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Poll: Who Do You Think Voters Will Choose For Best Rap Album?

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Cardi B, Mac Miller, Nipsey Hussle, Pusha T and Travis Scott are all in the running—who do you think will win?
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jan 9, 2019 - 4:55 pm

The 61st GRAMMY Award nominees for Best Rap Album represent a group of hip-hop artists making big waves in music. Their viral tracks and record-breaking albums surely played a big part of the genre's growing fan base and domination of 2018 streaming numbers.

Polls

Who Do You Think Voters Will Pick For Best Rap Album?

Following the success her first No. 1 single, "Bodak Yellow," Cardi B dropped her highly anticipated debut studio album, Invasion Of Privacy, with more hits including "I Like It," featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny. The album's success earned her the title of the first female artist to have an album with all of its songs certified gold or above by the RIAA.

Sadly, Mac Miller released his critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Swimming, just a month before he was found dead at his home at the age of 26. The highly personal album spoke to a number of fans, with touching lyrics on songs like "Self-Care."

Nipsey Hussle had been playing in the West Coast rap game for some time before releasing his debut full-length album, Victory Lap, in 2018, and his veteran status shines through on tracks like "Last Time That I Checc'd," featuring YG.

East Coast hip-hop king Pusha T dropped his third studio album, Daytona, after working with longtime collaborator Kanye West as part of his "Wyoming Sessions." The album's debut not only gave Pusha his peak-to-date on the Billboard 200 at No. 3, but four out of its seven tracks, including "If You Know You Know," charted on the Hot 100.

26-year-old Travis Scott's third studio album, Astroworld, gave him his first No. 1 debut, with the viral "Sicko Mode," featuring Drake, Big Hawk and Swae Lee, catapulting him further into the public's psyche and the hip-hop big leagues.

Who do you think GRAMMY voters will choose for Best Rap Album at 61st GRAMMY Awards? Make sure to let us know in our poll above, and catch the show on CBS on Feb. 10 to see if voters went with your pick.

2019 GRAMMY Awards: Complete Nominations List

Travis Scott

Travis Scott

Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

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Everyone's A VIP At Clive Davis' Pre-GRAMMY Gala: From Travis Scott To Jimmy Jam To Brandi Carlile

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Pass through the velvet rope at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for an exclusive look at the star-studded 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 10, 2019 - 11:27 am

On Feb. 9, on the eve of Music's Biggest Night, the 61st GRAMMY Awards, artists from across genres and decades gathered at the glitzy Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. for the 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons.

Walk The 2019 Pre-GRAMMY Gala Red Carpet

Less than 24 hours before the big red carpet walk today, the likes of current GRAMMY nominees Ella Mai, Dua Lipa, Diplo, Shaggy, Alice Cooper and Weird Al Yankovich, and GRAMMY winners Melissa Etheridge and Quincy Jones, brought their vibrant energy and killer looks at the annual celebration hosted by the Recording Academy and Clive Davis. Onlookers tried to spy the glam looks on the red carpet as they peered into the hotel's glass—we'll let you past the velvet rope and walk it with us as at this exclusive music industry event.

Dua Lipa & Ellie Goulding

Dua Lipa & Ellie Goulding | Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

This year's who's-who of music gala celebrated iconic industry veteran Clarence Avant, known as the Godfather Of Black Music, as the honoree of the evening. Like event host and fellow legend Davis, he helped launch the careers of many great artists, working with the likes of GRAMMY-winning greats Bill Withers, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of The Time.

The video celebrating Avant had countless heroes such as Former President Barack Obama, Jones, Diddy and JAY-Z sharing how much they love Avant, the powerful impact he's made on their lives and music, and how he always knows the right thing to say. Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow introduced him with a fitting complement, and a huge one given the company they were in: "You're the ultimate music person." The Time properly brought the funk on stage to celebrate Avant with a performance of their '80s hits "The Bird" and "Jungle Love," dancing as if no time had passed.

Current GRAMMY nominee Travis Scott set the mood opening the evening's performances with "Goosebumps" and "Sicko Mode," while sisters and fellow nominees Chloe x Halle brought home a rousing cover of the late GRAMMY-winning Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin's "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves." Brandi Carlile, another current GRAMMY nominee, returned to the stage to join the duo, along with past nominee Valerie Simpson and Broadway star Keala Settle, ending the evening on quite the high note.

