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From Pop to Jazz, to Hip-Hop and R&B, with a dash of Urban Contemporary, Black artists showed up and out in 2018.


With Janelle Monáe dropping her alter ego and delivering some ravenous, android funk, Cardi B's bloody-shoed boasts, and an all-star force representing for Wakanda, 2018 wrapped up to be one of the best years for Black artists.

Though vastly different in tone and technique, Black artists echoed similar themes of Black American political disillusionment, good and bad relationships, female empowerment, the struggle for higher standards, and the pressure to maintain an authentic version of oneself. With the 61st Grammy Awards coming up, hosted by 15-time Grammy award-winner, Alicia Keys, check out the list below to discover the innovative, formidable Black artists nominated this year:

Anderson .Paak

Nominated for Best Rap Performance

If you were to search Anderson .Paak on YouTube, the first video you would see is "Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert." This 15-minute video alone explains why the Grammys took it upon themselves to nominate him for Best Rap Performance. With an ever-present mesmeric smile, funky beat, charismatic lyrics, and rusty voice, there is no wonder Anderson .Paak is nominated with some of the best.

Top Songs: "Bubblin," "Anywhere" (ft. Snoop Dogg & the Last Artful, Dodgr), "Trippy" (ft. J. Cole), "Tints" (ft. Kendrick Lamar), "Come Down" (ft. T.I.), and "Without You (Rapsody)"

The Grammys airs on Sunday, February 10 at 5 pm PST/8 pm EST.

 

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