Reactions to the 53rd Annual Grammy Award Hip-Hop Nominations (2011)

Okay, first thing’s first: I apologize for not finishing my predictions for the other remaining hip-hop categories, as I have been very busy with my life. I actually did type all of my predictions, and it’s still on my Word document on my laptop, but I never had the time to actually post it up with reasons and everything. Anyway, these are my reactions to the hip-hop nominations (it’s only reasonable to post them since I [attempted] to predict them).

BEST RAP ALBUM:

1) B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray by B.o.B

2) Thank Me Later by Drake

3) Recovery by Eminem

4) The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z

5) How I Got Over by The Roots

Now, the winner will be Recovery, no doubt. It’s also nominated for Album of the Year, so it’ll pretty much eat this category. I’m glad that my predictions were close, though How I Got Over‘s nomination isn’t that much of a surprise. The Academy has actually nominated their albums in this category several times before (4 times total), but I guess I didn’t expect a nomination from them because their Rising Down album wasn’t nominated back in 2009 (there were tough competition, though, but one would expect a dark and political album from The Roots to get nominated, yeah?). Plus, Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon: The End of Day seemed like a likely choice to me, with it being produced by Kanye and everything. As for the other albums that got nominated, what can I say? Eminem and Jay-Z were automatic nominations, as they’ve almost always been nominated in this category ever since they broke out, and Drake and B.o.B just felt like strong potential nominees based on their positive buzz and sales.

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:

1) “Nothin’ On You” by B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars

2) “Deuces” by Chris Brown featuring Tyga & Kevin McCall

3) “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem featuring Rihanna

4) “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

5) “Wake Up Everybody” by John Legend and The Roots featuring Common & Melanie Fiona

Well, the nominations for this category were kind of interesting. I knew “Love the Way You Lie,” “Nothin’ On You,” and “Empire State of Mind” were gonna get nominated, the latter of which will probably win, but “Power” by Mr. West and Dwele was not nominated. Then, I searched up the album and found out Dwele wasn’t credited for his “Jumpin’ out the window / I’m lettin’ everything go” singing he was originally credited for. And it turns out “Power” was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance, so I definitely knew the Academy wouldn’t slip Kanye out; I’ll get to this later on. My last prediction was “California Gurls” by Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg, which I’m surprised at it not getting nominated. As much as Snoop’s verse was wack, it was still a huge hit anthem over the summer. I guess the Academy made a smart choice on this one: “Wake Up Everybody” by John Legend, The Roots, Common, and Melanie Fiona seems like an unconventional choice, but it appears they’ve got something right at the least. “Deuces” was a head-scratcher for me. Even “Bottoms Up” by Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj could’ve been a better nomination, in my opinion; that song is dope as hell, plus it was a hit single. Or “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy? Or perhaps Usher’s “Hot Tottie?” Oh, well…

I will continue with my other reactions when I have time… Thanks for reading!

Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Predictions for the 53rd Grammy Awards (2011)

So no new post for 2 months…. Sorry about that, guys. I’ve been busy. Anyway, as the title suggests, these are my predictions for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Previous winners were “Crack a Bottle” by Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent, “Swagga Like Us” by Kanye West, Jay-Z,  Lil Wayne, and T.I., and, uhhh, “Don’t Phunk with My Heart” by the Black-Eyed Peas. You’ll know why I predicted the following songs.

1) “Forever” by Drake featuring  Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem

This song was basically 2009’s “Swagga Like Us”: four acclaimed rappers on a posse cut… except I wouldn’t bother saying this is vastly better than the aforementioned song. This will undoubtedly win, even though my predicted contenders below are pretty dope! It might have not reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (then again, neither did “Swagga Like Us”), but the sheer star power in this song makes up for it. Drake is sick (one of the few times I actually like him). Kanye isn’t up to par, at least not like now with “Monster” (see below) and “Power,” but his verse is catchy and gets stuck in my head for some reason. Lil Wayne is pretty much the same (average to me). But Eminem is the final piece of this puzzle. He absolutely murders this track.  Plus, didn’t everyone except Kanye perform this song at this year’s Grammys with Travis Barker on drums? If you haven’t seen it yet, preferably the uncensored version you can probably find on YouTube, then you’re missing out, ’cause that was one worthwhile performance. I mean, the Academy just handed them the award right there when they let them perform it. What more is there to it, am I right?

