Buckle up, cuz it's Grammy season. The nominations are here, and so am I. Here are my picks, predictions, and thoughts on each of the major categories of the 61st Grammys Awards, along with some key takeaways.
   The Grammy Awards. The annual awards show where music, artistry, and snobbery is emphasized greatly. There's a lot to the Grammys that I despise, like an award simply going to the wrong artist or having nominees being grouped together in categories that simply shouldn't be. But I'll put these remarks aside, because unlike any other awards show, I'm always intrigued about who gets nominated in each category (some more than others) at the Grammys. Even though year after year it seems like a head scratcher with the Grammy committee's decisions, it's time for me to make my predictions of who will most likely win in each of the major categories, who I think should win, and who I think may have gotten robbed from the nomination. You may disagree with me, but I think I'll be able to live with that. The nominees were just announced, so let's do this.
Key Takeaways
Female Artists are finally being noticed.
   The most notable thing about this year's Grammys is for sure the bulk of the major categories including women and women-led groups as nominees (album, song, record, best new artist). Due to the Grammy president's rude and asinine comments about women needing to "step up" earlier this year and ironically stepping down because of it, the Grammys have done something right this time and representing some excellent female artists, like Janelle Monáe, Kacey Musgraves, Cardi B, Lady Gaga and Brandi Carlie. The best new artist even includes even more females than ever, six of them to be exact!
Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B bringing in the big noms.
   Undoubtedly the biggest artist of 2018, Drake is up for the big noms, including album, song, and record of the year for arguably the biggest song of 2018, "God's Plan" and his double album Scorpion. Cardi B's fantastic Latin-pop banger "I Like It" and her huge breakout album Invasion of Privacy is up for the biggest categories, along with Kendrick Lamar's curated Black Panther soundtrack, another huge album.
The power of the blockbuster movie soundtrack dominates.
   Speaking of soundtracks, huge categories this year include huge songs from soundtracks, whether it's Kendrick and SZA's "All the Stars" from Black Panther or Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" duet from A Star Is Born (both up for song and record of the year). It's been awhile since we've had so many noms from soundtracks, and there's a good chance for them to sweep the big four categories. Other nominations for best compilation album for visual media include Lady Bird, Stranger Things, and the giant success of The Greatest Showman.
Big albums this year got unabashedly snubbed.
   Like almost every other year, there were some noticeably huge snubs from the major categories. Surprisingly, Taylor Swift gets snubbed out of the major categories for her reputation album, only to be up for the best pop vocal album. The same goes for Ariana Grande, leaving her up against Taylor for pop vocal album and pop solo performance. Grande had a huge 2018 with Sweetener and the huge singles off of it, and for her to get snubbed from the big four categories is ridiculous. The huge success and critical acclaim from The Carters (Jay Z & Beyoncé) album is only nominated for 3 awards and not even the bog four. A shocker, since they have roughly 40 Grammys combined and the Grammy committee seems to love both of them so much. Saxophonist extraordinaire Kamasi Washington gets snubbed once again out of all the jazz categories, leaving 2018's best jazz album hands down, Heaven & Earth, out of the picture. My biggest gripe might be the absence of Jack White, who in the past seems to be always up for the big noms whenever he puts out any solo material. This time, he gets a big fat goose egg with 0 noms! White's Boarding House Reach was not only the most adventurous and dynamic of his career, but is one the most diverse and genre-bending album of 2018 (by popular music's standards). To not see anything from White this year remains forever disappointing. And no nominations for Justin Timberlake's Man of the Woods, except for his Chris Stapleton duet "Say Something", which is also very surprising. Also, seeing Sam Smith get snubbed completely after dominating and taking the record and song of the year a few years back is crazy.
Record of the Year
Nominees:
Cardi B - "I Like It"Brandi Carlie - "The Joke"
Childish Gambino - "This Is America"
Drake - "God's Plan"
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow"
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - "All the Stars"
Post Malone feat. 21 Savage - "Rockstar"
Zedd feat. Marren Morris - "The Middle"
Will Win:Â
Drake - "God's Plan"
Should Win:
Cardi B - "I Like It"
Got Robbed:
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line - "Meant to Be"
Although "God's Plan" should be a shoe-in, Cardi B's "I Like It" is so fun and lovable and universally acclaimed. "Meant to Be" should've been nominated, it was arguably the biggest crossover hit of 2018.
