Album of the Year
Prediction: Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
Reason: Both socially and musically, Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly is inarguably one of the most influential albums of the past decade. The album offers a harsh reality check concerning the current state of racial relations in the United States, bringing a multitude of pressing social issues to the forefront of national politics. Kendrick’s strong message is delivered in the form of an innovative, jazz-influenced album that is sonically unlike any other mainstream hip hop releases in recent consciousness.
Record of the Year
Prediction: Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk”
Reason: “Uptown Funk” dominated the airwaves for nearly all of 2015, cementing its status as a cultural mainstay. The bouncy, uplifting track was practically inescapable following its release, and caught the hearts of music fans spanning all genres. Rarely is a song so universally loved as Mark Ronson’s and Bruno Mars’ pop masterpiece.
Best Rap Album
Prediction: Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
Reason: Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly is the antithesis of a commercially appealing rap album. Immensely serious in subject matter and bold in musicality, the Compton rapper’s latest release is unlike the light, bouncy hip hop that dominates the airwaves. Kendrick’s decision to make a strong political statement and take sonic risks resulted in the creation of one of the most important albums in recent memory.
Best Rap Song
Prediction: Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”
Reason: Serving as the rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” fulfills a higher purpose than merely being an enjoyable listen. With his fierce, defiant lyricism and emotive delivery, Kendrick provides a voice to the voiceless and creates a track that will continue to be influential well into the future.
Best Rap Performance
Prediction: Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”
Reason: Kendrick Lamar’s passion shines through in his fiery delivery on “Alright,” an album cut that has undeniably reached anthem status. Even though the song is deeply personal in nature, Kendrick makes the song feel universal with his understated charisma and energetic approach.
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Prediction: Common & John Legend, “Glory”
Reason: Common and John Legend’s soulful collaboration “Glory” is one of the most moving tracks of the year. Characterized by hopefulness and passion, the song possesses all the key elements of a well-constructed, thought-provoking piece of music. Common’s sharp delivery compliments the bravado of John Legend’s voice perfectly, displaying the duo’s natural chemistry.
Best Urban Contemporary Album
Prediction: The Internet, Ego Death
Reason: Vibrant, playful, and completely unprecedented, The Internet’s latest output, Ego Death, sets a new standard for excellence in R&B. Led by Syd’s lilting vocals and witty lyricism, the album takes listeners on an engaging joyride through happiness, heartbreak, and never-ending pursuit of fame. The six-piece band has remarkable natural chemistry that shines through in their musicality, creating an endlessly funky overarching aesthetic.
Best R&B Album
Prediction: D’Angelo & The Vanguard, Black Messiah
Reason: The culmination of a comeback several years in the making, Black Messiah is a lush, ornate and politically-charged body of work that highlights each of D’Angelo’s strengths. Dense in his lyricism and innovative in his musicality, the R&B legend reminds the world of his remarkable talent with the release of his latest album.
Best R&B Song
Prediction: Miguel, “Coffee”
Reason: The lead single from Miguel’s rock-influenced album Wildheart, “Coffee” serves as a testament to Miguel’s penchant for blending genres and finding inspiration in the moments in life many people take for granted. Miguel’s arresting vocals are particularly sharp on this track, luring his listeners into a stunning sonic landscape they can easily lose themselves within.
Best R&B Performance
Prediction: The Weeknd, “Earned It”
Reason: The Weeknd’s infectious contribution to the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack transformed the sultry Canadian crooner from an underground favorite to a household name. Smooth, lusty, and undeniably catchy, “Earned It” is a thoughtfully composed piece of R&B ear-candy that deserves recognition.
