Here’s EBONY’s 2024 Grammy Awards Predictions For Music’s Biggest Night

As the music industry gears up for the 2024 Grammy Awards, the nominations echo a vibrant mix of global talents. In the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category, heavyweights such as Davido, Tyla, Burna Boy, Asake, and Ayra Starr are set to vie for the coveted honor. The Best Rap Album category sees Drake making a strong presence with his album “Her Loss,” featuring his collaboration with 21 Savage. Meanwhile, rising star Coco Jones emerges as a force to be reckoned with, securing five Grammy nominations for her EP “What I Didn’t Tell You.” Victoria Monet and SZA find themselves in multiple categories, including Record of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Album. Notably, Metro Boomin takes on a dual role, being nominated for both Best Rap Album and Producer of the Year. 

As the industry holds its breath, EBONY unveils its predictions, speculating on which artists will seize the golden gramophones based on their remarkable accomplishments over the past year. The stage is set for a night that promises to celebrate musical diversity and excellence on a global scale.

Best African Music Performance

Amapiano
ASAKE & Olamide

City Boys
Burna Boy

UNAVAILABLE
Davido Featuring Musa Keys

Rush
Ayra Starr

Water
Tyla

Winner Prediction: Davido “UNAVAILABLE”

The introduction of a new category is a momentous occasion, not just for Africa but for the global recognition of Afrobeats music. Every artist in this category embodies the essence of Afrobeats, yet one song emerged as a standout throughout 2023 – Davido’s “Unavailable.” Originally intended as a song, its impact transcended expectations due to the infectious dance associated with it. The track’s dance craze resonated globally, inspiring individuals around the world to showcase their dance moves, creating a unifying cultural phenomenon. Davido’s “Unavailable” not only embodies the spirit of Afrobeats but also exemplifies the power of music to connect people worldwide through shared experiences and celebratory expressions of dance.

Best Global Music Album

Epifanías
Susana Baca

History
Bokanté

I Told Them…
Burna Boy

Timeless
Davido

This Moment
Shakti

Winner Prediction: Davido, Timeless

Timeless made a significant mark on the global music charts, debuting impressively at number 37 on the Billboard 200 and securing the 20th position on the UK album charts. Notably, it achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the biggest debut for any album on Spotify Nigeria. The album’s ability to seamlessly transition listeners to different countries, notably Africa, adds an extra layer of significance, showcasing its cultural richness and global appeal. Its chart-topping achievements and cultural resonance make Timeless a strong contender for Grammy recognition, underscoring its impact on a diverse and international audience.

Best R&B Performance

“Summer Too Hot”
Chris Brown

“Back To Love”
Robert Glasper Featuring SiR & Alex Isley

“ICU”
Coco Jones

“How Does It Make You Feel”
Victoria Monét

“Kill Bill”
SZA

Winner Prediction: Coco Jones “ICU”

It’s undeniable that Coco Jones’s “ICU”, accompanied by an incredible video, has left an indelible mark on the music scene. The widespread radio play and social media buzz attest to the undeniable impact of this song. Coco Jones’s stellar performance further elevates the track, making it a standout contender for a Grammy. The fusion of exceptional visuals and Jones’s talent creates a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences across various platforms. As fans and critics alike continue to laud the song’s excellence, a Grammy seems not only deserving but a fitting recognition of the artistry and creativity Coco Jones brought to this remarkable piece of music.

Best R&B Song

“Angel”
Halle Bailey, Theron Feemster & Coleridge Tillman, songwriters (Halle)

“Back To Love”
Darryl Andrew Farris, Riley Glasper, Robert Glasper & Alexandra Isley, songwriters (Robert Glasper Featuring SiR & Alex Isley)

“ICU”
Darhyl Camper Jr., Courtney Jones, Raymond Komba & Roy Keisha Rockette, songwriters (Coco Jones)

“On My Mama”
Dernst Emile II, Jeff Gitelman, Victoria Monét, Kyla Moscovich, Jamil Pierre & Charles Williams, songwriters (Victoria Monét)

“Snooze”
Kenny B. Edmonds, Blair Ferguson, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Solána Rowe & Leon Thomas, songwriters (SZA)

Winner Prediction: SZA “Snooze”

Certainly, the R&B category at the Grammys is brimming with remarkable nominees, dispelling any notion that R&B is dormant. Among the contenders, SZA’s “Snooze” emerges as a standout, and rightfully so. The opening line, “I’ll touch that fire for you,” sets the tone for a mesmerizing journey through the song’s compelling lyrics. Beyond its impressive feat of spending every week of 2023 on the Billboard charts, “Snooze” has undeniably left an indelible mark on culture throughout the past year. SZA’s artistry and the song’s resonance make it a strong candidate for taking home the coveted Grammy, a testament to its impact in revitalizing and redefining the contemporary R&B landscape.

