2024 has been one of the best years in recent history for music of all kinds and genres, so I was very excited to see the nominations for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Below are the categories that peaked my interest the most, and my personal picks for them.

Best album

This was a hard category to decide on, but “New Blue Sun” by André 3000 really stood out to me. This album consists entirely of flute music, and it’s about the length of a movie, with a playtime of about 87 minutes. It feels like getting lost outside, and looking up at a starry sky that you almost missed, with soft flutes and unique samples that help differentiate the songs in a way I thought impossible. I don’t absolutely love this album, but I truly do appreciate it. It’s walking and talking proof that you don’t have to do what other people expect of you, and that people will respect you if you stay true to yourself. Even though it isn’t what I typically listen to, I’m extremely glad it picked up a nomination, and I hope this is the first of many albums from his solo career.

Record of the year/song of the year

This category is the easiest competition I’ve seen recently, and it’s not because of weak competitors. “Not Like Us” by Kedrick Lamar is just that good. It’s not life-changing, but it’s incredibly fun. From the perfectly iconic beat to Lamar’s great flow, all sewn together with devastating lyrics. It’s not too much of a stretch to say that this is a top ten diss track of all time, and easily one of the most memorable. Overall, I have no qualms with the idea of “Not Like Us” being dubbed the song of the year.

Best new artist

This award is most likely going to end up with Chappell Roan, and although it’s a tough pick between her and Docheii, I think she deserves it. I personally enjoyed Docheii’s “Alligator Bites Never Heal” more than Chappell’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” however, Roan absolutely has had more impact. Even a year after its release, Roan is still one of the most popular artists out there, and her explosion into the mainstream has helped many people, including me, expand their taste, helping pave the way for other artists like Charli XCX to finally get the praise they deserve. Overall, this year has set Roan up for a deservedly huge career, and it makes sense to cap it off with a grammy.

Best rap album 

This has been a phenomenal year for rap, but you wouldn’t guess it by looking at the nominees. “Might Delete Later” from J. Cole was by no means above average, while “The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” from Eminem was one of the most clear, and sad, attempts to relive his golden days. These also come at the expense of genuinely wonderful albums such as “Blue Lips” from ScHoolboy Q and “Samurai” from Lupe Fiasco. However, it’s not all bad, as Docheii’s “Alligator Bites Never Heal” was able to pick up a nomination, and dear god, this album deserves one. Her outstanding production combined with smooth flows over various sub-genres of rap leads to an album that has been in my heavy rotation since I first heard it. Docheii’s nominations in this, alongside best new artist, gives me hope that the best of her career is yet to come and that she will continue to get recognition for her work.

Best music video 

This year didn’t have much competition for best music video, aside from “360” and “Not Like Us,” until August 30th, when A$AP Rocky released one of my all-time favorite music videos for his song “Tailor Swif.” Although the song isn’t one of my favorites, the music video strikes a particular chord with me. It’s so surreal that you can’t help but give it your full attention, and is one of the few things I’ve seen in a long time where I genuinely never knew what was going to happen next. The video perfectly nails the feeling of a dream, where although incredibly bizarre things are happening, you take it all in stride. The video is also immaculately paced, giving you just enough time to register what’s happening before panning to the next, somehow even crazier shot. Overall, regardless of your taste in music, I think everyone can enjoy the absolute gift that is the “Tailor Swif” music video.