Kendrick Lamar has just made Grammy history by receiving an overwhelming 11 nominations for his To Pimp a Butterfly project, this comes after his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city, which could easily be considered a rap classic, lost to Macklemore on the previous occasion. However despite leaving empty handed last year, Lamar is back representing hip hop in full force. Less than two years after that controversial snub, the Compton-born MC has made himself the ultimate competition. Earning 11 nominations is just testament to Kendrick’s undeniable impact in hip hop culture, we talking 11 nominations! which includes two in the major races, album and song of the year, meaning Kendrick Lamar is the most-nominated artist heading into next year’s Grammy ceremony.
Undoubtedly recognized as the leader of the new generation of hip hop emcees, King Kendrick has also surpassed Eminem in becoming the rapper with the most nominations in a single night(Michael Jackson still holds the record with 12 nods in 1984). Kendrick’s masterpiece,To Pimp a Butterfly, with all its complexities seems to have claimed its position in hip hop history.
Kendrick Lamar will be competing against the likes of J Cole, Wiz Kalifa, Kanye, Nicki Minaj & Drake for major hip hop awards. Regardless of who you stand with, the competition is intense. Check out the full list of hip hop and R&B nominees below.
Album of the Year
Alabama Shakes, Sound and Color
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
Chris Stapleton, Traveler
Taylor Swift, 1989
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness
Song of the Year
Kendrick Lamar, ‘Alright’
Taylor Swift, ‘Blank Space’
Little Big Town, ‘Girl Crush’
Wiz Kahifa feat. Charlie Puth, ‘See You Again’
Ed Sheeran, ‘Thinking Out Loud’
Record of the Year
D’Angelo and the Vanguard, ‘Really Love’
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, ‘Uptown Funk’
Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud’
Taylor Swift, ‘Blank Space’
The Weeknd, ‘Can’t Feel my Face’
Best Rap Performance
J. Cole, ‘Apparently’
Drake, ‘Back To Back’
Fetty Wap, ‘Trap Queen’
Kendrick Lamar, ‘Alright’
Nicki Minaj feat. Drake & Lil Wayne, ‘Truffle Butter’
Kanye West feat. Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom & Paul McCartney, ‘All Day’
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Big Sean feat. Kanye West & John Legend, ‘One Man Can Change The World’
Common & John Legend, ‘Glory’
Jidenna feat. Roman GianArthur, ‘Classic Man’
Kendrick Lamar feat. Bilal, Anna Wise & Thundercat, ‘These Walls’
Nicki Minaj feat. Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown, ‘Only’
Best Rap Album
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Dr. Dre, Compton
Drake, If Youre Reading This Its Too Late
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp A Butterfly
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Best Dance Recording
Above & Beyond feat. Zoë Johnston, ‘We’re All We Need’
The Chemical Brothers, ‘Go’
Flying Lotus feat. Kendrick Lamar, ‘Never Catch Me’
Galantis, ‘Runaway (U & I)’
Skrillex and Diplo with Justin Bieber, ‘Where Are Ü Now’
Best R&B Performance
Tamar Braxton, ‘If I Don’t Have You’
Andra Day, ‘Rise Up’
Hiatus Kaiyote, ‘Breathing Underwater’
Jeremih feat. J. Cole, ‘Planes’
The Weeknd, ‘Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)’
Best Urban Contemporary Album
The Internet, Ego Death
Kehlani, You Should Be Here
Lianne La Havas, Blood
Miguel, Wildheart
The Weeknd, Beauty Behind The Madness