Back in 2002, the year when the Grammy’s gave out their 1st ever award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, the winning song was “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” by Eve & Gwen Stefani.

The reason why I used to like this award so much was because it represented the bridge between the rap community and the R&B community.  Not just R&B, but pop and every other song form/style where singing is the focus (as opposed to rapping, of course).

That collaboration element appealed to me.  Great collaborations are a thing of beauty.

But now, as of 2017, no collaboration necessary.

In 2017, according to the Recording Academy, the award has been changed “to represent the current state and future trajectory of rap by expanding the category beyond collaborations between rappers and vocalists to include recordings by a solo artist who blurs the lines between rapping and singing.” (June 2016 Grammy press release).

Meaning solo recordings are no longer excluded.  Meaning the award could (potentially) be dominated by solo superstars.  That takes the fun out of what this award was designed to be.

I respect solo stars who can blend rap and singing elements skillfully and melodically.  That’s not the problem.  The problem is removing an award that rewards and requires a team-based vocal performance and creative collaboration, and replacing it with another solo dolo superstar artist award.

2 categories woulda been cool.  Rap/Sung Performance AND Rap/Sung Collaboration.  That makes the playing field more interesting.  Because you get to see awesome collaborative cross-genre efforts AND amazing solo performances both get a win.  2 great categories that both emphasize mixing rap with other music?  How awesome would that be?

But yo, congratulations to Drake, because “Hotline Bling” is clearly the winner here, no contest.

2017 Grammy Award Winner for Best Rap/Sung Performance:

Drake – “Hotline Bling”

Drizzy Drake – The greatly hated but still underrated.

Because let’s be honest.  Drake is smashing what it means to do rap and pop at the same time.  Absolutely demolishing everything.  There is no one near him on a commercial scale, on a number of hits since 2009 for a rapper who pop/raps his way up and down the charts all year every year with such consistency.  The current reigning Billboard rap/pop heavyweight (middleweight?) champion of the Billboard pop music chart machine.

|The Hit Music Academy 2017|

It’s GRAMMY time again y’all!!! I just finished my winner predictions (listed below) and I’m feeling pretty good about them. During the #GRAMMYPremiere telecast (3:30 PM to 6:30 PM ET) and throughout the live 8 PM show, I’ll be listing winners of these categories and some others as they are announced. Good luck to all the GRAMMY predictors out there and to everyone else, hope you have fun watching the show

FINAL PREDICTIONS:

Record of the Year
1st: Sam Smith, “Stay with Me (Darkchild Version)”
2nd: Sia, “Chandelier”

Winner: Sam Smith, “Stay with Me (Darkchild Version)”

Album of the Year
1st: Beyoncé, Beyoncé
2nd: Beck, Morning Phase

Winner: Beck, Morning Phase

Song of the Year
1st: “Stay with Me (Darkchild Version),” James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith)
2nd: “Chandelier,” Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia)

Winner: “Stay with Me (Darkchild Version),” James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith)

Best New Artist
1st: Sam Smith
2nd: Iggy Azalea

Winner: Sam Smith

Best Pop Solo Performance
1st: Sam Smith, “Stay with Me (Darkchild Version)”
2nd: John Legend, “All of Me (Live)”

Winner: Pharrell Williams, “Happy (Live)”

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
1st: Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
2nd: Coldplay, “A Sky Full of Stars”

Winner: A Great Big World with Christina Aguilera, “Say Something”

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
1st: Barbra Streisand with Various Artists, Partners
2nd: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Cheek to Cheek

Winner: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Cheek to Cheek

Best Pop Vocal Album
1st: Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
2nd: Ed Sheeran, x

Winner: Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour

Best Dance Recording
1st: Disclosure feat. Mary J. Blige, “F for You”
2nd: Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, “Rather Be”

Winner: Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, “Rather Be”

Best Dance/Electronic Album
1st: Aphex Twin, Syro
2nd: deadmau5, while(1>2)

Winner: Aphex Twin, Syro

Best Rock Performance
1st: Beck, “Blue Moon”
2nd: Arctic Monkeys, “Do I Wanna Know?”

Winner: Jack White, “Lazaretto”

Best Metal Performance
1st: Slipknot, “The Negative One”
2nd: Mastadon, “High Road”

Winner: Tenacious D, “The Next in a Line”

Best Rock Song
1st: “Blue Moon,” Beck Hansen, songwriter (Beck)
2nd: “Ain’t It Fun,” Hayley Williams & Taylor York, songwriters (Paramore)

Winner: “Ain’t It Fun,” Hayley Williams & Taylor York, songwriters (Paramore)

Best Rock Album
1st: Beck, Morning Phase
2nd: The Black Keys, Turn Blue

Winner: Beck, Morning Phase

Best Alternative Music Album
1st: Jack White, Lazaretto
2nd: Arcade Fire, Reflektor

Winner: St. Vincent, St. Vincent

Best R&B Performance
1st: Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z, “Drunk in Love”
2nd: Chris Brown feat. Usher & Rick Ross, “New Flame”

Winner: Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z, “Drunk in Love”

Best Traditional R&B Performance
1st: Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Lalah Hathaway & Malcolm-Jamal Warner, “Jesus Children”
2nd: Marsha Ambrosius & Anthony Hamilton, “As”

Winner: Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Lalah Hathaway & Malcolm-Jamal Warner, “Jesus Children”

Best R&B Song
1st: “Drunk in Love,” Shawn Carter, Rasool Diaz, Noel Fisher, Jerome Harmon, Beyoncé Knowles, Timothy Mosely, Andre Eric Proctor & Brian Soko, songwriters (Beyoncé feat. Jay Z)
2nd: “New Flame,” Eric Bellinger, Chris Brown, James Chambers, Malissa Hunter, Justin Booth Johnson, Mark Pitts, Usher Raymond IV, William Roberts, Maurice “Verse” Simmonds & Keith Thomas, songwriters (Chris Brown feat. Usher & Rick Ross)

Winner: “Drunk in Love,” Shawn Carter, Rasool Diaz, Noel Fisher, Jerome Harmon, Beyoncé Knowles, Timothy Mosely, Andre Eric Proctor & Brian Soko, songwriters (Beyoncé feat. Jay Z)

Best Urban Contemporary Album
1st: Beyoncé, Beyoncé
2nd: Pharrell Williams, GIRL

Winner: Pharrell Williams, GIRL

Best R&B Album
1st: Robert Glasper Experiment, Black Radio 2
2nd: Toni Braxton & Babyface, Love, Marriage & Divorce

Winner: Toni Braxton & Babyface, Love, Marriage & Divorce

Best Rap Performance
1st: Kendrick Lamar, “i”
2nd: Eminem, “Rap God”

Winner: Kendrick Lamar, “i”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
1st: Eminem feat. Rihanna, “The Monster”
2nd: Kanye West & Charlie Wilson, “Bound 2″