Album of the Year
Nominees:
Cardi B - Invasion of Privacy
Brandi Carlie - By the Way, I Forgive You
Drake - Scorpion
H.E.R. - H.E.R.
Post Malone - Beerbongs & Bentleys
Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer
Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour
Kendrick Lamar - Black Panther Soundtrack
Will Win:
Cardi B - Invasion of Privacy
Should Win:
Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer, Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour
Got Robbed:
Jack White - Boarding House Reach, Ariana Grande - Sweetener, Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
I think 2018 is the year of Cardi B, so I think Invasion of Privacy will take it. 2018 was huge for Drake, so he can win as well, and Post Malone's album was huge in numbers too. I would LOVE to see Dirty Computer or Golden Hour take it, they are both such excellent and incredible pop records and it would be refreshing to see a woman take it. Still, Ariana Grande's Sweetener should've been nominated for sure, while Jack White got snubbed completely. I could've seen the Arctic Monkeys sneak up in the category too.
Song of the Year
Nominees:
Drake - "God's Plan"
Ella Mai - "Boo'd Up"
Shawn Mendes - "In My Blood"
Brandi Carlie - "The Joke"
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - "All the Stars"
Zedd feat. Marren Morris - "The Middle"
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow"
Childish Gambino - "This Is America"
Will Win:
Drake - "God's Plan"
Should Win:
Drake - "God's Plan"
Got Robbed:
Kacey Musgraves - "High Horse", Arctic Monkeys - "Four Out of Five"
Song of the year has a great array of huge hits this year. I think the diamond-certified "God's Plan" was too huge for Drake not to win, although Kendrick and Lady Gaga could certainly take it away from him. Kacey Musgraves should have been nominated for this, any of her singles would do. "Four Out of Five" could've snuck in there too, since it is up for a Grammy.
Best New Artist
Nominees:
Chloe x Halle
Luke Combs
Greta Van Fleet
H.E.R.
Dua Lipa
Margo Price
Bebe Rexha
Jorja Smith
Will Win:
H.E.R.
Should Win:
Margo Price
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
I don't really know any of the artists listed (except Price), but I think H.E.R. will get the upset for the award. Margo Price certainly deserves it, she's such a great artist and it would be great for Jack White's Third Man Records and country/Americana music in general.
Best Pop Solo Performance
Nominees:
Beck - "Colors"
Camila Cabello - "Havana" (Live)
Ariana Grande - "God Is a Woman"
Lady Gaga - "Joanne (Where Do You Think Your Goin?)"
Post Malone "Better Now"
Will Win:
Camila Cabello - "Havana" (Live)
Should Win:
Ariana Grande - "God Is a Woman"
Got Robbed:
Janelle Monáe - "Make Me Feel"
"Havana" was a huge hit this year, so I think it'll beat Ariana Grande and co. I'm actually surprised to see none of Monáe's singles even be nominated, but "Make Me Feel" should've.Â
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Nominees:
Christina Aguilera feat. Demi Lovato - "Fall In Line"Backstreet Boys - "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"Tony Bennett & Diana Krall - "'S WonderfulLady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow"Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B - "Girls Like You"Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton - "Say Something"Zedd feat. Marren Morris - "The Middle"
Will Win:
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow"
Should Win:
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow"
Got Robbed:
Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj - "The Light Is Coming"
There are some huge hits on here, like Maroon 5 and Zedd, but "Shallow" should take the spot. The Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj collab "The Light Is Coming" is a fantastic cut that would've snugly fit into this category.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Nominees:
Camila Cabello - Camila
Kelly Clarkson - Meaning of Life
Ariana Grande - Sweetener
Shawn Mendes - Shawn Mendes
P!nk - Beautiful Trauma
Taylor Swift - reputation
Will Win:
Taylor Swift -Â reputation
Should Win:
Ariana Grande - Sweetener
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
Since this is Swift's only nom, I think she'll upset Camila Cabello and Grande. Sweetener is the clear deserved winner, so I hope it's Grande.
