Reading Time: 6 min read

Rap

Best Rap Performance

Jay-Z, 4:44 © Roc Nation“Bounce Back” (Big Sean)

“Bodak Yellow” (Cardi B)

“4:44” (JAY-Z)

“HUMBLE.” (Kendrick Lamar)

“Bad and Boujee” (Migos featuring Lil Uzi Vert)

Notable Snub: None

Reaction: Solid nominees. Very competitive field.

 

Best Rap/Sung Performance

“PRBLMS” (6LACK)

“Crew” (Goldlink featuring Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy)

“Family Feud” (JAY-Z featuring Beyoncé)

“LOYALTY.” (Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna)

“Love Galore” (SZA featuring Travis Scott)

Notable Snub: “Black SpiderMan” (Logic featuring Damian Lemar Hudson)

Reaction: There are no major problems with this field.  The other truly notable cut from Logic’s album Everybody could’ve been nominated, “Black SpiderMan.”

Best Rap Song

Kendrick Lamar, DAMN. © Interscope“Bodak Yellow” (Cardi B)

“Chase Me” (Danger Mouse featuring Run the Jewels & Big Boi)

“HUMBLE.” (Kendrick Lamar)

“Sassy” (Rapsody)

“The Story of O.J.” (JAY-Z)

Notable Snub: None

Reaction: Surprised by the inclusion of “Sassy” by Rapsody, but no issues with the field.

 

Best Rap Album

4:44 (JAY-Z)

DAMN. (Kendrick Lamar)

Culture (Migos)

Laila’s Wisdom (Rapsody)

Flower Boy (Tyler, The Creator)

Notable Snub: Logic, Everybody

Reaction: All in all, the field is well-rounded.  Logic could’ve and in my opinion, should’ve been nominated for Everybody. Not the end of the world though.


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.