Winner: Eminem feat. Rihanna, “The Monster”

Best Rap Song
1st: “i,” K. Duckworth & C. Smith, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)
2nd: “Bound 2,” Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein, Malik Jones, Che Pope, Elon Rutberg, Sakiya Sandifer, John Stephens, Kanye West, Charlie Wilson, Ernest Wilson & Cydel Young, songwriters (Kanye West & Charlie Wilson)

Winner: “i,” K. Duckworth & C. Smith, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)

Best Rap Album
1st: Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP2
2nd: Iggy Azalea, The New Classic

Winner: Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP2

Best Country Solo Performance
1st: Miranda Lambert, “Automatic”
2nd: Eric Church, “Give Me Back My Hometown”

Winner: Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
1st: Miranda Lambert with Carrie Underwood, “Somethin’ Bad”
2nd: Little Big Town, “Day Drinking”

Winner: The Band Perry, “Gentle on My Mind”

Best Country Song
1st: “Automatic,” Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
2nd: “Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church & Luke Laird, songwriters (Eric Church)

Winner: “I’m Not Gonna Miss You,” Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond, songwriters (Glen Campbell)

Best Country Album
1st: Miranda Lambert, Platinum
2nd: Eric Church, The Outsiders

Winner: Miranda Lambert, Platinum

Best Jazz Vocal Album
1st: Various Artists (Billy Childs & Larry Klein, producers), Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro
2nd: Dianne Reeves, Beautiful Life

Winner: Dianne Reeves, Beautiful Life

Best Jazz Instrumental Album
1st: Chick Corea Trio, Trilogy
2nd: Jason Moran, All Rise: A Joyful Elegy for Fats Weller

Winner: Chick Corea Trio, Trilogy

Best Gospel Performance/Song
1st: Erica Campbell feat. Lecrae, “Help”; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Hasben Jones, Harold Lilly, Lecrae Moore & Aaron Sledge, songwriters
2nd: Smokie Norful, “No Greater Love”; Aaron W. Lindsey & Smokie Norful, songwriters

Winner:  Smokie Norful, “No Greater Love”; Aaron W. Lindsey & Smokie Norful, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
1st: Lecrae feat. For King & Country, “Messengers”; Torrance Esmond, Ran Jackson, Ricky Jackson, Kenneth Chris Mackey, Lecrae Moore, Joseph Prielozny, Joel Smallbone & Luke Smallbone, songwriters
2nd: MercyMe, “Shake”; Nathan Cochran, David Arthur Garcia, Ben Glover, Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Soli Olds, Mike Scheuchzer & Robby Shaffer, songwriters

Winner: Lecrae feat. For King & Country, “Messengers”; Torrance Esmond, Ran Jackson, Ricky Jackson, Kenneth Chris Mackey, Lecrae Moore, Joseph Prielozny, Joel Smallbone & Luke Smallbone, songwriters

Best Gospel Album
1st: Erica Campbell, Help
2nd: Smokie Norful, Forever Yours

Winner: Erica Campbell, Help

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
1st: MercyMe, Welcome to the New
2nd: Natalie Grant, Hurricane

Winner: For King & Country, Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.

Best Reggae Album
1st: Ziggy Marley, Fly Rasta
2nd: Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Back on the Controls

Winner: Ziggy Marley, Fly Rasta

Best Spoken Word Album
1st: Joan Rivers, Diary of a Mad Diva
2nd: James Franco, Actors Anonymous

Winner: Joan Rivers, Diary of a Mad Diva

Best Comedy Album
1st: “Weird Al” Yankovic, Mandatory Fun
2nd: Sarah Silverman, We Are Miracles

Winner: “Weird Al” Yankovic, Mandatory Fun

Best Musical Theater Album
1st: Jessie Mueller, principal soloist; Jason Howland, Steve Sidwell & Billy Jay Stein, producers (Carole King, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
2nd: Lena Hall & Neil Patrick Harris, principal soloists; Justin Craig, Tim O’Heir & Stephen Trask, producers (Stephen Trask, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast), Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Winner: Jessie Mueller, principal soloist; Jason Howland, Steve Sidwell & Billy Jay Stein, producers (Carole King, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
1st: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Tom MacDougall & Chris Montan (compilation producers), Frozen
2nd: James Gunn (compilation producer), Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1

Winner: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Tom MacDougall & Chris Montan (compilation producers), Frozen

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media
1st: Steven Price, Gravity
2nd: Christophe Beck, Frozen

Winner: Alexandre Desplat, The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best Song Written for Visual Media
1st: “Let It Go,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel)
2nd: “I’m Not Gonna Miss You,” Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond, songwriters (Glen Campbell)

Winner: “Let It Go,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
1st: Max Martin
2nd: Greg Kurstin

Winner: Max Martin

Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical
1st: Tijs Michiel Verwest, remixer (John Legend), “All of Me ( Tiësto’s Birthday Treatment Remix)
2nd: Robin Schulz, remixer (Mr. Probz), “Waves (Robin Schulz Remix)”

Winner: Tijs Michiel Verwest, remixer (John Legend), “All of Me ( Tiësto’s Birthday Treatment Remix)

Best Music Video
1st: Sia, “Chandelier” (Daniel Askill & Sia, video directors; Jennifer Heath & Jack Hogan, video producers)
2nd: Pharrell Williams, “Happy” (We Are From LA, video director; Kathleen Heffernan, Solal Micenmacher, Jett Steiger, video producers)

Winner: Pharrell Williams, “Happy” (We Are From LA, video director; Kathleen Heffernan, Solal Micenmacher, Jett Steiger, video producers)

Best Music Film
1st: Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer & Judith Hill, 20 Feet from Stardom (Morgan Neville, video director; Gil Friesen & Caitrin Rogers, video producers)
2nd: Beyoncé & Jay Z, On the Run Tour (Jonas Åkerlund, video director; Ed Burke, Svana Gisla & Dan Parise, video producers)

Winner: Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer & Judith Hill, 20 Feet from Stardom (Morgan Neville, video director; Gil Friesen & Caitrin Rogers, video producers)

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86) Powered by Dynasty Music Entertainment [DME]

The Hit Music Academy | 2015

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:: twitterfeed @hitmusicacademy ::

Wassup y’all!  Another year has passed and I want to wish all of you a healthy and prosperous 2015.  I’m incredibly grateful for the continued support of all of our readers who consistently come to the blog day in and day out.

