Grammy 2018 Nominations & Predictions: Who Won vs. Who We Picked

Last night, Bruno Mars stole the show with six wins, dashing hip-hop’s high hopes at the 60^th Annual Grammy Awards in New York.

Yes, It’s that time of year again – Awards Season. The time when A-list actors, recording artists and other celebrities gather to celebrate the work of the past year.  And CBS’ live broadcast of the Grammys, hosted by Dave Chapelle, stayed true to fashion.

Going by the star-studded list of Grammy performers, Sunday was poised to be an epic night, especially for hip-hop. E! News confirmed well before the show that Kendrick Lamar – who was nominated in seven categories – would be the opening act.  Later performances by Kesha, DJ Khaled, Childish Gambino, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and others highlighted music’s greatest night.

Kendrick Lamar ended with four wins out of seven. Shockingly, hip-hop legend Jay-Z (although nominated for eight) won none, prompting some to question why the Grammys continue to overlook the country’s most popular genre.

Before all the action, the staff of 101 Magazine conjured up a probable list of winners for some of your favorite categories. Check below to see how well the predictions fared:

*Actual winners denoted in bold italics. 

Record of The Year

Despacito – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Featuring Justin Bieber

Humble- Kendrick Lamar

24K Magic- Bruno Mars

Story of O.J.- Jay-Z

Redbone- Childish Gambino

Our Prediction:  24K Magic

Why: Although a win for Kendrick Lamar is well overdue, Bruno Mars’ well-crafted and highly popular record 24K Magic will most likely take home the cake.

Album of The Year 

Awaken My Love

4:44- Jay-Z

DAMN- Kendrick Lamar

Melodrama – Lorde

24K Magic- Bruno Mars

Our Prediction: DAMN.

Why: This is a much deserved award, as Lamar has previously been nominated for AOTY for both Good Kid, M.A.A.D City and To Pimp a Butterfly. DAMN was one the most acclaimed albums for being the most forward-thinking. This may be Kendrick’s year!

Song of the Year

Despacito- Justin Bieber

4:44- Jay-Z

Issues

1-800-273-8255- Alessia Cara

That’s What I Like- Bruno Mars 

Our Prediction: That’s What I Like

Why: The soulful yet catchy tune, and the phenomenal studio production of That’s What I Like gives it the star power to possibly take home the song of the year trophy.

Best New Artist

Alessia Cara

Lil Uzi Vert

SZA

Julia Michaels

Khalid

Our Prediction: Khalid

Why: 2017 was a breakthrough year for teen R&B sensation Khalid after he released his debut album American Teen. He gained popularity with hit singles Location and Young, Dumb and Broke. He won a VMA for Best New Artist in 2017, and there’s a good chance he will win the Grammy too!

Best Rap Performance

Bounce Back- Big Sean

Bodak Yellow- Cardi B.

4:44- Jay-Z

Bad & Boujee – Migos

HUMBLE – Kendrick Lamar

 Our Prediction: Bad & Boujee

Why: Considering Bad & Boujee’s Internet popularity and its platinum certification, we definitely think Migos are strong prospects in this category!

Best Rap Song

Sassy – Rapsody

Humble – Kendrick Lamar 

Bodak Yellow – Cardi B

Chase Me – Danger Mouse Featuring Run the Jewels & Big Boi

The Story of OJ – Jay-Z

Our Prediction: HUMBLE

Why: Kendrick Lamar’s catchy trap-like tune reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received numerous media references. We definitely think this track will take home the win.

Best R&B Album

24K Magic – Bruno Mars

Let Love Rule – Ledisi

Freudian – Daniel Ceasar

Gumbo – PJ Morton

Feel The Real – Musiq Soulchild

Our Prediction: 24K Magic

Why: Once again, we think Bruno Mars is most likely to win the award due to its quality production and successful album sales.

Best R&B Song

That’s What I Like – Bruno Mars

Supermodel – SZA

Redbone – Childish Gambino

Location – Khalid

First Began – PJ Morton

Our Prediction: That’s What I Like

Why: Bruno Mars has had an amazing year, and his crossover appeal makes him highly likely to be victorious.

We were super excited about the 2018 Grammy Awards! The star-studded performances and nominees definitely made it an entertaining night!  Connect with us on Twitter @101_mag and share how your predictions did!

Edited by A.B. Brown Jr., editor-in-chief of 101 Magazine.