2018 Grammy Predictions

The 2018 Grammy Awards have already been controversial. For the first time since 1999, not a single white man was nominated for Album of the Year. What’s more, rumor has it that Beyoncé fans still have not forgiven the Academy for bestowing Adele the Album of the Year award over Beyoncé’s “Lemonade.”

The music industry raised the bar this past year. Most of the nominated artists produced some of their best work, resulting in a fiercely competitive year—just in time for the Grammys’ 60th year milestone. With the show fast approaching, let’s break down some of the nominations and see how many of the categories the Academy’s voting members will get wrong, yet again.

Album of the Year Nominees:

“Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino

“4:44” by Jay-Z

“DAMN.” by Kendrick Lamar

“Melodrama” by Lorde

“24K Magic” by Bruno Mars

What should win: “DAMN.”

We might have given “DAMN.” a mere two stars when we reviewed it, but the album has both the artistic merit and the cultural significance to win the award. Standout songs “HUMBLE.” and “LOYALTY.” reveal a refreshingly poppy side of Lamar, while future classics “DNA.” and “DUCKWORTH.” remind listeners why the wordsmith’s ability to storytell remains his biggest strength.

What will win: “4:44.”

Like his wife, Jay-Z has never won the Grammy’s top prize. Though the album is exclusively on Tidal, Jay-Z’s streaming company, which undoubtedly hindered “4:44’s” commercial success compared to his younger counterparts. Nevertheless, this album is Jay-Z’s most revealing, honest, and self-critical work. His long standing reputation and staying power make him the obvious choice to win.

Record of the Year Nominees:

“Redbone” by Childish Gambino

“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber

“The Story of O.J.” by Jay-Z

“HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar

“24K Magic” by Bruno Mars

What should win: “Redbone.”

By far the highlight of “Awaken, My Love!,” “Redbone” is a modern twist on the psychedelic funk that inspired it. The best produced record of this list, “Redbone” is a refreshing take on infidelity and relationships, a trope overused in every genre. But while the record echoes calls for action and awareness—”Stay woke,” croons Childish Gambino in the chorus—that are characteristic of the activist movements dominating our social climate, “Redbone” might ultimately not have had the cultural impact typical of the records that usually win this category, peaking at number twelve on the charts in August.

What will win: “Despacito.”

As evidenced by its record-tying sixteen weeks as the Billboard Hot 100 number one single, “Despacito” could win only for its international popularity and success. Its bilinguality would make it the first non-English song to win Record of the Year, an achievement that would be in line with what is sure to be the celebratory nature of the 60th annual Grammy awards.

Song of the Year Nominees:

“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber

“4:44” by Jay-Z

“Issues” by Julia Michaels

“1-800-273-8255” by Logic featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid

“That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars

What should and will win: “Despacito.”

Whether or not it wins Record of the Year, “Despacito” is a shoe-in for Song of the Year. This Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber collaboration combines a mix of cultures, languages, and music styles with an irresistible dance beat that kept listeners dancing all year long.

Best Pop Vocal Album Nominees:

“Kaleidoscope EP” by Coldplay

“Lust For Life” by Lana Del Rey

“Evolve” by Imagine Dragons

“Rainbow” by Kesha

“Joanne” by Lady Gaga

“÷ (Divide)” by Ed Sheeran

What should win: “Rainbow.”

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.