#BETNotarized 2014 will be airing later today (starting at 11 AM ET) and I’ll be updating the blog periodically with the list as it rolls out.  In addition to this, I wanted to try my hand at predicting the top ten since I’ve done fairly well with it in the years prior.  There may be some vids/songs that I’m sleeping on or have completely forgotten but here it goes:

Top 10 Predictions:

10. Wiz Khalifa, “We Dem Boyz”; 9. Chris Brown, “New Flame” (feat. Usher & Rick Ross); 8. Rae Sremmurd, “No Flex Zone”; 7. Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”; 6. Future, “Move That Dope” (feat. Pharrell Williams & Pusha T); 5. Iggy Azalea, “Fancy” (feat. Charli XCX); 4. ScHoolboy Q, “Studio” (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid); 3. John Legend, “All of Me”; 2. Chris Brown, “Loyal” (feat. Lil Wayne & Tyga); 1. Beyoncé, “Drunk in Love” (feat. Jay-Z)

Sidenote:  Pharrell’s “Happy” could end up in the top ten but it was number 45 on last year’s list.  Usually with Notarized, BET doesn’t place a vid on the countdown two years in a row (even if it was more impactful this year).

Actual List:

100. DeJ Loaf, “Try Me”

99. Kevin Gates, “Out the Mud”

98. Big Sean, “I Don’t Fuck With U” (feat. E-40)

97. Kendrick Lamar, “i”

96. August Alsina, “No Love (Remix)” (feat. Nicki Minaj)

95. Bobby Shmurda, “Bobby”

94. Kid Ink, “Body Language” (feat. Usher & Tinashe)

93. Beyoncé, “7/11”

92. Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj, “Bang Bang”

91. Juicy J, “Low” (feat. Nicki Minaj, Lil Bibby & Young Thug)

90. PartyNextDoor, “Recognize” (feat. Drake)

89. Mack Wilds, “My Crib”

88. T-Pain, “Up Down (Do This All Day)” (feat. B.o.B)

87. Shy Glizzy, “Awwsome”

86. Elle Varner, “Don’t Wanna Dance” (feat. A$AP Ferg)

85. DJ Snake & Lil Jon, “Turn Down for What”

84. Tinashe, “Pretend” (feat. A$AP Rocky)

83. Teyana Taylor, “Maybe” (feat. Pusha T & Yo Gotti)

82. Rick Ross, “Elvis Presley Blvd” (feat. Project Pat)

81. K Camp, “Blessing”

80. Pharrell Williams, “Come Get It Bae”

79. Jazmine Sullivan, “Dumb” (feat. Meek Mill)

78. Michael Jackson, “Love Never Felt So Good” (with Justin Timberlake)

77. Iggy Azalea, “Black Widow” (feat. Rita Ora)

76. Kendrick Lamar, “Sing About Me”

75. Usher, “She Came to Give It to You” (feat. Nicki Minaj)

74. J. Cole, “She Knows” (feat. Amber Coffman)

73. Ne-Yo, “Money Can’t Buy” (feat. Jeezy)

72. Sevyn Streeter, “nEXt (Remix)” (feat. Kid Ink)

71. Vic Mensa, “Down on My Luck”

70. Young Money, “Lookin Ass Nigga” (feat. Nicki Minaj)

69. Young Thug, “Danny Glover (2 Bitches)”

68. Bunji Garlin, “Differentology”

67. T.I., “About the Money” (feat. Young Thug)

66. Eric Bellinger, “I Don’t Want Her” (feat. Problem)

65. Eminem, “The Monster” (feat. Rihanna)

64. Childish Gambino, “3005”

63. Rae Sremmurd, “No Type”

62. A$AP Ferg, “Let It Go”

61. Ariana Grande, “Problem” (feat. Iggy Azalea)

60. Young Money, “Senile” (feat. Tyga, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne)

59. Fifth Harmony, “BO$$”

58. French Montana, “Don’t Panic”

57. Kirko Bangz, “Rich” (feat. August Alsina)

56. Troy Ave, “Your Style”

55. Adrian Marcel, “2AM” (feat. Sage the Gemini)

54. Rico Love, “Bitches Be Like”

53. Future, “I Won” (feat. Kanye West)

52. Que, “OG Bobby Johnson”

51. Trey Songz, “Foreign”

50. Tamar Braxton, “All the Way Home”

49. Rico Love, “They Don’t Know” (feat. Ludacris, Trey Songz, Tiara Thomas, T.I. & Emjay)

48. Beyoncé, “XO”

47. Sam Smith, “Stay with Me” (feat. Mary J. Blige)

46. Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”

45. ILoveMakonnen, “Tuesday (Remix)” (feat. Drake)

44. August Alsina, “Make It Home” (feat. Jeezy)

43. Yo Gotti, “Errrybody”

42. Jhené Aiko, “Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)”

41. Rich Homie Quan, “Walk Thru” (feat. Problem)

40. Ca$h Out, “She Twerkin”

39. We Are Toonz, “Drop That #NaeNae”

38. Nicki Minaj, “Pills n Potions”

37. Nico & Vinz, “Am I Wrong”

36. Migos, “Hannah Montana”

35. DJ Khaled, “They Don’t Love You No More” (feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Meek Mill & French Montana)

34. Lil Wayne, “Krazy”

33. Yo Gotti, “I Know” (feat. Rich Homie Quan)

32. Future, “I Won” (feat. Kanye West) (AGAIN?!!)

31. TeeFLii, “24 Hours” (feat. 2 Chainz)

30. Usher, “Good Kisser”

29. Migos, “Handsome and Wealthy”

28. Rick Ross, “Thug Cry” (feat. Lil Wayne)

27. DJ Khaled, “Hold You Down” (feat. Chris Brown, August Alsina, Future & Jeremih)

26. Mila J, “Smoke, Drink, Break-Up”

25. ScHoolboy Q, “Man of the Year”

24. Snootie Wild, “Yayo” (feat. Yo Gotti)

23. T.I., “No Mediocre” (feat. Iggy Azalea)

22. Disclosure, “Latch” (feat. Sam Smith)

21. Trey Songz, “Na Na”

20. Chris Brown, “New Flame” (feat. Usher & Rick Ross)

19. Jason Derulo, “Talk Dirty” (feat. 2 Chainz)

18. Ty Dolla $ign, “Paranoid” (feat. B.o.B)

17. K Camp, “Cut Her Off (Remix)” (feat. Lil Boosie, Too $hort & YG)

16. Katy Perry, “Dark Horse” (feat. Juicy J)

15. ScHoolboy Q, “Studio” (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid)

14. Kid Ink, “Main Chick (Remix)” (feat. Chris Brown & Tyga)

13. YG, “Who Do You Love?” (feat. Drake)

12. Migos, “Fight Night”

11. Future, “Move That Dope” (feat. Pharrell & Pusha T)

10. Tinashe, “2 On” (feat. ScHoolboy Q)

9. Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”

8. Rae Sremmurd, “No Flex Zone”

7. Iggy Azalea, “Fancy” (feat. Charli XCX)

6. Kid Ink, “Show Me” (feat. Chris Brown)

5. Beyoncé, “Partition”

4. Rich Gang, “Lifestyle” (feat. Birdman, Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan)

3. Wiz Khalifa, “We Dem Boyz”

2. Chris Brown, “Loyal” (feat. Lil Wayne & Tyga)

1. Beyoncé, “Drunk in Love” (feat. Jay-Z)

Hmmm…6 out of 10!  Not bad at all

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86)
Powered by Dynasty Music Entertainment [DME]

