Back in November, the Recording Academy revealed the surprising nominations for the 60th Grammy Awards. Bruno Mars racked up six nominations, while Childish Gambino, Khalid, and SZA landed five nominations each.
Even though Recording Academy missed the mark by snubbing certain artists like Mary J. Blige and Tamar Braxton, the show must go on.
So before you make predictions on who will walk with away a prestigious Gramophone or plan on where to crash to watch music’s biggest night, review Rated R&B’s course outline with 10 interesting facts about the class of 2018.
Tune into the Grammys live on Sunday, Jan. 28, from Madison Square Garden in New York and broadcast on the CBS Television Network from 7:30–11:00 p.m. ET/4:30–8:00 p.m. PT.
1. SZA
SZA is the first female R&B artist to be nominated for Best New Artist since Keri Hilson at the 52nd Grammy Awards in 2010.
2. Ledisi
Holding a record of four nods, Ledisi is the most nominated female R&B artist in the Best R&B Performance category. Also, at least one of Ledisi’s singles from her last three studio albums has scored a nomination. Take a look.
“Pieces of Me” lifted from Pieces of Me
“Like This” lifted from The Truth
“High” lifted from Let Love Rule
3. Bruno Mars
This year, marks Bruno Mars’ first set of career nominations in the R&B field. His nods include Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “That’s What I Like” and Best R&B Album for 24K Magic.
4. PJ Morton
Four albums later, versatile musician PJ Morton notched his first-ever Best R&B Album nomination for 2017’s Gumbo.
5. Anthony Hamilton
Out of his 12 Grammy nominations, Anthony Hamilton has earned the most for Best Traditional R&B Performance with a total of four. His first nod in this category dates back to 2004 for “Comin’ from Where I’m From” to his latest for “What I’m Feelin'” with The Hamiltones.
6. Daniel Caesar and Kehlani
As lead artists, Daniel Caesar and Kehlani are the youngest singers nominated for Best R&B Performance this year. Both Caesar and Kehlani are 22 years old and share birthdays in April.
7. Musiq Soulchild
Musiq Soulchild receives his first Best R&B Album nomination in 10 years with Feel the Real. His previous nominated albums include 2007’s Luvanmusiq and 2003’s Juslisen.
8. Beyoncé
For the first time, Beyoncé is nominated as a featured artist in the Best Rap/Sung category for Jay-Z’s “Family Feud” lifted from 4:44. To date, the Houston native has been nominated as a solo performer five times, with only one win for “Crazy in Love” in 2004.
9. Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino snags his first General Field nominations this year. His third album, Awaken, My Love!, is nominated for Album of the Year, while his eerie single “Redbone” is considered for Record of the Year.
10. Khalid
Khalid’s contribution to Logic’s “1-800-273-8255” makes him the only R&B artist nominated for Best Music Video this year.
