If you’re a music buff like us, then you’ve likely already scoured through the list of nominees for the 64th annual Grammy Awards, which was announced yesterday. Award shows don’t always get it right, but we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite nominees who received the ultimate stamp of approval. There’s still a couple of months before the Grammys takes place (Jan. 31) so that gives you more than enough time to check out some new music that you may not have heard of before or revisit your favorites.
Jon Batiste, We Are
There’s a reason that Jon Batiste earned 11 Grammy nominations—more than any other artist in 2022—including album and record of the year. The jazz pianist and bandleader on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” has released eight studio albums and five live albums, and has collaborated with several artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Ed Sheeran and Willie Nelson over the span of his lengthy career. And let’s not forget that he composed, arranged, and performed the songs in Pixar’s animated film, Soul. If that’s not enough to convince you that you need to check out Batiste’s music, then we suggest you watch the video above that he filmed in his hometown of New Orleans, which has also nominated for best music video. [artist info]
Doja Cat, Planet Her (Deluxe)
There’s not too many artists that are touching Doja Cat—simply put. The singer and rapper received eight Grammy nominations—tying with H.E.R and Justin Bieber—for record of the year (“Kiss Me More” with SZA), album of the year (Planet Her (Deluxe)), best pop solo performance, and more. Her nominations didn’t surprise anyone who’s familiar with her music and performance abilities, but we’re just hoping that she walks away with a trophy come January 31. [artist info]
Jay-Z featured on Kanye West’s “Jail”
The celebrated rap artist and entrepreneur has become the most-nominated artist in Grammy Awards history with three nominations this year, bringing him to 83. He was previously tied with legendary producer and composer Quincy Jones at 80. Jay-Z, who has 23 Grammys, hasn’t released an album since 2017, but he was nominated this year for his guest verses on songs with the late DMX and Kanye West—both for best rap song. That’s pretty boss if you ask me. [artist info]
BTS, “Butter”
After making history last week as the first Asian group to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards, BTS was nominated for best pop duo/group performance. Their monster hit “Butter” has been holding the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s weekly “Hot Trending Songs” chart for several weeks, so we were pretty surprised that they only received one at the Grammys. But one thing is for certain, the South Korean boy band deserves to be nominated. [artist info]
Lil Nas X, Montero
Lil Nas X kept busy this year as he prepped for the release of his debut album Montero, which dropped in September. He scored five Grammy nominations including record of the year for “Montero (Call Me by Your Name),” album of the year, and best music video. With his vulnerable album, which has been well received by many critics, and memorable music videos, we’d be surprised if Lil Nas X didn’t go home with at least one award. [artist info]
Justin Bieber, Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe)
Earlier this year, Justin Bieber released the vibey California-inspired tune “Peaches” with crooners Daniel Caesar and Giveon, which almost instantly became a hit. It was a lead single on his album, Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe), which has been nominated for best pop vocal album and album of the year. In total, Bieber received eight nominations including record of the year for “Peaches.” [artist info]
Wizkid, “Essence” ft. Tems
If you ask any DJ and party promoter in the hip-hop or afrobeat scene what the song of the year was, I’m willing to bet that many of them would say Wizkid’s “Essence” featuring Tems. You couldn’t go out without hearing this song—and rightfully so. Wizkid was nominated for best global music performance for the massive single and best global music album (Made In Lagos: Deluxe Edition). [artist info]
Ariana Grande, Positions
Honestly, we’re still bumping Ariana Grande’s album Positions, which released in October 2020. The singer received three nominations including best pop solo performance (“Positions”), best pop vocal album, and best remixed recording for Dave Audé’s remix of “Met Him Last Night” (Dave Audé Remix) with Demi Lovato. [artist info]
Tyler, The Creator, Call Me If You Get Lost
Tyler, The Creator has continued to top himself with each album he’s dropped, and his latest release Call Me If You Get Lost is no different. The Los Angeles native was nominated for two Grammy nominations including best rap album and best melodic rap performance on “Wusyaname,” which features Youngboy Never Broke Again and Ty Dolla Sign. He won the award for best rap album last year, so we’ll see if he takes home the award again in 2022. [artist info]
Jazmine Sullivan, Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan set the tone for music releases when she dropped her critically acclaimed album Heaux Tales during the typically quiet month of January. The crooner, whose hard-to-hit riff became a social media challenge last year, was nominated for three awards including best R&B performance (“Pick Up Your Feelings”), best R&B song, and best R&B album. [artist info]
Billie Eilish, Happier Than Ever
The superstar singer racked up eight Grammys including record of the year for her latest album Happier Than Ever, song of the year (“Happier Than Ever”), and best pop performance. We’re always rooting for the already seven-time Grammy winner from L.A. and we wouldn’t be surprised if she left with an award. [artist info]
Silk Sonic, “Leave the Door Open”
Well, this came as no surprise. When you bring together two of the smoothest artists in R&B music right now, then you’re bound to create magic. Bruno Mars and Anderson. Paak, who make up Silk Sonic, received four nominations, including record of the year and best R&B performance, for their beloved single “Leave the Door Open.” The nomination comes just weeks after the duo released their anticipated album, An Evening With Silk Sonic. [artist info]
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