Best Dance Recording
Nominees:
Above & Beyond feat. Richard Bedford - "Northern Soul"
Disclosure feat. Fatoumata Diawara - "Ultimatum"
Fisher - "Losing It"
Silk City & Dua Lipa feat. Diplo & Mark Ronson - "Electricity"
Virtual Self - "Ghost Voices"
Will Win:
Disclosure feat. Fatoumata Diawara - "Ultimatum"
Should Win:
Disclosure feat. Fatoumata Diawara - "Ultimatum"
Got Robbed:
DJ Koze - "Pick Up"
I honestly don't know any of these songs. Disclosure, in the past, have been great and are recognizable, so maybe them? "Pick Up" was a great song too...
Best Dance/Electronic Album
Nominees:
Jon Hopkins -Â Singularity
Justice -Â Woman Worldwide
Sofi Tukker -Â Treehouse
SOPHIE -Â Oil of Every Pearl's Un-insides
TOKiMONSTA -Â Lune Rouge
Will Win:
Jon Hopkins -Â Singularity
Should Win:
SOPHIE -Â Oil of Every Pearl's Un-insides
Got Robbed:
DJ Koze -Â Knock Knock
Surprisingly, the quirky, experimental and out-of-this-world producer SOPHIE is nominated for a Grammy and should win, although veteran Hopkins will win. DJ Koze's excellent Knock Knock should've gotten a nom with it being one of the best electronic records of the year.
Best Rock Performance
Nominees:
Arctic Monkeys - "Four Out of Five"
Chris Cornell - "When Bad Does Good"
The Fever 333 - "Made In America"
Greta Van Fleet - "Highway Tune"
Halestorm - "Uncomfortable"
Will Win:
Arctic Monkeys - "Four Out of Five"
Should Win:
Arctic Monkeys - "Four Out of Five"
Got Robbed:
Parquet Courts - "Wide Awake"
I think "Four Out of Five" is a fantastic song and deserves in winning, hands down. I think Greta Van Fleet might win, but whatever. This could've been the perfect time to sneak in Parquet Courts' "Wide Awake", which is arguably my favorite song of the year.
Best Rock Song
Nominees:
Greta Van Fleet - "Black Smoke Rising"
Twenty One Pilots - "Jumpsuit"
Bring Me the Horizon - "Mantra"
St. Vincent - "MASSEDUCTION"
Ghost - "Rats"
Will Win:
Greta Van Fleet - "Black Smoke Rising"
Should Win:
Twenty One Pilots - "Jumpsuit"
Got Robbed:
Jack White - "Over and Over and Over"
Greta Van Fleet will win due to their popularity, but Twenty One Pilots made a solid effort at being more original on "Jumpsuit". Jack White's "Over and Over and Over" or "Corporation" would've been perfect for this category.
Best Rock Album
Nominees:
Alice In Chains -Â Rainier Fog
Fall Out Boy -Â M A N I A
Ghost -Â Prequelle
Greta Van Fleet -Â From the Fires
Weezer -Â Pacific Daydream
Will Win:
Greta Van Fleet - From the Fires
Should Win:
Weezer - Pacific Daydream
Got Robbed:
Parquet Courts - Wide Awake!
The rock album category has recently been a huge mess. I think Led Zeppelin ripoffs Greta Van Fleet will win due to their quick rise to fame and popularity. It would be cool if Weezer wins, but if Weezer won a Grammy, it certainly wouldn't be for Pacific Daydream. Parquet Courts' Wide Awake! was my favorite rock album of the year, and I think it had enough critical praise to be nominated.
Best Alternative Music Album
Nominees:
Arctic Monkeys -Â Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
Beck - Colors
Björk - Utopia
David Byrne - American Utopia
St. Vincent - MASSEDUCTION
Will Win:
Beck - Colors
Should Win:
Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
Got Robbed:
Jack White - Boarding House Reach
The alternative category looks like it could've been these artists a decade ago, all of whom are veterans in the genre at this point. Beck's Colors will take the spot due to Beck being the favorable artist, but I'd love to see Arctic Monkeys take the award, due to it being the most enjoyable album of the bunch. Both Byrne and Björk had solid albums, but aren't as successful commercially. Jack White still got snubbed under this category, who I thought was a shoe in to win.
Best R&B Performance
Nominees:
Toni Braxton - "Long as I Live"
The Carters - "SUMMER"
Lalah Hathaway - "Y O Y"
H.E.R. feat. Daniel Caesar - "Best Part"
PJ Morton - "First Began"
Will Win:
The Carters - "SUMMER"
Should Win:
The Carters - "SUMMER"
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
The Carters will win, although I haven't heard this song.