Best Rap Album

Her Loss
Drake & 21 Savage

MICHAEL
Killer Mike

HEROES & VILLIANS
Metro Boomin

King’s Disease III
Nas

UTOPIA
Travis Scott

Winner Prediction: Drake & 21 Savage, Her Loss

The collaboration between Drake and 21 Savage is a guaranteed recipe for musical excellence, consistently delivering unforgettable records and shareable quotes that resonate across social media platforms. Tracks like “Spin Bout U,” “Rich Flex,” and “Treacherous Twins” showcase the dynamic synergy between the two artists. The impact of their collaborations goes beyond the music, as evidenced by the trend of people referring to someone close as their “twin” inspired by “Treacherous Twins”. With each studio session, Drake and 21 Savage continue to set the bar high for clever lyrics and moments that become instant social media gems, reinforcing their status as a formidable duo in the music industry.

Best R&B Album

Girls Night Out
Babyface

What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe)
Coco Jones

Special Occasion
Emily King

JAGUAR II
Victoria Monét

CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP
Summer Walker

Winner Prediction: Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II

Victoria Monet’s album stands out as a cohesive masterpiece, with the track “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye serving as a captivating opener. This song not only sets the tone for the album but also skillfully weaves a narrative where she expresses the full spectrum of emotions experienced by women. What makes the album truly exceptional is its ability to seamlessly blend sounds from the 1970s to the present, incorporating elements of R&B and funk. Victoria Monet’s artistry shines through as she guides listeners on a musical journey that transcends eras, creating a timeless collection of songs that can be played from start to finish. The project’s ability to capture the essence of different decades while maintaining a cohesive narrative makes it a standout in the realm of contemporary R&B.

Best Melodic Rap Performance

“Sittin’ On Top Of The World”
Burna Boy Featuring 21 Savage

“Attention”
Doja Cat

“Spin Bout U”
Drake & 21 Savage

“All My Life”
Lil Durk Featuring J. Cole

“Low”
SZA

Winner Prediction: Drake & 21 Savage “Spin Bout U”

“Spin Bout U” indeed stands out as a highly relatable and resonant track, touching on universal themes that listeners can connect with, whether reflecting on past experiences or navigating new ones. The song’s ability to tap into the intricacies of relationships adds a layer of authenticity that many can appreciate. Its success is further underscored by its peak at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its widespread popularity. Sampling from Obie’s “Give Me Your Lovin” adds a nostalgic touch, showcasing the artistry and skill involved in crafting a track that seamlessly bridges the old and the new. “Spin Bout U” not only captivates with its relatability but also solidifies itself as a chart-topping hit with a perfectly executed sample, making it a standout in the musical landscape.

Best Rap Song

“Attention”
Doja Cat

“Barbie World “
Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Featuring Aqua

“Just Wanna Rock”
Lil Uzi Vert

“Rich Flex”
Drake & 21 Savage

“SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS”
Killer Mike Featuring André 3000, Future And Eryn Allen Kane

Winner Prediction: Lil Uzi Vert “Just Wanna Rock”

Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock” has undeniably claimed its throne as the best rap song, resonating far beyond its compelling lyrics. The track’s widespread popularity is evident in its frequent play in numerous stadiums and arenas, creating an electrifying atmosphere that transcends borders. What sets this song apart is its transformative impact, giving rise to a global dance wave that has taken over online platforms and events worldwide. The infectious beats and Uzi’s dynamic delivery have not only captured the essence of rap excellence but have also fueled a cultural phenomenon, making “Just Wanna Rock” a standout in the rap genre. Its ability to unite audiences through music and dance solidifies its status as a game-changing track that has left an indelible mark on the contemporary rap scene.

Best Reggae Album

Born For Greatness
Buju Banton

Simma
Beenie Man

Cali Roots Riddim 2023
Collie Buddz

No Destroyer
Burning Spear

Colors Of Royal
Julian Marley & Antaeus

Winner Prediction: Buju Banton, Born For Greatness

In his twelfth studio album, aptly titled Born for Greatness, Buju Banton embodies the essence of reggae. The album opens with the powerful track “Ageless Time,” setting the tone for a collection that transcends temporal boundaries. Buju Banton, a seasoned reggae artist, skillfully showcases the true artistry of the genre throughout the album. The title Born for Greatness becomes a fitting descriptor for an artist who has not only sustained a prolific career but continues to redefine and elevate the reggae landscape with each new release.

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