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 (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and 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. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.