GRAMMYs 2025: The Recognized, the Overlooked, and the Standouts in Hip Hop and Jazz

The GRAMMY nominations for 2025 are here, and we're thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent recognized this year in hip hop, R&B, and jazz! It's been a standout year for music, and the nominations reflect the diverse and dynamic artistry that makes these genres shine.

In hip hop and R&B, we see familiar faces and deserving newcomers who have shaped the soundscape this year. Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" has received a well-earned nod for Record of the Year, bringing his total nominations to 3 this year, highlighting his continued ability to push boundaries both lyrically and sonically. Meanwhile, Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé, leads the pack with multiple nominations, including for her track "Texas Hold 'Em" and her album "Cowboy Carter," which received a coveted Album of the Year nomination. Doechii, with 2 total nominations, and Sabrina Carpenter also represent hip hop and R&B in the Best New Artist category, showcasing the breadth of talent that keeps these genres growing and evolving.

The jazz categories also bring us artists who have kept the spirit of jazz alive while innovating its sound. André 3000's album "New Blue Sun" is up for Album of the Year, an exciting recognition for an artist whose work transcends genres and defies easy categorization. This acknowledgment is a reminder that jazz, and its influence, remains an important part of the larger music conversation.

While we're celebrating the nominees, we can't help but think about some other incredible projects that also made a mark on 2024. Terrace Martin's track 'Nintendo Soul' could have been recognized in jazz, hip hop, or R&B categories for its seamless blend of these genres. If the list had been just a little longer, we would have loved to see Larry June with his Solo Album 'Doing It For Me' and Schoolboy Q with his Album 'Blue Lips' recognized as well. Similarly, Victoria Monét and her exceptional album "Jaguar II" deserved more love for its lush production and timeless grooves that had the R&B scene buzzing.

Congratulations to all the nominees! You’ve given us more reasons to celebrate the music we love. To those whose names weren’t listed this time—know that your art continues to resonate with listeners everywhere, and your impact is undeniable.