2) “Monster” by Kanye West and Jay-Z featuring Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver

As sick as “Forever” is, right now I believe this song should win. I might change my  point-of-view by the time the show airs, but this song is just so… Amazing? Incredible? Off-the-hook?!! The production is slick and head-bumping, Bon Iver’s grainy vocals are a perfect fit, Kanye is catchy as always, Jay-Z has a decent verse himself, and NICKI MINAJ, in every imaginable way, somehow proves she’s the best female rapper today. Her verse gives me shivers, and that’s saying something! Sorry, I forgot to mention Rick Ross because his 4 bars are worthless, but it doesn’t matter. The song as a whole is what hip-hop music is and what it should be. It found its release online on September 21st through Kanye’s “G.O.O.D. Fridays” initiative, just in time for eligibility, and this should, and probably will, be a good contender for this award.

3) “Drop the World” by Lil Wayne featuring Eminem

I originally predicted Lil Wanye and Eminem to be nominated with “No Love” as well, but its single release is next Tuesday (the 5th), therefore making it ineligible. But if it did get released before September 31st, this would’ve been a great year for Lil Wayne and Eminem for this category. I mean, they’re seriously killing it, even though I dislike Lil Wayne. And although this track was off the latter’s horrendous “rock album,” this standout hip-hop track is, as NME puts it, the only highlight of Rebirth. But I think we can all agree it’s only because of Eminem that makes this song so amazing. His verse is one of his best, I’d argue, and he later does it again on “No Love.” (GET ON HIS LEVEL, WEEZY!) Anyway, the song was also performed at the Grammys this year, so why shouldn’t it get nominated?

4) “On to the Next One” by Jay-Z featuring Swizz Beatz

This ain’t even an official group/duo performance by my standards since Mr. Beatz just “raps” the chorus. But it’s a Jay-Z track! The Academy is infatuated with this guy for all hip-hop-related categories, but does he deserve it? Well, if you ask me, I love this track. It’s a total club-banger and has a nice, hypnotic beat. Jay-Z’s verse is decent enough, though not as memorable as, say, “Monster” or anything, but his ability to adapt to modern standards, which is what the song is about, is always unbelievable! But I believe it, because Jay-Z can do anything nowadays. It never ceases to amaze me how well he’s doing when he’s been in the game for nearly 15 years. Where’s Nas? Game? Diddy? 50 Cent?

5) “Right Above It” by Lil  Wayne featuring Drake

I pretty much put this song down here because (1) I couldn’t think of another song to fill this position and (2) it’s Lil Wayne and Drake. I don’t know if the Academy has ever nominated the same people this many times for a single category, but who knows? This song peaked at #6 in the Billboard Hot 100, which isn’t that bad, but, in my opinion, it sucks! The production is actually impressive (go Kane Beatz!), but Weezy’s verses are stupid as hell! Drake is cool, but Weezy is facepalm. But whatever, it could get nominated.

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Predictions for the 53rd Grammy Awards (2011)

Like my Best Rap Album predictions before, here’s a list of what I think will get nominated and will win the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration award. This will probably be the only hip-hop-related award that’ll be presented at the actual ceremony since they have so many categories and such a limited time to give out the awards with the speeches and all, along with the performances, since they did it this year, so be on the lookout for this one on the show. Without further ado, here it is:

1) “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

With a certification of 3x platinum and 5 weeks on the top of the Billboard Hot 100, this song has everything going for it, plus the mayor of New York himself saying it’s “one of the newest anthems of the Yankees.” But, man, this actually deserves it, in my opinion. Although it sounds like an ode to New York and New York only, which it is, I think it’s much more than that; this is like the ultimate hip-hop anthem. Alicia Keys’ chorus is an earworm in the most amazing way, Jay-Z’s three verses are exuberant, and just the whole damn thing is so enjoyable to listen to. This will be a definite win. But who cares about me? The critics are liking it, too: #1 best single on The Village Voice‘s Pazz & Jop critics’ poll, second best song of 2009 by Rolling Stone, and much more. To put it simply, this will win the award (unless there’s some crazy better single coming out soon by Kanye or something).

2) “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem featuring Rihanna

Well, it’s the current #1 single in the U.S. as I type this, and it’s by Eminem and Rihanna. Come on! That star power alone will get it nominated. The commercial success makes it even easier on the Academy to throw it in this category for nomination. And that’s it; got nothin’ else to say.

