2010 Grammy Awards: Best Rap Album nominees
•Universal Mind Control, Common
•Relapse, Eminem
•R.O.O.T.S., Flo Rida
•The Ecstatic, Mos Def
•The Renaissance, Q-Tip
When Eminem announced he would be releasing a new album in 2009, it set up a colossal showdown for the 2010 Grammy Awards: Eminem vs. Kanye West. Two artists who never lose the Best Rap Album category, battling each other for the trophy.
But it didn't quite work out that way. Perhaps sensing that Eminem would provide stiff competition in the rap field, Kanye's record label submitted his album, 808s & Heartbreak, to the pop album field instead, where it failed to earn a nomination.
West's absence leaves the rap field wide open for Eminem, who should easily claim this award. Eminem is a lyrical genius who's unfortunately been coasting for years. Relapse doesn't even come close to matching the brilliance of 2000's The Marshall Mathers LP.
Nonetheless, there's no real competition here. Common, Q-Tip and Mos Def are acclaimed artists but probably don't have enough widespread support to challenge Eminem.
Flo Rida's album was the biggest hit-producer in this category, notching three top 20 hits: "Right Round" with Ke$ha, "Sugar" with Wynter Gordon, and "Be On You" with Ne-Yo. But Flo Rida is seen as more of a dance-pop lightweight than an innovative rapper, so his odds of prevailing aren't great.
Barring a huge upset, Eminem will win his fourth Best Rap Album Grammy Award.
2010 Grammy Awards: Best Rap Album prediction
Should win: Universal Mind Control
Will win: Relapse
The 2010 Grammy Awards air on CBS on January 31.
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Comments
Flo Rida would be my pick, but you're probably right on this one.
This Eminem album stunk..maily because he does the same thing over and over..bash other people, make fun of women, gays and anyone he feels superior too. I hope he loses simply because he has not grown up or grown in his music at all..he has only regressed..
Thanks for the info!
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