Who Is In The Lead?
Okay! Gather around children it’s MICAH’s favorite time of the year. Yes, it’s the beginning of a new year, which means my loved ones were showering me with gifts not too long ago, (oh and it was a time for family, and cherishing each other, sure, whatever) but it’s also Grammy season! Music’s biggest night will take place on Sunday, February 5th 2023 live from Los Angeles. And it will be nothing less than a bloodbath.
On a slightly warm (okay global warming!) November 5th morning, Grammy nominations were announced live and I have thoughts, questions, and predictions.
“I think the big question is bad bunny’s success, up against Beyoncé having a great motherf*cking album, up against Adele being a Grammy darling, and Harry Styles being an it boy.” - Kenya
Beyoncé:
Queen Bey has made history yet again as now the most awarded singer in Grammy history and now ties her with her husband Jay-Z as the most nominated artists in Grammy history. She leads the pack with this year’s Grammys with a shining 9 nominations. Beyoncé’s seventh studio album RENAISSANCE is raging through clubs globally, allowing everyone to experience a dance record from her like never before. As a result, the Grammys have shined a light on the Queen’s magnum opus (is that even possible with Beyoncé, I mean the woman only gets better y’all!) See, here’s the thing, after totaling 28 wins after the 2021 Grammys, Beyoncé was crowned the most decorated female artist and singer of all time when it comes to the golden gramophone. However, to be blunt, most often Beyoncé’s wins are unfortunately not in the general field categories where she deserves to also take the crown. Most are in the R&B categories which honestly often feels like her work is delegated to just the “Black” categories and not in the main fields in which she is owed. An Album of the Year win is long overdue, and RENAISSANCE is more than deserving of the title.
Adele:
Adele Atkins. The queen of London and Grammys. So, here’s the thing about Adele, the Grammys love her. With a sweeping 15 Grammy awards, if Adele puts out an album, there is a 100% chance that she is walking away Grammy night with the gold in her hands. To put this in stan Twitter terminology: if your favorite is up against Adele on Grammy night, you should be scared. Generally, Adele always clears in the general field categories. In 2017, she took home the win in Record, Song, Album, Pop Vocal, and Pop Solo Performance of the Year. She cleared. With her most recent body of work, 30, Adele opens the door to mental health, divorce, and the weight that comes with self-care. I am sure the Academy is more than ready to crown her once again.
Harry Styles:
The music scene’s new it-boy! Harry is always an interesting one to look out for on the music scene because he really comes out the gate swinging every time. Although most fell in love with him during his self-titled debut era, I found myself gravitating towards Harry during the Fine Line era. My brain chemistry literally changed the second “Watermelon Sugar '' was released and served as my escape during quarantine. Although having a solid debut project, Harry did not see his first Grammy nomination until his second project, earning a Grammy in Best Pop Solo Performance for “Watermelon Sugar”. This year for Harry’s House, Harry comes in swinging with 6 nominations, and y’all, it is deserved! “As It Was” can quite literally be considered the song of the summer, if we’re being honest. I found myself on top of a parking garage in late May blasting this song. Yes, it was my coming-of-age young adult Netflix film moment. Harry is more than deserving to take home the win in the general field categories that he is nominated in. The general field is packed, but Record of the Year looks quite promising for him.
Bad Bunny:
Now this one right here took me by surprise! And it is not just because he is fine as hell, okay?! I checked Twitter one evening and stumbled across a video of a solid out stadium all gathered in awe of Bad Bunny. The main act on a sold out stadium tour that fans are absolutely obsessed with. Bad Bunny’s latest album Un Verano Sin Ti was absolutely amazing. Bad Bunny has had an incredibly successful year. A star right up under my own nose, and is definitely deserving to be seen and heard on the Grammy stage. This year is jam packed but “Efecto” is a cold ass record and that song alone solidifies his spot on the nomination list.