The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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:: twitterfeed @hitmusicacademy ::

GRAMMY noms are set to be announced all throughout the day tomorrow and I’m super excited to say the least.  This award in particular is always fun to predict due to the wide range of possibilities each year.  Just last cycle, many people (including myself) assumed Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience would show up in Album of the Year only to be snubbed in favor of Sara Bareilles’ (more under the radar) The Blessed Unrest.  Without further ado, here’s my take on what we can expect to see in the “big four” categories along with other genre fields (actual nominees in bold):

RECORD OF THE YEAR

Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”

Sia, “Chandelier”

Sam Smith, “Stay with Me”

Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”

Pharrell Williams, “Happy (Live)”

next in line – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z, “Drunk in Love”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Beyoncé, Beyoncé

Lana Del Rey, Ultraviolence

Miranda Lambert, Platinum

Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour

Various Artists, Frozen: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

next in line – Ed Sheeran, x

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Chandelier,” Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia)

“Let It Go,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel)

“Say Something,” Ian Axel, Mike Campbell & Chad Vaccarino, songwriters (A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera)

“Stay with Me,” James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith)

“Take Me to Church,” Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier)

next in line – “All About That Bass,” Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor)

BEST NEW ARTIST

Jhené Aiko

Disclosure

Iggy Azalea

Sam Smith

LiV Warfield

next in line – MAGIC!

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE

John Legend, “All of Me (Live)”

Sia, “Chandelier”

Sam Smith, “Stay with Me”

Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”

Pharrell Williams, “Happy (Live)”

next in line – Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE

A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera, “Say Something”

Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”

Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj, “Bang Bang”

MAGIC!, “Rude”

Katy Perry feat. Juicy J, “Dark Horse”

next in line – Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea, “Problem”

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM

Lana Del Rey, Ultraviolence

Katy Perry, Prism

Ed Sheeran, x

Sia, 1000 Forms of Fear

Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour

next in line – Ariana Grande, My Everything

BEST DANCE RECORDING

Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, “Rather Be”

Disclosure feat. Mary J. Blige, “F for You”

DJ Snake & Lil Jon, “Turn Down for What”

Skrillex & Kill the Noise feat. Fatman Scoop & Michael Angelakos, “Recess”

Zedd feat. Hayley Williams, “Stay the Night”

next in line – Kiesza, “Hideaway”

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM

Aphex Twin, Syro

Clean Bandit, New Eyes

deadmau5, while(1<2)

Röyksopp & Robyn, Do It Again

Skrillex, Recess

next in line – Duck Sauce, Quack

BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Cheek to Cheek

Annie Lennox, Nostalgia

Seth MacFarlane, Holiday for Swing

Barry Manilow, Night Songs

Barbra Streisand, Partners

next in line – Johnny Mathis, Sending You a Little Christmas

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE

Arctic Monkeys, “Do I Wanna Know?”

The Black Keys, “Fever”

Paramore, “Ain’t It Fun”

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, “Forgotten Man”

Jack White, “Lazaretto”

next in line – KONGOS, “Come with Me Now”

BEST ROCK SONG

“Ain’t It Fun,” Hayley Williams & Taylor York, songwriters (Paramore)

“Blue Moon,” Beck Hansen, songwriter (Beck)

“Come with Me Now,” John J. Kongos, songwriter (KONGOS)

“Do I Wanna Know?,” Alex Turner, songwriter (Arctic Monkeys)

“Lazaretto,” Jack White, songwriter (Jack White)

next in line – “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone),” Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge & Larry Mullen, Jr., songwriters (U2)

BEST ROCK ALBUM

Beck, Morning Phase

The Black Keys, Turn Blue

Paul McCartney, New

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Hypnotic Eye

Bruce Springsteen, High Hopes

next in line – Robert Plant, Lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM

Arcade Fire, Reflektor

Broken Bells, After the Disco

FKA twigs, LP1

St. Vincent, St. Vincent

Jack White, Lazaretto

next in line – The War on Drugs, Lost in the Dream

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE

Jhené Aiko, “The Worst”

Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z, “Drunk in Love”

Toni Braxton & Babyface – Where Did We Go Wrong?

Daley, “Love + Affection”

Calvin Richardson, “We Gon’ Love Tonite”

next in line – Chuck Brown feat. Faith Evans & Raheem DeVaughn, “Best In Me”

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE

Aloe Blacc, “The Man”

AverySunshine, “Call My Name”

Mary J. Blige, “Therapy”

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, “Stranger to My Happiness”

LiV Warfield, “Stay – Soul Lifted”

next in line – Smokey Robinson feat. John Legend, “Quiet Storm”

BEST R&B SONG

“Beautiful,” Arden Altino, Jerry Duplessis & Kortney Pollard, songwriters (Mali Music)

“New Flame,” Eric Bellinger, Chris Brown, Justin Chambers, Malissa Hunter, Justin Booth Johnson, Mark Pitts, Usher Raymond IV, William Roberts, Verse Simmonds & Keith Thomas, songwriters (Chris Brown feat. Usher & Rick Ross)

“Therapy,” Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith & Eg White, songwriters (Mary J. Blige)

“Where Did We Go Wrong?,” Toni Braxton & Kenneth Edmonds, songwriters (Toni Braxton & Babyface)

“The Worst,” Jhené Chilombo, songwriter (Jhené Aiko)

next in line – “We Gon’ Love Tonite,” Eric Benét, Demonté Posey & Calvin Richardson, songwriters (Calvin Richardson)

BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM

Jhené Aiko, Sail Out

Beyoncé, Beyoncé

Luke James, Luke James

Mali Music, Mali is…

Pharrell Williams, G I R L

next in line – LiV Warfield, The Unexpected

BEST R&B ALBUM

Aloe Blacc, Lift Your Spirit

Toni Braxton & Babyface, Love, Marriage & Divorce

Robert Glasper Experiment, Black Radio 2

Kem, Promise to Love

Calvin Richardson, I Am Calvin

next in line – AverySunshine, The Sun Room

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE

Eminem, “Rap God”

Lil Wayne feat. Drake, “Believe Me”

Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”

ScHoolboy Q feat. Kendrick Lamar, “Collard Greens”

Wiz Khalifa, “We Dem Boyz”

next in line – YG feat. Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan, “My Nigga”

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION

Angel Haze feat. Sia, “Battle Cry”

Common feat. Jhené Aiko, “Blak Majik”

Eminem feat. Rihanna, “The Monster”

ScHoolboy Q feat. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Studio”

Kanye West feat. Charlie Wilson, “Bound 2”

next in line – Wiz Khalifa feat. Snoop Dogg & Ty Dolla $ign, “You and Your Friends”