Chloe x Halle

Chloe x Halle | Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

Other musical guests for the evening included current nominees Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line and H.E.R., along with past nominees Jazmine Sullivan and Ledisi, plus GRAMMY winner Rob Thomas. Sullivan and Thomas offered a powerful duet, belting out Aretha and George Michael's "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)."

As the evening rolled on, Davis made sure to highlight all the countless legends in the room, as the crowd continuously burst into applause and often up on their feet to celebrate the likes of music greats Barbara Streisand, George Clinton and Dionne Warwick, along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Apple's Tim Cook and even former-L.A. Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Don't forget to tune in to the 2019 GRAMMYs live from Staples Center today. Start with the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. PST/3:30 ET, then follow us to the red carpet at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. ET—both will be live streamed right here on right here on GRAMMY.com.

Then the moment you've all been waiting for, the 61st GRAMMY Awards, hosted by 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, will air live at 5:00 p.m. PST/8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on CBS.

GRAMMY Nominees In Their Own Words: Brandi Carlile, H.E.R., Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monaé & More

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe

Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

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Poll: Who Are You Most Excited To See Perform At The 2019 GRAMMYs?

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Every year, the GRAMMY Awards invites your favorite artists to the stage for breathtaking performances—who are you most excited to see take center stage this year?
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jan 30, 2019 - 5:53 pm

The 61st GRAMMY Awards is swiftly approaching on Feb. 10, and as the excitement builds we want to know: Who are you most excited to see perform at the 2019 GRAMMYs?

The artists set to take the stage this year are sure to put on a good show. Performers include current GRAMMY nominees Brandi Carlile, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, Post Malone and Shawn Mendes plus past nominee Miley Cyrus and GRAMMY winners Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will be joining Post Malone onstage for what is sure to be a unique and unforgettable GRAMMY moment.

Polls

Who Are You Most Excited To See Perform At The 2019 GRAMMYs?

Americana singer/songwriter Carlile is a first-time GRAMMY nominee and up for a total of six awards this year, including Song Of The Year for "The Joke" and Album Of The Year for By The Way, I Forgive You. She will be making her GRAMMY stage debut.

Camila Cabello is also a first-time GRAMMY nominee and performer, and is up for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Havana (Live)" and Best Pop Vocal Album for Camila, her debut album. She made her GRAMMY stage debut at the 60th GRAMMY Awards last year, speaking up in support of immigrants and the DREAM Act.

Cardi returns to the GRAMMYs with five nominations this year, including Record Of The Year for "I Like It," featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin, and Album Of The Year and Best Rap Album for Invasion Of Privacy. Last year she brought her energy to the GRAMMY stage when she and GRAMMY winner Bruno Mars performed their collab "Finesse."

H.E.R. is another first time-nominee also making her GRAMMY stage debut. She is up for five awards, including Best New Artist and Album Of The Year and Best R&B Album for H.E.R.

Janelle Monaé's "Time's Up" Speech

Monáe returns to the GRAMMYs with two more nominations this year, for Album Of The Year for Dirty Computer and Best Music Video for "PYNK" featuring Grimes. Last year she took to the GRAMMY stage to speak up for gender equality and the "Time's Up" movement.

Past nominee Cyrus will be returning to the GRAMMY stage again this year. Can she top last year's touching "Tiny Dancer" duet with GRAMMY-winning legend Elton John?

Meanwhile, first-time nominee and chart-topping rapper Post Malone is set to perform with GRAMMY-winning rock icons Red Hot Chili Peppers. Post Malone is up for four awards, including Album Of The Year for Beerbongs & Bentleys and Record Of The Year for "Rockstar" featuring 21 Savage. 

Canadian pop singer/songwriter Mendes is making his GRAMMY stage debut and also received his first GRAMMY nominations this year for Song Of The Year ("In My Blood") and Best Pop Vocal Album (Shawn Mendes).

Vote for who you can't wait to watch above, and don't forget to watch the 61st GRAMMY Awards, airing live on Sunday, Feb. 10 on CBS.

Alicia Keys To Host the 2019 GRAMMY Awards

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

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Poll: Who Are You Most Excited To See Walk The 2019 GRAMMY Red Carpet?

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For years, artists have been rocking some serious looks on Music's Biggest Night. Who are you the most excited to see walk the red carpet at the 61st GRAMMY Awards?
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jan 16, 2019 - 6:19 pm

Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Cardi B, Chloe X Halle, Janelle Monáe and Lady Gaga are among the talented group of current nominees for the 61st GRAMMY Awards. Other than their enviable vocal chops, here's something else these artists have in common: They always bring their sartorial A-game, whether it's dressing up for a music video shoot, a big event or something in between. Who are you most looking forward to seeing work it on the 2019 GRAMMY red carpet?