3) “Power” by Kanye West featuring Dwele

Yay! Kanye!!! You know, the first time I heard this song, I could not pinpoint Dwele’s voice or singing, and to this day, I still can’t. Where the hell does he sing? Anyway, you know Kanye needs a nomination, even if it doesn’t do well commercially. “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” had a nomination for Best Rap Song (the award went to “Good Life”), and it didn’t do well, either. “Power” is the first single off his new album, and it’s been well-received, being said as Kanye back to his true hip-hop form. And damn straight it is! It won’t win, but I’ll be happy if it gets nominated.

4) “Nothin’ On You” by B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars

Personally, I would prefer “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars to get nominated, but this hit from up-and-coming star B.o.B will surely get nominated. If not this, then “Airplanes” with Haley Williams of Paramore, but “Nothin’ On You” is the bigger hit with its double platinum status. It’s a pretty cool song. Mars’ singing is always delightful (I  hope he becomes the next big thing), but B.o.B’s verses are just decent. Does it deserve it? Maybe… but like I said, I prefer “Billionaire.”

5) “California Gurls” by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg

This is the only song I’d hate to get nominated. Unlike “Umbrella,” which was nominated (and won) with a brief good Jay-Z verse in the beginning, “California Gurls” with its brief verse from Snoop Dogg just doesn’t hold up. It’s a decent listen when you first hear it, but it loses it replay value after that; her previous songs are better. And Snoop, you were wack on this song! Nevertheless, the song was a huge hit in the summer, countering its answer song (“Empire State of Mind”) with 5 weeks on the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The song has also received favorable reviews (obviously not from me), but sorry, Katy, I hope your mediocre answer song to “Empire State of Mind” will NOT get nominated.

There are still two months to go till the eligibility period ends, so there’s a lot more potential for Rap/Sung songs out there to dethrone some of my predictions. I strongly believe, however, that these are the songs that will get nominated from the songs we’ve heard so far. I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

Best Rap Album Predictions for the 53rd Grammy Awards (2011)

UPDATE: Damn, I guess Kanye’s untitled fifth album, previously known as Good Ass Job, has been pushed back to October 12th, thus out of the competition for this award. I really wanted to see another Eminem vs. Kanye showdown to see who the Academy would give it to, but I guess the latter will have to wait till 2012.

Update #2: Well, what do ya know? T.I.’s King Uncaged has been pushed back as well, apparently so he can focus more on the promotion of his film Takers. Guess I’ll have to find another replacement.

“But wait, there are tons of more rap albums that are gonna be released by September 31st! How can you already be predicting what’ll be getting nominated?”

Well, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is notorious for nominating and giving the Best Rap Album award based on how much the album sells instead of the quality of the album itself. So it’s pretty easy to predict this kind of stuff. At times, the Academy actually does give it to the album that deserves the award, but in most cases, the rest of the nominations are jokes, as they pay no attention to superior independent albums. By the way, before I present my list, I’d like to note that the eligibility period is September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. So here it is (listed by probability of winning):

1) Recovery by Eminem

With Kanye out of the running, this easily has a very strong chance at winning. All Eminem albums have been nominated (except for Infinite), even when he was at his most  mediocre (Encore). He unsurprisingly won the award last year for Relapse when Mos Def’s The Ecstatic and Q-Tip’s The Renaissance were equally strong competitors, and either of them should’ve won instead in my book. They’ve released so many classics, and they’re time is due. Back on topic, Recovery sold 741,000 copies in its first week and will easily go double platinum by the end of the year; its got two very strong singles so far; and he’s Eminem. So that’s an automatic nomination, no doubt.

2) Thank Me Later by Drake

The newest young talent that was being mentored by Lil Wayne just sold 447,000 copies in its first week! And he was adored by the Academy back in January when they were nominating his “Best I Ever Had” song in every eligible rap category it was able to get nominated in (so did Kid Cudi’s song, but I’ll talk about that later), and he was said to be the next great rap star of the decade. (No doubt, he’ll win Best New Artist, too.) Thank Me Later got pretty decent reviews (how it received better reviews than Recovery is beyond me), but I personally think it sounds repetitive and that he’s just mediocre. Needless to say, my opinion doesn’t matter. Just expect that album to be nominated.

