To say the 58th Annual Grammy Awards are set to be competitive would be an understatement.
For, while 2015 is yet to deliver any mega-sellers, it has seen Urban Contemporary ushered back into Pop’s courts by tastemakers who will now be tasked with placing a number of LPs from the genre in next year’s ‘Best Rap Albums Category.’
Which acts and their albums are likely to be recognised by the committee?
Find out below…
The eligibility period for albums to nab nominations stood between October 1st 2014 and September 30th 2015, ample time for potential nominees to launch albums they hope will not only score nominations but go on to win.
These include:
Nicki Minaj – ‘The Pinkprint.’
Kendrick Lamar – ‘To Pimp a Butterfly.’
J. Cole – ‘2014 Forrest Hills Drive.’
Dr. Dre- ‘Compton.’
Seem too competitive already?
Well, that’s too bad.
For, things are set to heat up thanks to a number of releases by Drake (reportedly launched to hasten his departure from the Cash Money music empire) and the Hip Hop vocalist Future.
Indeed, despite being touted as mix tapes Drake‘s ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late’ and his Future-featured ‘What a Time To Be Believe’ made so much of a splash critically and commercially that both releases may find themselves thrown into the nominations pot.
If this comes to pass, his nominations may make life difficult for the likes of Big Sean‘s ‘Dark Sky Paradise‘ and Nicki Minaj‘s ‘The Pinkprint’, both of which failed to make as much noise despite being more “album” than Drake’s releases were.
The aforementioned Future is undoubtedly hoping this happens as he is unlikely to receive any nomination love for his solo ‘Dirty Sprite 2‘ release.
Why? The Grammy committee usually opts out of backing overtly-street rap projects and is unlikely to allow the project to take up room that could be occupied by projects that showcased more depth and lyricism.
With this in mind the aforementioned ‘Alive’ may stand as his best/only chance of securing any recognition in the category.
Sound exciting?
Click here to find out why the official nominations will be announced.
Random: We’re annoyed that Azealia Banks‘ ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ is unlikely to bag a nom.
The metaphor-charged project was released within this year’s eligibility period (November 7th 2014) and packs the storytelling, genre versatility and lyrical ability most music lovers look for when on the hunt for a Grammy-worthy LP.