The Academy Drop-Outs
Every year on a late Sunday winter evening to see if their favorite musician has snatched the golden gramophone held by music’s legends and greatest artists. However, the truth is, there has been years of underrepresentation of black artists winning the gold and scoring nominations. As a result, as more time passes, we begin to see less artists submitting their work to the academy. This year’s Grammys saw two major artists and one duo not submit their work for the 2023 Grammy awards. Drake, The Weeknd, and Silk Sonic (consisting of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) have all decided to not submit their work to the Recording Academy. This may serve as a bit of a shock for some of these major artists. Drake loves being music’s it-boy collecting flashy awards, and Silk Sonic after coming off of two huge wins at the 2022 Grammy awards, one would expect to see a Grammy’s favorite Bruno Mars to be back to collect more gold. But in a swift announcement, Silk Sonic fans will not see them winning the gold in 2023. The Weeknd however, does not serve as a surprise. The 2021 Grammys vs. The Weeknd came as a bit of a shock after Abel’s chart-topping album After Hours. In December of 2020 Weeknd fans were met with the soul crushing news that After Hours nor none of its singles were nominated for the 2021 Grammys. This resulted in a boycott of major music artists, such as Drake, pulling their music from nominations after being nominated, as he did with Certified Lover Boy and “Way 2 Sexy”.
Let’s Educate Before We Predict
Before we get to the part that you all really want to hear, my predictions (duh!), let’s get into some things. So to be direct, y’all know I love y’all and I know how you girls like to tussle so hear me and hear me clear, your faves have to submit their work to the academy for consideration! Okay? So yes, they may have given you a cute bop this year but if they did not submit their work for consideration you can not cry and throw up on the evening of the ceremony. Understood? Next on the docket!
Record of the Year vs. Song of the Year? Micah what’s the difference? I got you sis! Record of the Year is awarded to the artist and the producers of the song. Song of the Year is awarded to the songwriters of the song.
Performance vs. Song? Girl what? I got you boo! Similar to record and song of the year, the song categories are awards given to songwriters, and performance categories are awards given to everyone who performed on the song (creation and artist).
Did you know there is a time eligibility period? There absolutely is a distinct amount of time that the Grammys take into consideration for album or song releases. For the 2023 Grammy Awards the time eligibility was from October 1st, 2021 to September 30th, 2022.
For my prediction purposes, the winners will share two predictions: The Micah choice, songs I gravitated to and feel generally deserve the spot. As well as the Grammy choice, songs that I gravitated to and/or safe and expected choices from the academy. Will I agree with every choice for the Grammy choice? No, but I am just preparing you for what may happen during the ceremony.
Record Of The Year:
Don't Shut Me Down by ABBA
Easy on Me by Adele
Break My Soul by Beyoncé
Good Morning Gorgeous by Mary J. Blige
You and Me on The Rock by Brandi Carlile (ft. Lucius)
Woman by Doja Cat
Bad Habit by Steve Lacey
About Damn Time by Lizzo
As It Was by Harry Styles
My Choice: Break My Soul
Predictions for the winner of Record of The Year: Break My Soul, As It Was, Easy On Me, About Damn Time
Album of The Year:
Voyage by ABBA
30 by Adele
Un Veranto Sin Ti by Bad Bunny
Renaissance by Beyoncé
Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe) by Mary J. Blige
In These Silent Days by Brandi Carlile
Music of the Spheres by Coldplay
Mr. Morale and The Big Strippers by Kendrick Lamar
Special by Lizzo
Harry's House by Harry Styles
My Choice: Renaissance
Predictions for the winner of Album of The Year: Renaissance, Harry's House, 30, Un Veranto Sin Ti
Song of the Year:
abcdefu by Gayle
About Damn Time by Lizzo
All Too Well (10 Minute Version) by Taylor Swift
As It Was by Harry Styles
Bad Habit by Steve Lacey