BEST RAP SONG

“Believe Me,” Dwayne Carter, Aubrey Graham, Anderson Hernandez & Matthew Samuels, songwriters (Lil Wayne feat. Drake)

“Bound 2,” Mike Dean, Malik Jones, Che Pope, Elon Rutberg, Sakiya Sandifer, John Stephens, Kanye West, Charlie Wilson & Cydel Young, songwriters (Robert Dukes, Bob Massey, Ronnie Self & Norman Whiteside, songwriters) (Kanye West feat. Charlie Wilson)

“My Nigga,” Mikely Adam, Keenon Jackson, Jay Jenkins, Dequantes Lamar, Dijon McFarlane, songwriters (Calvin Broadus, Awood Johnson, Craig Lawson & Corey Miller, songwriters) (YG feat. Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan)

“Rap God,” Stephen Hacker, Matthew Delgiorno, Marshall Mathers, Bigram Zayas, songwriters (Dania Birks, Juana Burns, Douglas Davis, Juanita Lee, Kim Nazel, Fatima Shaheed & Richard Walters, songwriters) (Eminem)

“Studio,” Quincy Henley, Bryan Sledge & Steve Thornton, songwriters (ScHoolboy Q feat. BJ the Chicago Kid)

next in line – “Move That Dope,” Pierre Slaughter, Terrence Thornton, Nayvadius Wilburn, Michael Williams & Pharrell Williams, songwriters (Future feat. Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino)

BEST RAP ALBUM

Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Iggy Azalea, The New Classic

ScHoolboy Q, Oxymoron

Wiz Khalifa, Blacc Hollywood

YG, My Krazy Life

next in line – Future, Honest

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE

Dierks Bentley, “Drunk on a Plane”

Lee Brice, “I Don’t Dance”

Eric Church, “Give Me Back My Hometown”

Miranda Lambert, “Automatic”

Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”

next in line – Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down”

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE

Zac Brown Band, “All Alright”

Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, “This Is How We Roll”

Miranda Lambert feat. Carrie Underwood, “Somethin’ Bad”

Tim McGraw feat. Faith Hill, “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s”

Trisha Yearwood feat. Kelly Clarkson, “Prizefighter”

next in line – Lady Antebellum, “Bartender”

BEST COUNTRY SONG

“Automatic,” Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)

“Give Me Back My Hometown,” Eric Church & Luke Laird, songwriters (Eric Church)

“I Don’t Dance,” Lee Brice, Dallas Davidson & Rob Hatch, songwriters (Lee Brice)

“Invisible,” Bonnie Baker, Katrina Elam & Hunter Hayes, songwriters (Hunter Hayes)

“Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston & Jeffrey Steele, songwriters (Tim McGraw feat. Faith Hill)

next in line – “Drink a Beer,” Jim Beavers & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Luke Bryan)

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM

Dierks Bentley, Riser

Eric Church, The Outsiders

Miranda Lambert, Platinum

Tim McGraw, Sundown Heaven Town

Blake Shelton, BRINGING BACK THE SUNSHINE

next in line – Lee Ann Womack, The Way I’m Livin’

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA

The Fault in Our Stars

Frozen

Get on Up: The James Brown Story

Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1

The Walking Dead: Vol. 2

next in line – The Music of Nashville: Season 2, Vol. 2

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA

“Everything Is AWESOME!!! [from The LEGO Movie],” Joshua Bartholomew, Lisa Harriton, Shawn Patterson, Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer & Korma Taccone, songwriters (Tegan and Sara feat. The Lonely Island)

“I See Fire [from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug],” Ed Sheeran, songwriter (Ed Sheeran)

“Let It Go [from Frozen],” Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel)

“The Moon Song [from Her],” Spike Jonze & Karen Orzolek, songwriters (Karen O & Ezra Koenig)

“Ordinary Love [from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom],” Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge & Larry Mullen, Jr., songwriters (U2)

next in line – “Yellow Flicker Light [from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1],” Joel Little & Ella Yelich-O’Connor, songwriters (Lorde)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL

Dan Auerbach

Greg Kurstin

Max Martin

Jack White

Pharrell Williams

next in line – Ryan Tedder

BEST MUSIC VIDEO

Beyoncé, “Pretty Hurts” (Melina Matsoukas, director)

DJ Snake & Lil Jon, “Turn Down for What” (DANIELS, directors)

Fitz & the Tantrums, “The Walker” (Warren Kommers, director)

OK Go, “The Writing’s on the Wall” (Aaron Duffy, Damian Kulash, Jr. & Bob Partington, directors)

Sia, “Chandelier” (Daniel Askill & Sia, directors)

next in line – Pharrell Williams, “Happy” (We Are from L.A., directors)

BEST MUSIC FILM

Gregg Allman, All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman

Beyoncé & Jay-Z, On the Run Tour

Lana Del Rey, Tropico

Morrissey, 25: Live

P!nk, The Truth About Love: Live from Melbourne

next in line – Imagine Dragons, The Making of Night Visions / Live at Red Rocks

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86)
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The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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Track listing (all songs written by Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin):

01. Politik (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

02. In My Place (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

03. God Put a Smile upon Your Face (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

04. The Scientist (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

05. Clocks (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

06. Daylight (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

07. Green Eyes (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

08. Warning Sign (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

09. A Whisper (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

10. A Rush of Blood to the Head (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

11. Amsterdam (prod. by Ken Nelson & Coldplay)

With their newest studio effort, Ghost Stories, topping the Billboard 200 album chart yesterday, Coldplay is undoubtedly more popular than ever with die hard fans.  With single sales ruling the current music climate, moving almost 400,000 album units in the first week is pretty huge.

In my mind, the British rockers became a band destined for longevity with the release of 2002’s A Rush of Blood to the Head.  Who hasn’t been won over by the guitar riff of the first single “In My Place”?  Who hasn’t been deeply moved by the second single “The Scientist” and its groundbreaking music video?  Also, is anybody surprised the project won the group a second consecutive GRAMMY award for Best Alternative Music Album (2003) with “Clocks” taking Record the following year?  I digress.  If Coldplay were to disband tomorrow, this may be go down as the brightest spot in an illustrious career.

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the album in the comments section 

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86)
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The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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Track listing:

01. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (prod. by Quincy Jones & Michael Jackson; M. Jackson, writer)

02. Rock with You (prod. by Q. Jones; Rod Temperton, writer)

03. Workin’ Day and Night (prod. by Q. Jones & M. Jackson; M. Jackson, writer)

04. Get on the Floor (prod. by Q. Jones & M. Jackson; M. Jackson & Louis Johnson, writers)

05. Off the Wall (prod. by Q. Jones; R. Temperton, writer)

06. Girlfriend (prod. by Q. Jones; Paul McCartney, writer)

07. She’s Out of My Life (prod. by Q. Jones; Tom Bahler, writer)

08. I Can’t Help It (prod. by Q. Jones; Stevie Wonder & Susaye Greene, writers)

09. It’s the Falling in Love (prod. by Q. Jones; Carole Bayer Sager & David Foster, writers)

10. Burn This Disco Out (prod. by Q. Jones; R. Temperton, writer)

Last Thursday, the first single from Michael Jackson’s second posthumous release, Xscape, made its world premiere at the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Awards.  Titled “Love Never Felt So Good”, it arrived to us in the regular album version as well as a duet featuring Justin Timberlake.  Although there are noticeable differences between the two, both versions have that underlying and beloved ’70s/’80s throwback feel.

