In her third studio album, Kesha redefined herself not just as a singer, but as an artist. This album is the first she’s recorded without having to work with Dr Luke, the producer she’s accused of sexual abuse. In a time when Hollywood is undergoing long overdue changes to put an end to rampant and systematic sexual harassment, giving Kesha the win might send a message that the music industry also stands with those whose voices have been silenced. Some of Kesha’s relatively more popular competitors stand a better chance of winning, but no one can deny the growth and vulnerability in the pop star’s new music.
Who will win: “÷ (Divide).”
Ed Sheeran may have been shut out of the Album of the Year race, but the voting members will likely give him a win this category to make up for it. The album rides on the success of hit singles like “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” which voters will probably take for the whole of the album.
Best Urban Contemporary Album Nominees:
“Free 6LACK” by 6LACK
"Awaken, My Love!" by Childish Gambino
“American Teen” by Khalid
“Ctrl” by SZA
“Starboy” by The Weeknd
Who should and will win: “Ctrl”.
In this album, SZA pushes the boundaries of the R&B genre that “Awaken, My Love!” tried unsuccessfully to challenge. Raw and relatable, rich and unapologetically honest, the album captures the essence of SZA’s unique take on the genre. “Ctrl” is a statement album that both embraces femininity in all its forms and redefines what R&B can sound like.
Best Rap Album Nominees:
“4:44” by Jay-Z
“DAMN.” by Kendrick Lamar
“Culture” by Migos
“Laila's Wisdom” by Rapsody
“Flower Boy” by Tyler, The Creator
And the winner is… impossible to decide. What is perhaps this category’s strongest nominees in its history, the Best Rap Album’s five nominees are each deserving of their own award. Tyler, The Creator refined his voice, sharing a part of himself he previously publicly joked around with. “Culture” undeniably had a cultural (ha!) impact on the emerging sub-genre of mumble rap. “Laila’s Wisdom” reminds its audience that men aren’t the only ones who can rap, and Rapsody’s artistry evokes a purer time in Hip Hop when its music didn’t consistently depend on its consumability to thrive. As for “4:44” and “DAMN.,” well, their nominations for Album of the Year should clearly illustrate their merit of a win in this category, as well.
Tune in tonight at 7:30PM to find out just how wrong I end up being.
—Staff writer Mila Gauvin II can be reached at mila.gauvin@thecrimson.com.