Break My Soul by Beyoncé
Easy on Me by Adele
God Did by DJ Khaled
The Heart Part 5 by Kendrick Lamar
Just Like That by Bonnie Raitt
My Choice: As It Was
Predictions for the winner of Song of The Year: As It Was, Easy on Me, All Too Well, Bad Habit
Best New Artist:
Anitta
Omar Apollo
Domi & JD Beck
Muni Long
Samara Joy
Latto
MÅNESKIN
Tobe Nwigwe
Molly Tuttle
Wet Leg
My Choice: Omar Apollo
Predictions for the winner of Best New Artist: MÅNESKIN, Muni Long, Anitta, Latto
Best Pop Solo Performance:
Easy on Me by Adele
Moscow Mule by Bad Bunny
Woman by Doja Cat
Bad Habit by Steve Lacey
About Damn Time by Lizzo
As It Was by Harry Styles
My Choice: As It Was
Predictions for the winner of Best Pop Solo Performance: As It Was, About Damn Time, Easy on Me
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
Don't Shut Me Down by ABBA
Bam Bam by Camilla Cabello (ft. Ed Sheeran)
My Universe by Coldplay (ft. BTS)
I Like You (A Happier Song) by Post Malone & Doja Cat
Unholy by Sam Smith & Kim Petras
My Choice: Unholy
Predictions for the winner of Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Unholy, My Universe, I Like You
Best Pop Vocal Album:
Voyage by ABBA
30 by Adele
Music of the Spheres by Coldplay
Special by Lizzo
Harry's House by Harry Styles
My Choice: 30
Predictions for the winner of Best Pop Vocal Album: 30, Harry's House, Special
Best Dance/Electronic Album:
Renaissance by Beyoncé
Fragments by Bonobo
Diplo by Diplo
The Last Goodbye by ODESZA
Surrender by RÜFÜS DU SOL
My Choice: Renaissance
Predictions for winner of Best Dance/Electronic Album: Renaissance, Diplo
Best Rock Song:
Black Summer by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Blackout by Turnstile
Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
Harmonia's Dream by The War on Drugs
Patient Number 9 by Ozzy Osbourne (ft. Jeff Beck)
My Choice: Blackout
Predictions for the winner of Best Rock Song: Broken Horses, Blackout, Black Summer
Best Alternative Music Performance:
There’d Better Be A Mirrorball by Arctic Monkeys
Certainty by Big Thief
King by Florence & The Machine
Chaise Longue by Wet Leg
Spitting Off the Edge of the World by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (ft. Perfume Genius)
My Choice: Spitting Off the Edge of the World
Predictions for the winner of Best Alternative Music Performance: Spitting Off the Edge of the World, King
Best R&B Song:
Cuff It by Beyoncé
Good Morning Gorgeous by Mary J. Blige
Hrs & Hrs by Muni Long
Hurt Me So Good by Jazmine Sullivan
Please Don't Walk Away by PJ Morton
My Choice: Cuff It
Predictions for winner of Best R&B Song: Cuff It, Good Morning Gorgeous, Hrs & Hrs, Hurt Me So Good
Best R&B Performance:
Virgo's Groove by Beyoncé
Here With Me by Mary J. Blige (ft. Anderson .Paak)
Over by Lucky Dave
Hurt Me So Good by Jazmine Sullivan
Hrs & Hrs by Muni Long
My Choice: Hrs & Hrs, Virgo's Groove
Predictions for the winner of Best R&B Performance: Over, Hrs & Hrs, Virgo's Groove
Best Rap Song:
Churchill Downs by Jack Harlow (ft. Drake)
God Did by DJ Khaled
The Heart Part 5 by Kendrick Lamar
Pushin P by Gunna and Future (ft. Young Thug)
Wait for U by Future (ft. Drake and Tems)
My Choice: Wait for U
Predictions for the winner of Best Rap Song: Wait for U, The Heart Part 5, Churchill Downs
Best Rap Performance:
God Did by DJ Khaled
Vegas by Doja Cat
Pushin P by Gunna and Future (ft. Young Thug)
F.N.F (Let's Go) by HitKidd and Glorilla
The Heart Part 5 by Kendrick Lamar
My Choice: Vegas
Predictions for the winner of Best Rap Performance: Vegas, F.N.F., The Heart Part 5
Best Rap Album:
God Did by DJ Khaled
I Never Liked You by Future
Come Home the Kids Miss You by Jack Harlow
Mr. Morales and The Big Strippers by Kendrick Lamar
It's Almost Dry by Pusha T
My Choice: Mr. Morales and The Big Strippers
Predictions for the winner of Best Rap Album: Mr. Morales and The Big Strippers, Come Home the Kids Miss You
Best Country Song:
Circles Around This Town by Carrie Fisher
Doin' This by Luke Combs
I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift
If I Was A Cowboy by Miranda Lambert
I'll Love You Till the Day I Die by Willie Nelson
'til You Can't by Cody Johnson
My Choice: I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version)