Upon hearing “LNFSG”, I couldn’t help but revisit what is arguably MJ’s first classic solo effort: Off the Wall!  Released short of the King of Pop’s 21st birthday, it has everything we’ve come to know about his catalog.  Insane, distinct vocals?  Check.  Immaculate production (courtesy of Quincy Jones and the singer himself)?  Check.  Number one, crossover hits (“DSTYGE,” “RwY”)?  Check.  While not reaching the mega success and acclaim of its successor (Thriller), this pop/soul masterpiece showcased the promise of an artist truly coming into his own.

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the album in the comments section

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86)
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The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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Track listing:

01. The Genesis (prod. by Nas & Faith N.; written by N. Jones & F. Braithwaite)

02. N.Y. State of Mind (prod. by DJ Premier; written by N. Jones & C. Martin)

03. Life’s a Bitch (feat. AZ) (prod. by L.E.S. & Nas; written by N. Jones, A. Cruz, O. Dara, R. Wilson & O. Scott)

04. The World Is Yours (prod. by Pete Rock; written by N. Jones & P. Phillips)

05. Halftime (prod. by Large Professor; written by N. Jones, W.P. Mitchell & G. Byrd)

06. Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park) (prod. by DJ Premier; written by N. Jones, C. Martin, R. Wilson & P. Barsella)

07. One Love (prod. by Q-Tip; written by N. Jones, J. Davis & J. Heath)

08. One Time 4 Your Mind (prod. by Large Professor; written by N. Jones & W.P. Mitchell)

09. Represent (prod. by DJ Premier; written by N. Jones & C. Martin)

10. It Ain’t Hard to Tell (prod. by Large Professor; written by N. Jones & W.P. Mitchell)

This week, we have another case of me paying homage to an album that I’ve always wanted to hear and never did until recently.  Okay…recently was actually yesterday lol but it feels like perfect timing with Illmatic‘s 20th Anniversary just a couple of days away.  Also, Nas’ debut album has been mentioned on numerous top albums lists over the last decade or so and gained further praise when Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city drew comparisons to it in 2012.  Clocking in at just under 40 minutes (making it the shortest rap album I’ve probably ever heard), the legendary lyricist packs so much imagery in the songs that I felt like I was in Queensbridge and other places in New York City circa the early ’90s.  Specifically, “The Genesis,” a genius introduction of dialogue among Nas and his peers, gives a clear idea of what everyday life what like at that time.  From there, each succeeding track is filled with raw honesty about the conditions leading up to “questionable” behavior as a means of survival.  Every song hear is a standout but “One Love”, an authentic offering in which the rapper updates a friend in prison, resonated with me the most.  To top it all off, the production and sampling by DJ Premier, Large Professor and others is immaculate and gives the overall album a gritty yet accessible feel.  If you haven’t already, give this masterpiece a listen or check out the latest remastered version, Illmatic XX, which came out two days ago.

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the album in the comments section

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86)
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The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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 Track listing:

01. B-Rocka Intro (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins, Nora Payne, Kenisha Pratt, writers)

02. Full Moon (prod. and written by Mike City)

03. I Thought (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; L. Daniels, F. Jerkins, R. Jerkins, writers)

04. When You Touch Me (prod. by Rodney Jerkins & Big Bert; R. Jerkins, N. Payne, K. Pratt, Robert Smith, writers)

05. Like This (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; L. Daniels, F. Jerkins, R. Jerkins, Brandy Norwood, writers)

06. All in Me (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; L. Daniels, F. Jerkins, R. Jerkins, writers)

07. Apart (prod. by Keith Crouch, Kamillion & Brandy; Keith Crouch, K. Pratt, writers)

08. Can We (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; L. Daniels, Alex Greggs, R. Jerkins, writers)

09. What About Us? (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; L. Daniels, R. Jerkins, B. Norwood, N. Payne, K. Pratt, writers)

10. Anybody (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; L. Daniels, F. Jerkins, R. Jerkins, B. Norwood, K. Pratt, writers)

11. Nothing (prod. by Uncle Freddie; L. Daniels, F. Jerkins, K. Pratt, writers)

12. It’s Not Worth It (prod. by Rodney Jerkins; L. Daniels, F. Jerkins, R. Jerkins, writers)

13. He Is (prod. by Warryn Campbell & Brandy; W. Campbell, Harold Lilly, Jr., B. Norwood, writers)

14. Come a Little Closer (prod. by Rodney Jerkins, Stuart Brawley & Jason Derlatka; S. Brawley & J. Derlatka, writers)

15. Love Wouldn’t Count Me Out (prod. by Uncle Freddie; L. Daniels, F. Jerkins, S. Johnson, B. Norwood, writers)

16. WOW (prod. by Big Bert & Brandy; L. Daniels, B. Norwood, N. Payne, K. Pratt, R. Smith)

About two years ago, the inspiration came to me to play catch up and listen to a bunch of albums I’d never fully heard before.  This list included those released before I was born (1986) and others made when I was really young or just slept on for whatever reason.

In 2002, I remember watching MTV’s TRL and seeing the premiere of the music video for Brandy’s “What About Us?” and thinking it was unlike anything she’d done up until that point.  Truth be told, it didn’t sound like anything going on in all of R&B/Pop music at that time.  Following up the Rodney Jerkins produced first single was the title track, which impressed me even more but apparently not enough to get the album.  Twelve years later, I can honestly say Full Moon was worthy of more of my attention initially and is a fantastic addition to any music collection.  At sixteen songs deep, there are NO skippable tracks…literally!  On top of “WAU?”, songs like “I Thought,” “All in Me” and “Can We” are just as forward thinking (vocal and production wise).  Then, there are ballads like “When You Touch Me” and “He Is” that showcase Bran’s tremendous growth as a singer from her earlier recordings.  Major props to Ms. Norwood, RJ (who helmed the majority of the album) and everyone who lent their talents to create what many industry people consider an immensely influential work of the 2000s.  Also, respect to NARAS for honoring it with a 2002 GRAMMY nom for Best Contemporary R&B Album!

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the album in the comments section

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86)
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The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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In cased you missed the pre-telecast or the actual one, here’s a list of winners for music’s biggest night!  Hopefully they announce more winners during the show next year with less performances.