Best R&B Song
Nominees:
Ella Mai - "Boo'd Up"
Miguel feat. J. Cole & Salaam Remi - "Come Through and Chill"
Childish Gambino - "Feels Like Summer"
H.E.R. - "Focus"
Toni Braxton - "Long as I Live"
Will Win:
Ella Mai - "Boo'd Up"
Should Win:
Ella Mai - "Boo'd Up"
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up" was a big song this year in the genre, so I think she'll upset all the others.
Best R&B Album
Nominees:
Toni Braxton -Â Sex & Cigarettes
Leon Bridges -Â Good Thing
Lalah Hathaway -Â Honestly
H.E.R. -Â H.E.R.
PJ Morton -Â Gumbo Unplugged (Live)
Will Win:
H.E.R. -Â H.E.R.
Should Win:
H.E.R. -Â H.E.R.
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
I honestly don't know any of these, but knowing H.E.R.'s noms in huge categories, I think she'll win.
Best Urban Contemporary Album
Nominees:
The Carters - Everything Is Love
Chloe x Halle -Â The Kids Are Alright
Chris Dave and The Drumhedz - Chris Dave and The Drumhedz
Miguel -Â War & Leisure
Meshell Ndegeocello -Â Ventriloquism
Will Win:
The Carters - Everything Is Love
Should Win:
The Carters - Everything Is Love
Got Robbed:
The Internet - Hive Mind
The Carters will take this award, since they aren't nominated for much this year. Miguel would be the second artist who could, but I don't think it'll be him. The Internet's Hive Mind was a solid release this year and they've been nominated under this before, so I'm not sure why they aren't here again.
Best Rap Performance
Nominees:
Cardi B - "Be Careful"
Drake - "Nice for What"
Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake - "King's Dead"
Anderson .Paak - "Bubblin'"
Travis Scott, Drake, Big Hawk & Swae Lee - "SICKO MODE"
Will Win:
Drake - "Nice for What"
Should Win:
Drake - "Nice for What" / Anderson .Paak - "Bubblin'"
Got Robbed:
Nicki Minaj - "Chun-Li"
It's great to see Drake's "Nice for What" coming in clutch. It's his best song on Scorpion and is way better than "God's Plan" or "In My Feelings". Cardi B could take it from him, though. I would love to see Anderson .Paak take "Bubblin'" too, that's a fun and colorful banger. "Chun-Li" is a banger from Minaj, and she should've been nominated for at least something.
Best Rap/Sung Performance
Nominees:
Christina Aguilera feat. Goldlink - "Like I Do"
6lack feat. J. Cole - "Pretty Little Fears"
Childish Gambino - "This Is America"
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - "All the Stars"
Post Malone feat. 21 Savage - "rockstar"
Will Win:
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - "All the Stars"
Should Win:
Childish Gambino - "This Is America"
Got Robbed:
Cardi B - "I Like It"
I think it's a tough one, but Kenrick and SZA's collab for Black Panther will win. It's just bigger than "This Is America", which is the better song. "I Like It" should 100% be nominated. I don't know why it isn't here.
Best Rap Song
Nominees:
Drake - "God's Plan"
Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake - "King's Dead"
Eminem feat. Joyner Lucas - "Lucky You"
Travis Scott, Drake, Big Hawk & Swae Lee - "SICKO MODE"
Jay Rock - "Win"
Will Win:
Drake - "God's Plan"
Should Win:
Drake - "God's Plan"
Got Robbed:
Nicki Minaj - "Chun-Li"
"God's Plan" will take the cake, no question. I think "SICKO MODE" was a huge song, but it's not even close to as big. And "Win" is a freaking terrible song. Without any females in the category (no Cardi B or Nicki Minaj), I really was rooting for Minaj's "Chun-Li" to at least be nominated and am shocked that Cardi B isn't.
Best Rap Album
Nominees:
Cardi B -Â Invasion of Privacy
Mac Miller -Â Swimming
Nipsey Hussle -Â Victory Lap
Pusha T -Â Daytona
Travis Scott - Astro World
Will Win:
Cardi B -Â Invasion of Privacy
Should Win:
Cardi B -Â Invasion of Privacy
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
Even though I respect the Grammys for nominating Miller's best album, Swimming (rest in peace), I still think Cardi B has had too huge of a 2018 to not win under this category.