Polls

Who Are You Most Excited To See Walk The GRAMMY Red Carpet?

2018 was a big year for Grande, who lived up to her larger-than-life name with a GRAMMY-nominated No. 1 album, Sweetener, and her record-breaking viral No. 1 single "Thank U, Next." There's no doubt about it: our Princesses Of Pop is bound to give us an extra-sweet look on the red carpet.

Bad Bunny and J Balvin are two of the leading men in the Stateside Latin music explosion in 2018, and both of their bright and eclectic fashion senses continue to turn heads. The former is at the helm of the Latin trap sound, and the latter is widely sited as giving reggaeton a global boost this year. They have collabed on multiple occasions, including on one of the biggest songs of Summer 2018: Cardi B's GRAMMY-nominated "I Like It."

Speaking of Cardi, the hip-hop queen always slays in the style department, with bold looks that assert her reign in the rap game. Not only is "I Like It" nominated for Record Of The Year, the album it's featured on, her studio debut Invasion Of Privacy, is up for Album Of The Year and Best Rap Album.

Beyoncé and JAY-Z are one of the most iconic—and stylish—musical power couples of our time. And though Queen Bey doesn’t always opt to appear on the carpet, we always hold out hope for a glimpse. The duo’s surprise The Carters album, Everything Is Love, is up for Best Urban Contemporary Album, along with two additional noms for its singles.

Watch: Memorable Women On The GRAMMY Red Carpet

Sisters Chloe X Halle must have paid close attention to their mentors, including Beyoncé, who signed them to her Parkwood Entertainment label. While they're both under 21, their sense of style and artistic expression far surpasses their ages. The burgeoning R&B duo are up for Best New Artist as well as Best Urban Contemporary Album for their debut studio album, The Kids Are Alright.

Meanwhile, Monáe's fashion blends bold, classic and cutting-edge in a black, white and red palate, and perfectly matches her funky, futuristic brand of R&B. Her groundbreaking third studio album, Dirty Computer, is up for Album Of The Year and "PYNK," featuring Grimes, is up for Best Music Video.

Finally, Lady Gaga's ever-evolving musical stylings and avant-garde fashion sense make her an exciting pop culture icon to follow. Always one to keep the world guessing, she outdid herself with a lead role on the silver screen in A Star Is Born, alongside Bradley Cooper. One of their duets from the film's soundtrack, "Shallow," has the pair up for four noms this year, including for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year.

Let us know who you can’t wait to see strut their stuff on the red carpet at the 61st GRAMMY Awards in the poll above, and don’t forget to watch the 61st GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10th on CBS.

Your Favorite Artists React To Their 2019 GRAMMY Nominations

Jay Rock

Jay Rock

Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images 

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Jay Rock: "This Is A Real Big Redemption For Me"

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The GRAMMY-winning rapper shares the powerful backstory behind his first win at the 2019 GRAMMYs
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 15, 2019 - 11:06 am

Los Angeles rapper Jay Rock had a great 2018; he worked with longtime friend and label-mate Kendrick Lamar on a big single from Black Panther: The Album and released his third studio album, Redemption, which also included the hit song.

The track, "King's Dead," also features Future and James Blake and garnered two GRAMMY nods. It won Best Rap Performance at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, Rock's first-ever win.

In an exclusive backstage interview with Rock after his big win, he shares the organic nature of the collab and reveals the deeper significance of his first time at the GRAMMYs.

Jay Rock One-On-One Interview | 2019 GRAMMYs

"Big shouts out to Kendrick Lamar…We were working next door together and I just so happened to walk in while he was working on the Black Panther Soundtrack," Rock said. "I'm still speechless right now, I'm just overjoyed and excited."

Rock and Lamar have been working together since the early 2000s with Top Dawg Entertainment, the label they are both signed to. Rock explains that he was planning on attending the 58th GRAMMY Awards with Lamar, but didn't due to a bad motorcycle accident he was in the day of the show. That year Lamar earned 11 nominations and took home five wins—the most of any artist that night. Now, three years later, Rock had his big moment as they both earned a win.

"This is a real big redemption for me. Three years ago I was supposed to be at the GRAMMYs with the homey, with Kendrick and the TDE fam, unfortunately I got into that real bad bike accident. Now three years later I won a GRAMMY. It's crazy man, it's just so unreal."

Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake Tie Anderson .Paak To Win Best Rap Performance | 2019 GRAMMYs