Record of the Year: Daft Punk f. Pharrell & Nile Rodgers, “Get Lucky”

Album of the Year: Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Song of the Year: “Royals,” Joel Little & Ella Yelich O’Connor, songwriters (Lorde)

Best New Artist: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Best Pop Solo Performance: Lorde, “Royals”

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Daft Punk f. Pharrell & Nile Rodgers, “Get Lucky”

Best Pop Vocal Album: Bruno Mars, Unorthodox Jukebox

Best Dance Recording: Zedd f. Foxes, “Clarity”

Best Dance/Electronica Album: Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé, To Be Loved

Best Rock Performance: Imagine Dragons, “Radioactive”

Best Metal Performance: Black Sabbath, “God Is Dead?”

Best Rock Song: “Cut Me Some Slack,” Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear, songwriters (Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear)

Best Rock Album: Led Zeppelin, Celebration Day

Best Alternative Music Album: Vampire Weekend, Modern Vampires of the City

Best R&B Performance: Snarky Puppy w. Lalah Hathaway, “Something”

Best Traditional R&B Performance: Gary Clark, Jr., “Please Come Home”

Best R&B Song: “Pusher Love Girl,” James Fauntleroy, Jerome Harmon, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (Justin Timberlake)

Best Urban Contemporary Album: Rihanna, Unapologetic

Best R&B Album: Alicia Keys, Girl on Fire

Best Rap Performance: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f. Wanz, “Thrift Shop”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z f. Justin Timberlake, “Holy Grail”

Best Rap Song: “Thrift Shop,” Ben Haggerty & Ryan Lewis, songwriters (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f. Wanz)

Best Rap Album: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist

Best Country Solo Performance: Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: The Civil Wars, “From This Valley”

Best Country Song: “Merry Go ‘Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)

Best Country Album: Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: Butch Vig (compilation producer), Sound City: Real to Reel

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: Thomas Newman (composer), Skyfall

Best Song Written for Visual Media: “Skyfall,” Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Pharrell Williams

Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical: “Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix),” Cedric Gervais, remixer (Lana Del Rey)

Best Music Video: Justin Timberlake f. Jay-Z, “Suit & Tie”

Best Music Film: Paul McCartney, Live Kisses

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86) Powered by Dynasty Music Entertainment [DME]

The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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The GRAMMYs are this Sunday so let’s get right to it!

Record of the Year

Daft Punk f. Pharrell & Nile Rodgers, “Get Lucky”

Imagine Dragons, “Radioactive”

Lorde, “Royals”

Bruno Mars, “Locked Out of Heaven”

Robin Thicke f. T.I. & Pharrell, “Blurred Lines”

To be honest, any of these records would be worthy winners and each has x factors when considering a frontrunner.  As the biggest rock song of the eligibility period, “Radioactive” cemented Imagine Dragons’ place as staples on multiple radio formats and album sales charts.  Another newcomer making big waves is Lorde whose “Royals” had the advantage of peaking as nominations were announced (and close to the ceremony re: recent success on Urban radio).  Then there’s “Get Lucky”, which has Daft Punk limiting  use of electronic instruments for real ones and sounding fresher than ever.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see the French duo and their funky collaborators Pharrell and Nile Rodgers prevail here.  However, I believe the chances of the last two records are a bit stronger.  “Blurred Lines” and “Locked Out of Heaven” are both feel-good productions with a throwback feel and massive appeal.  While they are also risqué in nature, my hunch tells me Mars will finally win this after three nods in four years.

Winner: Bruno Mars, “Locked Out of Heaven”

Runner-Up: Robin Thicke f. T.I. & Pharrell, “Blurred Lines”

Album of the Year

Sara Bareilles, The Blessed Unrest

Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist

Taylor Swift, Red

First off, I applaud the blue ribbon panel (a select group of NARAS voters who choose nominees for the big 4 categories) for this amazing batch of contenders!  Not a single dud in the bunch.  As much as I adore Bareilles and The Blessed Unrest, there seems to be a consensus among Grammy enthusiasts that the nomination is the reward.  There may be weight to this sentiment because of the non-mention in Pop Vocal Album.  From there, we have two rap newcomers in Lamar and M&RL who broke new ground in their respective genre.  While a victory for either one would be huge (seeing as how Hip-Hop hasn’t been lauded a lot here), my sense is the two will cancel each other out.  With the biggest selling album and second AOTY nod since her debut in 2006, Swift is definitely a force of nature with Red.  Had she not won in 2008 for Fearless, I would have easily declared her the frontrunner this time.  That being said, Daft Punk proved they are just as relevant and commercially/artistically viable with Random Access Memories as they were with earlier successes.  I’m confident they’ll take this.

Winner: Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Runner-Up: Taylor Swift, Red

Song of the Year

Winner: “Same Love,” Ben Haggerty, Mary Lambert & Ryan Lewis (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f. Mary Lambert)

Runner-Up: “Royals,” Joel Little & Ella Yelich O’Connor (Lorde)

Best New Artist

Winner: Kendrick Lamar

Runner-Up: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Best Pop Solo Performance

Winner: Lorde, “Royals”

Runner-Up: Bruno Mars, “When I Was Your Man”

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Daft Punk f. Pharrell & Nile Rodgers, “Get Lucky”

P!nk f. Nate Ruess, “Just Give Me a Reason”

Rihanna f. Mikky Ekko, “Stay”

Robin Thicke f. T.I. & Pharrell, “Blurred Lines”

Justin Timberlake f. Jay-Z, “Suit & Tie”

Upon initial review, my gut told me this was a three-horse race.  As the big night approaches, my feelings haven’t changed and “Stay” along with “Suit & Tie” don’t seem to have enough steam to win.  Then there’s “Just Give Me a Reason,” a SOTY nominee that many thought would be included in Record as well.  Sure, P!nk and Ruess are competitive but it’s risky betting against two ROTY nominees.  NARAS has shown in the past they don’t always go with the “biggest” song which bodes well for “Get Lucky”.  Nonetheless, Thicke and Company created a cultural phenomenon in “Blurred Lines” and voters may feel more comfortable rewarding it here than for the big prize.

Winner: Robin Thicke f. T.I. & Pharrell, “Blurred Lines”

Runner-Up: Daft Punk f. Pharrell & Nile Rodgers, “Get Lucky”

Best Pop Vocal Album

Winner: Bruno Mars, Unorthodox Jukebox

Runner-Up: Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience – The Complete Experience

Best Dance Recording

Winner: Calvin Harris f. Florence Welch, “Sweet Nothing”

Runner-Up: Zedd f. Foxes, “Clarity”

Best Dance/Electronica Album

Winner: Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Runner-Up: Calvin Harris, 18 Months

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Winner: Michael Bublé, To Be Loved

Runner-Up: Tony Bennett & Various Artists, Viva Duets

Best Rock Performance

Winner: Led Zeppelin, “Kashmir”

Runner-Up: Imagine Dragons, “Radioactive”

Best Metal Performance

Winner: Black Sabbath, “God Is Dead?”

