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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:

Black Panther: The Album, Music from and Inspired by Various Artists

Nominated for: Record of the Year Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Song Written for Visual Media

The soundtrack to one of the biggest movies of 2018 is packed with hip-hop and R&B star power. Co-produced by Kendrick Lamar and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith the Black Panther album is finely-tuned, aware of its audience, its purpose, and its influence. With themes of blackness as an identity, spirituality, power dynamics, self-doubt, and the onus of kingship, the Black Panther album is ambitious, awe-inspiring, and, quite frankly, a breath of fresh air.

Top Songs: "All the Stars" (Kendrick Lamar and SZA), "The Ways" (Khalid and Swae Lee), "Opps" (Vince Staples and Yugen Blakrok), "I Am" (Jorja Smith), and "King's Dead" (Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, James Blake)

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

 

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