Best Country Solo Performance
Nominees:
Loretta Lynn - "Wouldn't It Be Great?"
Maren Morris - "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters"
Kacey Musgraves - "Butterflies"
Chris Stapleton - "Millionaire"
Keith Urban - "Parallel Line"
Will Win:
Kacey Musgraves - "Butterflies"
Should Win:
Kacey Musgraves - "Butterflies"
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
"Butterflies" should win from Musgraves, although Stapleton's got a shot. It's a solid tune from her album, although it should've been "Slow Burn" instead.
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Nominees:
Brothers Osborne - "Shoot Me Straight"
Dan + Shay - "Tequila"
Little Big Town - "When Someone Stops Loving You"
Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill - "Dear Hate"
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line - "Meant to Be"
Will Win:
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line - "Meant to Be"
Should Win:
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line - "Meant to Be"
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
This is without question that Rexha and FGL's chart-dominating crossover "Meant to Be" will win. It was a huge song this year and no other nominee will come close.
Best Country Song
Nominees:
Cole Swindell - "Break Up In the End"
Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill - "Dear Hate"
Blake Shelton - "I Lived It"
Kacey Musgraves - "Space Cowboy"
Dan + Shay - "Tequila"
Little Big Town - "When Someone Stops Loving You"
Will Win:
Kacey Musgraves - "Space Cowboy"
Should Win:
Kacey Musgraves - "Space Cowboy"
Got Robbed:
Margo Price - "A Little Pain"
Musgraves' beautiful ballad "Space Cowboy" will win, hands down. I don't see any of the other nominees taking it away from her. I would've chosen my other favorites of hers, like "Lonely Weekend" or "Slow Burn", to be nominated instead, but oh well. Margo's "A Little Pain" or "Weakness" would've been nice.
Best Country Album
Nominees:
Kelsea Ballerini -Â Unapologetically
Brothers Osborne -Â Port Saint Jow
Ashley McBryde -Â Girl Going Nowhere
Kacey Musgraves -Â Golden Hour
Chris Stapleton -Â From a Room: Volume 2
Will Win:
Kacey Musgraves -Â Golden Hour
Should Win:
Kacey Musgraves -Â Golden Hour
Got Robbed:
Margo Price - All American Made
I'm sure that Musgraves will win in all the country categories she's under. Golden Hour is too good of an album to lose, although there is a slight chance that Grammy-loving Chris Stapleton could snag it. Margo Price's All American Made would've be nice for at least a nom, but Golden Hour is the better and more acclaimed album.
Best Americana Album
Nominees:
Brandi Carlie -Â By the Way, I Forgive You
Brettye LaVette - Things Have ChangedJ
ohn Prine -Â The Tree of Forgiveness
Lee Ann Womack -Â The Lonely, the Lonesome, and the Gone
The Wood Brothers -Â One Drop of Truth
Will Win:
Brandi Carlie -Â By the Way, I Forgive You
Should Win:
John Prine -Â The Tree of Forgiveness
Got Robbed:
Margo Price -Â All American Made
Carlie will win under this category due to her hype and many, many noms this year. The legendary John Prine should win, but honestly Carlie is fine too. Margo Price's excellent All American Made should be considered, despite its lack of universal acclaim and popularity.
Best World Music Album
Nominees:
Bombino -Â Deran
Fatoumata Diawara - Fenfo
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 -Â Black Times
Soweto Gospel Choir -Â Freedom
Yiddish Glory -Â The Lost Songs of World War II
Will Win:
Bombino - Deran
Should Win:
Bombino - Deran
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
I was surprised that I actually knew a nominee under this category, being Bombino, the Nigerian singer songwriter and guitarist. Noted as the "World's Greatest Guitarist", I can't help but agree. Deran is a fantastic record under his already solid discography, which is why he should and hopefully will win.
Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
Nominees:
Call Me By Your Name
Deadpool 2
The Greatest Showman
Lady Bird
Stranger Things
Will Win:
The Greatest Showman
Should Win:
Lady Bird
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
Lady Bird's soundtrack is excellent with its hand-picked nostalgia, but I think The Greatest Showman was too big of a success this year to lose.
Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media
Nominees:
Ludwig Göransson - Black Panther
Benjamin Wallfisch & Hans Zimmer -Â Blade Runner 2049
Michael Giacchino -Â Coco
Alexandre Desplat - The Shape of Water
John Williams -Â Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Will Win:
Ludwig Göransson - Black Panther
Should Win:
Ludwig Göransson - Black Panther
Got Robbed:
Jon Brion - Lady Bird
Göransson changed the game with his Black Panther score, mixing futuristic hip hop instrumentals with African music to add even more detail to the movie itself. Even though Lady Bird did get noms for its soundtrack, Brion's score for the film is more emotionally driven and exquisite. Even by itself, it moves me to tears.
Best Song Written for Visual Media
Nominees:
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - "All the Stars" (from Black Panther)
Sufjan Stevens - "Mystery of Love" (from Call Me By Your Name)
Miguel feat. Natalia Lafourcade - "Remember Me" (from Coco)
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow" (from A Star Is Born)
Keala Settle - "This Is Me" (from The Greatest Showman)
Will Win:
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow" (from A Star Is Born)
Should Win:
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow" (from A Star Is Born)
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
Honestly, it's a toss up between "All the Stars" and "Shallow", either of them will certainly win. I'm pulling for "Shallow" simply because I think it's the more captivating and standout of a song.
Best Recording Package
Nominees:
Mitski -Â Be the Cowboy (Mary Banas)
BTS -Â Love Yourself: Tear (Huskyfox)
St. Vincent - MASSEDUCTION (Willo Perron)
The Chairman - The Offering (Qing-Yang Xiao)
Foxhole - Well Kept Thing (Adam Moore)
Will Win:
BTS - Love Yourself: Tear (Huskyfox)
Should Win:
Mitski - Be the Cowboy (Mary Banas)
Got Robbed:
Parquet Courts - Wide Awake! (Andrew Savage)
Since it is the only nom from the huge k-pop boy band BTS this year (which is very shocking), I think they will snatch it up. It's a nice surprise to see Mitski be nominated for anything (even though I still need to hear the damn thing), so that'd be nice if she wins it. Andrew Savage's incredible artwork for the Parquet Courts album Wide Awake! should've taken the cake easily, since they were nominated under this category two years ago for their last album.
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
Nominees:
The Milk Carton Kids -Â All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn't Do
Beck -Â Colors
Bahamas -Â Earthtones
Chromeo -Â Head Over Heels
Charlie Puth - Voicenotes
Will Win:
Beck - Colors
Should Win:
Bahamas - Earthtones
Got Robbed:
Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour
Beck's Colors does sound great and will most likely win due to the academy's love for Beck and its explosively colorful sound. Bahamas' Earthtones was a big surprise nom and should win because that record sounds smooth, earthy and captivating with its backing instrumentation. Musgraves' Golden Hour received many noms already, but its sound makes that album atmospheric and reached to newer heights than expected.
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Nominees:
BOI-1DA
Larry Klein
Linda Perry
Kanye West
Pharrell Williams
Will Win:
Kanye West
Should Win:
Pharrell Williams
Got Robbed:
Ehh... idk lol
Kanye West's production credits this year were impressive, producing albums by Nas, Teyana Taylor, Pusha T, his own ye and collab album with Kid Cudi. So, although West will most likely win, I have to go with Pharrell for his production of Ariana Grande's Sweetner, which was fantastic and freshly combined trap and pop to craft Grande's best album yet. Linda Perry would be cool too, since there isn't enough recognition for female producers.
Best Music Video
Nominees:
The Carters - "APESHIT"
Childish Gambino -Â "This Is America"
Joyner Lucas - "I'm Not Racist"
Janelle Monáe - "PYNK"
Tierra Whack -Â "Mumbo Jumbo"
Will Win:
Childish Gambino - "This Is America" /Â The Carters - "APESHIT"
Should Win:
Janelle Monáe - "PYNK"
Got Robbed:
Jack White - "Over and Over and Over"
The clear winner will be either Glover's wild and cleverly political "This Is America" or The Carters' extravagant and detailed "APESHIT". Monáe should at least win something for her visuals of her Dirty Computer album, because they are stunning and well deserved. Jack White's "Over and Over and Over" was a mind-bending and chaotic video that should have at least been nominated.