Da Grammy's 2024!

Okay so, we look up at the calendar and what it tells us is that it is now that wonderful time of year where we all sit around and... make fools out of ourselves by attempting to predict just who will take home the Grammy in a few months, as the nominations for the 2024 (and 66th) Grammy Awards have been announced. As usual, there were some (most) expected nominees and one or two (one) unexpected, but here we go, let's take a look at them and make a certain to be incorrect prediction as to who takes home the prize. 

"No Destroyer" by Burning Spear [Burning Spear Music]

If the Grammy voters have any sense of sentimentality, here is your favourite. The legendary Winston Rodney, Burning Spear, returned this year with his first album in nearly a decade and a half, "No Destroyer". Coincidentally, his most recent prior album, "Jah Is Real", would net the Spear his second Grammy win (following "Calling Rastafari" in 2000) and, by my surely incorrect count, he has now been nominated a grand total of THIRTEEN times for this award. The second "No Destroyer" was announced, you knew it would be nominated so it comes as no surprise and if you actually listen to it (tune called 'Jamaica' leads the way in my opinion), it is a delightful album. It was extremely well received and if I had to pick a favourite, this would be it.

"Simma" by Beenie Man [MD Music Group]

Another rather obvious selection comes in "Simma", the latest set from now four time nominee and previous champion, Beenie Man. What to say about "Simma".... I did not love this album and have less appreciation for it at this moment than I did when I first heard it (off the top of my head, without looking it up, I cannot name you a single song off of it) (not including the title track, of course) but, again, you're not at all shocked to see it appearing here on the strength of the name of its star (although it is worth mentioning that Beenie's previous release, "Unstoppable" (which wasn't great either but probably slightly stronger than "Simma" for me, in retrospect) did NOT receive a Grammy nod at all) and you're also not astonished if it manages to win. 

"Born For Greatness" by Buju Banton [Gargamel Music/Roc Nation]

" ....I did not love this album and have less appreciation for it at this moment than I did when I first heard it". I'm going to quote that bum who wrote ^ that up there in reference to "Simma" and use it for "Born For Greatness", from another previous winner and seven time nominee, Buju Banton. Again, though not approaching the level of being a great album, given who made it you cannot be surprised at all to see "Born For Greatness" appearing in this list. Even when he's active and they're plentiful, Buju's albums have always had this kind of 'large' vibe about them and this one was no different. His work is always looked at as being a big deal (even when he isn't at his greatest) and you EXPECT his projects to be here and you do not move a muscle if he actually wins. 

"Colors Of Royal" by Julian Marley & Antaeus  [Monom Records]

Here's an interesting one. While I've never been the biggest fan of Juju Royal, Julian Marley.... well, he is a Marley, so he's been nominated for one of these now for the third time (and not just because of THAT. Full credit to his talents, I'm just not super into it). Unsurprisngly, however, the project for which he was observed, "Colors Of Royal" alongside Antaeus, is... it's tough. It's an EP with eight tracks in full and two of those are remixes (and two of the originals are remakes) so I don't know why, outside of the obvious, why this one was nominated but, of course, that means it will likely win. 

The Cali Roots Riddim 2023 [Ineffable Records]

And lastly, though he's never been up for one before, it shouldn't come as a complete upset that Collie Buddz is getting a look from the Grammy committee. However, in a year where the Bermy grown star released a brand new album, one would have thought that it would been it -- "Take It Easy" -- which would have gotten the shine (and that album is very good, actually). That wasn't the case as, instead, it's the track that he produced, The Cali Roots Riddim which is taking the honours and doing so as the likely darkhorse of the lot. To its credit, the Cali Roots has a large claim as being the single best of its kind this year and one of 2023's greatest releases, in general.

And the winner izzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

The Cali Roots Riddim 2023

Fuck it. Why not? Last year Kabaka Pyramid won with what was not only the best project to be nominated but also my choice as the year's finest album altogether. The Cali Roots Riddim is not the best Reggae album this year (that distinction goes to Queen Omega), but it's the best of this lot with respect to Burning Spear. Also, how cool would it be if not only a riddim album won the Grammy but also I'm of the belief that everyone who was involved would receive either their own Grammy or some type of physical representation for the accomplishment which would mean that personal favourites of ours including SARA LUGO and Khalia would immediately begin being referred to as "GRAMMY WINNING VOCALIST...". Again, it's probably the most unlikely choice, but I said that last year and look what happened. 

Am I right? NOPE. Find out exactly how wrong I am when the winners of the 2024 Grammy Awards are announced on Sunday, the 4th of February.