Predictions for the Grammy Winner: I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version), Circles Around This Town, Doin' This
Best Gospel Performance/Song:
Positive by Erica Campbell
When I Pray by Doe
Kingdom by Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin
The Better Benediction by PJ Morton (ft. Zacardi Cortez, Gene Moore, Samoht, Tim Rogers, Darrel Walls)
Get Up by Tye Tribbett
My Choice: Kingdom
Predictions for the winner of Best Gospel Performance/Song : Kingdom, The Better Benediction, Get Up
Best Musical Theater Album:
Caroline, or Change by Original Broadway Cast
Into the Woods (2022 Broadway Cast Recording) by Original Broadway Cast
MJ: The Musical by Original Broadway Cast
Mr. Saturday Night by Original Broadway Cast
Six: Live on Opening Night by Original Broadway Cast
A Strange Loop by Original Broadway Cast
My Choice: MJ: The Musical
Predictions for the winner of Best Musical Theater Album: MJ: The Musical, Six: Live on Opening Night, A Strange Loop
Best Compilation of Soundtrack for Visual Media:
Elvis by Various Artists
Encanto by Various Artists
Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series - Season 4 by Various Artists
Top Gun Maverick by Lorne Balfe, Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga & Hans Zimmer
West Side Story by Various Artists
My Choice: Encanto
Predictions for the winner of Best Compilation of Soundtrack for Visual Media: Elvis, Encanto, Stranger Things
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical):
Amy Allen
Nija Charles
Tobias-Jesso Jr.
The-Dream
Laura Veltz
My Choice: The-Dream
Predictions for the winner of Songwriter of the Year: The-Dream, Amy Allen, Nija Charles
Producer of the Year (Non-Classical):
Jack Antonoff
Dan Auerbach
Boi-1da
Dahi
Dernest "D'Mile" Emile II
My Choice: Dernest "D'Mile" Emile II
Predictions for the winner of Producer of the Year: Jack Antonoff, Boi-1da, Dernest 'D'Mile' Emile II
The nominations this year are pretty solid. As a music lover and connoisseur (pur) this was a great year for the listener. That February evening will be followed with a ton of applause and yet so much heartbreak because every artist worked their asses off these past couple of years, while living in hell, and released great bodies of work.
That said, there are a few things missing. The R&B category has yet again failed R&B superstar Summer Walker. If we’re being honest, Summer controls R&B radio. The 90’s samples we heard in 2020, were all set from Summer. Her 2021 LP Still Over It was an incredible amalgamation of the frustrations of dealing with a difficult partner. Track 8’s “Insane” is certainly career defining and is a song I am constantly drawn to. It was more than deserving of the best R&B song nomination. As well as Ari Lennox. Another R&B superstar deserving of her Grammy moment, failed by the Academy. Ari is owed a ton in the awards sector and “Pressure” should have earned her the crown.
Megan Thee Stallion’s “Plan B” is literally the best rap performance of the year. Megan found her pocket on that song and for that to not have been in the best rap performance category absolutely blew my mind.
Camilla Cabello’s duet with WILLOW “Psychofreak” should have also had a chance to compete in Best Pop Duo/Group performance. If there was one collaboration that could have given “Unholy” a run for its money, it was Psychofreak.
Demi Lovato’s HOLY FVCK deserved a chance to compete in the rock categories. Demi has built a majority of her career in the pop realm, however true Demi stans know that this is her pocket. HOLY FVCK’s “Skin Of My Teeth” and “29” were certainly standout records from the album, and should have gotten their dues.
J.I.D’s The Forever Story was also quite worthy of being nominated in the rap categories. If I am being honest, I am quite sure Kendrick is clearing any and all of these categories, but it would have been incredible to see J.I.D get his recognition.
Songwriter of the year is long overdue and I am more than happy to see history being made with these top picks. The-Dream has been in this game for quite a long time, and all of the work he did on RENAISSANCE has earned him the chance to make history.
Talk to you soon,
- Micah