3) The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z

Uhhh, all of his albums have been nominated since Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life won him his first and only Best Rap Album back in ’99. (The Dynasty: Roc La Familia didn’t get nominated, but that was more of a collaborative album by the Roc-A-Fella roster.) Hell, even his worst album (Kingdom Come) got nominated. But why should that matter when it sold so well? The Blueprint 3 is pretty much the same, and it had that crazy single “Empire State of Mind,” except this time, I think it deserves to get nominated. It’s an awesome album, not his best, but very well above average.

4) B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray by B.o.B

It’s kind of ironic how, when Kanye was ineligible for this category, Kid Cudi will probably take his place, and now that T.I. is out, he’ll probably be replaced by a rapper on his own Grand Hustle Records. Anyway, this will probably have a better chance of winning than the one below based on the strength of its singles and much positive buzz about his nomination in the Best New Artist category, too (I still think Drake will win). “Nothin’ on You,” “Airplanes,” and “The Magic” have been big hits (even Eminem co-signed the guy), but when you’re up against those three rappers above, and you’re only a rookie, you probably won’t win. (I guess you can say Drake is sort of a rookie as well since Thank Me Later is his first studio album, but there’s just so much hype around him being the next big thing (plus, he’s part of Young Money)).

5) Man on the Moon: The End of Day by Kid Cudi

Well, with Kanye out, I’d expect this to take its place… on the bottom of the list. His “Day ‘N’ Nite” song was also nominated in every eligible rap category it was able to get nominated in, just like Drake, but the album as a whole is just a little unconventional for the Academy’s taste. I mean, sure it’s endorsed by Kanye West, but it didn’t sell as well as expected (the only real hit was “Day ‘N’ Nite”). Therefore, its chance of winning: nada.

Hol’ up! I’m not done yet! Here are the Best Rap Album nominations and winner that, I believe, should be:

1) Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II by Raekwon

The best [hip-hop] album sequel of all time should get a nomination, perhaps even win it. This is classic Wu-Tang sound at its best, but it only sold 68,000 copies in its first week, so no nomination here, guys.

2) Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dynasty by Big Boi

I actually considered the Academy having this nominated. But then I thought back to the ’07 Grammys and Pharrell’s In My Mind got nominated. Then, I was, like, “WTF?” It got extremely mediocre reviews and only sold 142,000 copies in its first week compared to OutKast’s Idlewild, which got mostly positive reviews and sold 196,000 copies in its first week. And I thought, “Why wouldn’t the Academy nominate this when it sold decently, especially after their huge Speakerboxxx/The Love Below win?” Probably because Pharrell was, like, one-half of the biggest producing duo at the time and was releasing his debut album. So the Academy is not completely infatuated with them, and Big Boi’s debut sold far less than Idlewild, so don’t expect a nomination.

3) How I Got Over by The Roots

The Roots always deserve nominations for Best Rap Album. Period. All of their albums are exceptional, but they can never seem to make the best rap album of a year. Nevertheless, like I said, they always deserve a nomination.

4) Distant Relatives by Nas & Damian Marley

Nas and Damian Marley crafted something way too unconventional here: a fusion of reggae and hip-hop. The Academy doesn’t give credit to this kind of stuff, so why start now?

5) Revolutions Per Minute by Reflection Eternal

Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek are a couple of nobodys to the general public, plus it’s an independent release. It’s a fine-ass album, but those two points are the things unfortunately stopping it from getting nominated.

Of course, that’s not it. Lupe Fiasco’s long-delayed Lasers is supposed to be released sometime this year, but his label keeps pushing it back for some reason! Then, there’s Dr. Dre longer-delayed Detox; he’s always saying he’ll release it one year, but then it gets pushed back another year, and back, and back. Where the hell is that “Under Pressure” single, huh? Those two albums, especially the latter, will probably get a nomination (perhaps in the place of King Uncaged) if they’re released before September 31st. Also, according to RZA, GZA’s Liquid Swords 2 is said to be released this fall; judging from OB4CL II, this is supposed to be in the same vein as that, and if it is, it probably won’t get nominated, but deservingly does (or maybe it’ll be released sometime on October or November). And then there’s Ice Cube’s I Am the West. If Cube’s got his game back, he’ll probably get props on my “Best Rap Album nominations that should be” list.

Okay, bye!