Grammys are back! And so is the scrutiny that follows them. Grammy picks might seem pointless with everyone expecting Beyoncé to clean out and win them all, but you never know. Take 2009 for example; Bey was up for album of the year, but she lost to newbie Taylor Swift. Read on what Adrian Broaddus (A), Eddie Velazquez (E) and I, (L), predict for this year’s awards.
Album of the year
Nominations: “25” – Adele, “Lemonade” – Beyoncé, “Purpose” – Justin Bieber, “Views” – Drake, & “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth” – Sturgill Simpson
A: “Lemonade” — Beyoncé
From the first lyrics of “Lemondade” on “Pray You Catch Me,” the album quickly grasps the listener almost instantly. The album is feminist drawn, fierce, relies on hard-hitting production and understandably complete. The 12-track record, which debuted with a visual film on Tidal, flows from soft, vocalized songs and transitions to thrashing, feminist anthems. The only competition she has is Adele’s “25” because Bieber and Drake are not album of the year worthy artists. Beyoncé is just lucky Solange and Frank Ocean were not nominated for album of the year because they would have stole it from her.
E: “Lemonade,” — Beyoncé
Lemonade is perhaps one of the most lyrically complete albums of the last decade. In it, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter talks about music history and self-exploration while also dropping a few biographical nuggets and making strong political statements. It is one of the most empowering and influential works of art in recent history. It also features a star-studded cast with collaborations from James Blake, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd among others.
L: “Lemonade,” — Beyoncé
Let’s be realistic—Beyoncé’s 6th studio album is still garnering attention and praise. This might be her lyrically strongest album so far. It’s all of the melodies and themes that puts this album above all others nominated. The only album that could compete with “Lemonade” for album of the year would be Frank Ocean’s “Blonde.”
Song of the year
Nominations: “Formation” – Beyoncé, “Hello” – Adele, “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” – Mike Posner, “Love Yourself” – Justin Bieber, “7 Years” – Lukas Graham
A: “Love Yourself” – Justin Bieber
Before I go into this song, I just want to say how trash all these nominations were. “Formation” had some initial highs but, like “Hello”, it became way too overplayed. Bieber wins this, not due to his actual artistry, but because of his panty-dropping voice. Also, he couldn’t have done it without Ed Sheeran’s writing.
E: Song of the year and Record of the year: “Formation” — Beyoncé
Another award for Beyoncé, coming off of one of the most successful years of her award-ridden career. “Formation” presents an empowered Beyoncé, who confidently asserts, “I just might be a black Bill Gates in the Making.” Despite it being a subject of controversy because of her wardrobe selection at her performance during Super Bowl 50, “Formation” seems to have only fed off of that debuting at No.10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
L: Love Yourself
Bieber might be an asshole, but he did right by “Purpose.” This ballad written by Ed Sheeran was definitely song of the year. It’s Biebers stripped down sound that made this song the standout on “Purpose.”
Record of the year
Nominations: “Hello” – Adele, “Formation” – Beyoncé, “7 Years” – Lukas Graham, “Work” – Rihanna featuring Drake, “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots
A: “Hello” — Adele
After nearly five years since her release of “21,” Adele stormed back with “25.” There’s no way Adele will leave the Grammys without a couple awards in her hands. Winning record of the year will undoubtedly be one of the biggest awards she receives on the night.
L: “Hello” — Adele
This was a massive hit from the minute it dropped. It’s a close call with “Formation” also on the ballot, but Adele’s impressive vocals is what will give her this win.
Best New Artist
Nominations: Kelsea Ballerini, The Chainsmokers, Chance the Rapper, Maren Morris, & Anderson .Paak
A: Chance the Rapper
Calling Chance the Rapper the best NEW artist is like calling the iPhone 5s the best new piece of technology. Really, Chance has been in the game since 2012 and it’s hilarious how long everyone has slept on him. Not to worry because for back-to-back years (2015 & 2016) Chance has taken his music to new highs. “Coloring Book” was a prime example of Chance reaching a brand new level of artistry by not only using his traditional hip-hop sound, but also experimenting with gospel-like jams, trap, soft R&B and other genres on his third mixtape. It’s not a matter whether or not he will win, but how badass and heartfelt his winning speech will be.
E: Chance the Rapper
This might be one of the easiest calls of the night, because Chance The Rapper should not even be nominated for this category. He has been lighting up the world of music since “Acid Rap” in 2013, and has collaborated with other great artists like Kanye West and Vic Mensa. 2016 was a great year for Chance who released “Coloring Book” and also was instrumental in the crafting of Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo.”
L: Chance the Rapper
C’mon, we all know he’s a shoe-in to win. With his colossal success on “Coloring Book” and his impressive work on Kanye’s “Life of Pablo” Chance is more worthy of this win than the other nominees.
Best Rap Album:
Nominations: “Coloring Book” – Chance the Rapper, “and the Anonymous Nobody…” – De La Soul, “Major Key” – DJ Khaled, “Views” – Drake, “Blank Face LP” – ScHoolboy Q, “The Life of Pablo” – Kanye West
A: “Coloring Book” — Chance the Rapper
The fact that A Tribe Called Quest or Travis Scott were not nominated for this category shows how trash the Grammys actually are. “Views” and “Major Key” had a plethora of overplayed singles and “Blank Face LP” is inches away from being a great album of this caliber. Thus, “The Life of Pablo” or “Coloring Book” should take the Grammy; and, due to its critical acclimation, “Coloring Book” will snatch the award. “Coloring Book” is the perfect coming-of-age album for the Chi-Town artist and it completely validates him as an artist.
E: “Views” — Drake
Drake’s most anticipated work was finally released in late April, to an incredible reception. While some may argue the Canadian rapper is stuck in limbo between being a singles wrecking machine, and a deep and mature album artist; it is safe to assume that “Views” not only delivered on the hype, but also showed an evolution of Drake’s emotional and personal approach to music.
L: “Coloring Book” — Chance the Rapper
Chance’s work on “Coloring Book” has received widespread acclaims. This is the first stream-only album to receive a Grammy nomination. This is unlike any other rap album (or mixtape) that has been done before. “Coloring Book” is hip-hop that focuses in on gospel sounds.
Best Pop Vocal Album:
Nominations: “25” – Adele, “Purpose” – Justin Bieber, “Dangerous Woman” – Ariana Grande, “Confident” – Demi Lovato, “This Is Acting” – Sia
A: “25” — Adele
If this was the NBA, Adele would win comeback player of the year for “25.” She didn’t disappoint on her third studio album, and her first album since 2011. Adele kills it on easy-going beats and uses her gracious voice to her fullest on every song. It’s also an album that is deeper than simple singles that prelude the album.
L: “25” — Adele
Adele came back with stronger vocals and even more emotional lyrics. It was starting to look like she wouldn’t be able to surpass the success she had with “21” but “25” delivered. There’s no way she’s getting snubbed on this one.
E: “25” – Adele
With over 20 million copies sold worldwide, Adele’s “25” showed that the British singer and songwriter is a force to be reckoned with in the world of pop music. Adele is a pioneer of the redefining of the perception of what a pop star should like in this century and this album only strengthens her cause. “Hello” is a melodic and emotional powerhouse that serves as a showcase for her powerful voice.