Runner-Up: Anthrax, “T.N.T.”

Best Rock Song

Winner: “Cut Me Some Slack,” Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear, songwriters (Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear)

Runner-Up: “God Is Dead?,” Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi & Ozzy Osbourne, songwriters (Black Sabbath)

Best Rock Album

Black Sabbath, 13

David Bowie, The Next Day

Kings of Leon, Mechanical Bull

Led Zeppelin, Celebration Day

Queens of the Stone Age, …Like Clockwork

Neil Young w. Crazy Horse, Psychedelic Pill

Obviously, this category is stacked!  Veterans…legends in the making…perennials who get nominated for almost everything they release due to immense industry respect.  All things considered, x factors plus quality of the work are most important when predicting a winner.  With this being the sole mention of Mechanical Bull and Psychedelic Pill, we can safely eliminate them as possibilities.  Black Sabbath appear to have stronger chances elsewhere and the same could be said for Led Zeppelin (though they’re most likely to spoil).  That leaves The Next Day to duke it out against …Like Clockwork.  Although both are the most critically acclaimed here, my guess is QotSA comes out on top due to being more commercially successful.

Winner: Queens of the Stone Age, …Like Clockwork

Runner-Up: David Bowie, The Next Day

Best Alternative Music Album

Winner: Vampire Weekend, Modern Vampires of the City

Runner-Up: Nine Inch Nails, Hesitation Marks

Best R&B Performance

Tamar Braxton, “Love and War”

Anthony Hamilton, “Best of Me”

Hiatus Kaiyote Featuring Q-Tip, “Nakamarra”

Miguel f. Kendrick Lamar, “How Many Drinks?”

Snarky Puppy w. Lalah Hathaway, “Something”

I must say, this category has recently become one of my favorites due to the left field choices being selected to contend.  While never hearing “Nakamarra” and “Something” prior to nomination day, they are definitely worthy mentions even if not competitive enough to win.  Although Anthony Hamilton is turning out to be a perennial nominee for consistently great work, my senses tell me this is a two-horse race between Braxton and Miguel/Lamar.  In the end, “Love and War” settles for second place to “How Many Drinks?” which is TOO big of a collabo for voters to pass up.

Winner: Miguel f. Kendrick Lamar, “How Many Drinks?”

Runner-Up: Tamar Braxton, “Love and War”

Best Traditional R&B Performance

Winner: Gary Clark, Jr., “Please Come Home”

Runner-Up: Fantasia, “Get It Right”

Best R&B Song

Winner: “Pusher Love Girl,” James Fauntleroy, Jerome Harmon, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (Justin Timberlake)

Runner-Up: “Love and War,” Tamar Braxton, Darhyl Camper, Jr., LaShawn Daniels & Makeba Riddick, songwriters (Tamar Braxton)

Best Urban Contemporary Album

Winner: Rihanna, Unapologetic

Runner-Up: Tamar Braxton, Love and War

Best R&B Album

Winner: Alicia Keys, Girl on Fire

Runner-Up: John Legend, Love in the Future

Best Rap Performance

Winner: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f. Wanz, “Thrift Shop”

Runner-Up: Kendrick Lamar, “Swimming Pools (Drank)”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Winner: Jay-Z f. Justin Timberlake, “Holy Grail”

Runner-Up: Kendrick Lamar f. Mary J. Blige, “Now or Never”

Best Rap Song

Winner: “Thrift Shop,” Ben Haggerty & Ryan Lewis, songwriters (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f. Wanz)

Runner-Up: “Holy Grail,” Shawn Carter, Terius Nash, J. Harmon, Timothy Mosley, Justin Timberlake & Ernest Wilson, songwriters (Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl & Krist Novoselic, songwriters) (Jay-Z f. Justin Timberlake)

Best Rap Album

Drake, Nothing Was the Same

Jay-Z, Magna Carta… Holy Grail

Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist

Kanye West, Yeezus

I find it interesting that three previous winners in this category (Drake, Jay-Z and Kanye West) will likely sit this one out and leave room for a newcomer to prevail.  Just who that newcomer will be is a little tricky to call.  It was no surprise NARAS nominated good kid, m.A.A.d city and The Heist for AOTY seeing as how they both invigorated rap/hip-hop music.  While Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are likely to be awarded elsewhere in the rap field, Kendrick Lamar’s impact this past year may be too deafening to be ignored here.

Winner: Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city

Runner-Up: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist

Best Country Solo Performance

Winner: Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”

Runner-Up: Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

Winner: Tim McGraw f. Taylor Swift & Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”

Runner-Up: Kenny Rogers w. Dolly Parton, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”

Best Country Song

“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)

“I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Jimmy Yeary, songwriters (Lee Brice)

“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)

“Merry Go ‘Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)

“Mine Would Be You,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Deric Ruttan, songwriters (Blake Shelton)

Honestly, a case could be made for any of these five contenders being the likely winner.  “I Drive Your Truck” won the equivalent SOTY prize at the CMA Awards recently.  “Mine Would Be You” may be fresher in voters’ minds since it peaked this past November.  “Begin Again” is written by someone who has never lost in this category (so far) and is featured on an AOTY nominee.  “Mama’s Broken Heart” is arguably the biggest hit for a singer whose status in country music continues to grow.  Then, there’s “Merry Go ‘Round” which may be the most critically acclaimed song of the bunch.  Since Kacey Musgraves landed in BNA and Country Album over some bigger selling acts, I believe “MGR” will eek out a win here (deservingly so).

Winner: “Merry Go ‘Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)

Runner-Up: “Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)

Best Country Album

Winner: Taylor Swift, Red

Runner-Up: Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story…

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

Winner: Pharrell Williams

Runner-Up: Dr. Luke

Best Music Video

Capital Cities, “Safe and Sound”

Jay-Z, “Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film”

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f. Ray Dalton, “Can’t Hold Us”

Justin Timberlake f. Jay-Z, “Suit & Tie”

Jack White, “I’m Shakin’”

As worthy as they are, the nominations are rewards for “PB: APAF” and “I’m Shakin”.  While “Safe and Sound” is a strong spoiler, I get the feeling “Can’t Hold Us” or “Suit & Tie” are the frontrunners.  The latter seems a bit more likely for the win due to it edging out the former in Best Pop/Duo Group Performance and having David Fincher (director) helming it.

Winner: Justin Timberlake f. Jay-Z, “Suit & Tie”

Runner-Up: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f. Ray Dalton, “Can’t Hold Us”

Best Music Film

Winner: Paul McCartney, Live Kisses

Runner-Up: Mumford & Sons, The Road to Red Rocks

And there you have it!  As always, feel free to give us your feedback in the comments section and we’ll be watching the GRAMMYs along with you this Sunday on CBS (8 PM ET/5 PM PT).

Posted by Brian Buchana (@dynasty86) Powered by Dynasty Music Entertainment [DME]

The Hit Music Academy | 2014

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