Beyoncé + Kendrick Lamar Lead 2023 Grammy’s, Nicki Minaj, Summer Walker Snubbed: ‘The Math is Not Mathing’

The official 65th annual Grammy award nominations were announced today and it has social media sparking debate over who made the final cut and who were snubbed in various categories. Of course, the queen Beyoncé leads the 2023 ceremony with a staggering nine (9) nominations for her album, Renaissance in the most prestigious and important categories such as “Album of the Year” and “Record of the Year” while also shining in the “Song of the Year” race for “Break My Soul.”

Meanwhile, lyrical genius Kendrick Lamar follows behind with eight (8) nods for his “The Heart Part 5” as well as his Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers album, released earlier this year. He’s up for “Best Rap Song,” “Best Rap Album,” where he’s up against DJ Khaled, Jack Harlow, Future, and Pusha T. Stiff competition. I have my bet on Lamar here though. He’s critically acclaimed. No argument!

Other popular contenders for Music’s Biggest Night are the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige with her Good Morning Gorgeous album with six (6) nominations in categories like “Best R&B Album,” “Best R&B Song” for “Good Morning Gorgeous” which sees her facing strong competitors like Muni Long’s “Hrs & Hrs” and “Hurt Me So Good” by Jazmine Sullivan. I can’t call this one. I love both Mary and Jaz!

Elsewhere, we have Koffee, Sean Paul and Shaddy battling it out in the “Best Reggae Album” category next year while Burna Boy is putting on for Afrobeats in both the “Best Global Music Album” and “Best Global Music Performance” with his Billboard chart-topping hit, “Last Last.” Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett are both up for “Best Gospel Album” while competing in the “Best Gospel Performance/Song” slot alongside Erica Campbell (“Positive”) and PJ Morton’s “The Better Benediction.”

Billboard stars like Lizzo and Doja Cat are also up for the golden trophy. “About Damn Time” is up for “Best Pop Solo Performance,” which saw some success on the Hot 100 after peaking at No.1 in its 14th week and held that position for two consecutive weeks. Furthermore, Muni Long is finally experiencing success as a solo artist after putting in work over the years as a songwriter as her former monkier Priscilla Renea. She’s nominated for “Best New Artist” as well as “Best R&B Performance” and “Best R&B Song.” Congratulations to her! Hard work truly pays off in the end!

Pop superstar Doja Cat will not be excluded from the conversation as her popular hit, “Woman” is in the “Best Pop Solo Performance” league, which finds her going up against tough contenders like Adele with “Easy on Me” and Bad Bunny’s “Moscow Mule.” Yikes! Overall, its clear Adele will snatch this one!

The 2023 Grammy’s also made waves after introducing the new “Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical” category, that was announced earlier this year. Hit-maker The-Dream is up for grabs after his writing contributions on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. Fellow songwriter Nija Charles is also nominated in the debut category, who also contributed on the Renaissance album (“Cozy”) and has an extensive resume with credits including City Girls, Kehlani, Summer Walker, Chlöe, ZAYN and countless others. This marks the New Jersey songstress’ first Grammy nod thus far. Congrats!

In other good news, it’s great that Chris Brown’s Breezy album is up for “Best R&B Album” next year considering the 33-year-old ladies heartthrob has only been awarded the trophy once in 2012 for his F.A.M.E. out of the 19 times he’s been nominated before. But let’s blame that on the Recording Academy black-balling him after the Rihanna incident in 2009. Luckily for CB, he’s a force to be reckoned with talent-wise, so in the end he still propelled as the true superstar he is. And let’s not forget that newcomer Capella Grey is experiencing his very first Grammy nod for his songwriting contributions on the opening track, “Till The Wheels Fall Off,” which also features Lil Durk as a guest. Brown is up against MJB and fellow R&B male peers Lucky Daye (Candydrip) and PJ Morton (Watch the Sun)

Dernst “D’mile” Emile II also gets his just do in the “Producer of the Year, Non-Classical” category, which is certainly well deserved. He’s previously had a great 2022 after sweeping up four (4) Gramophone trophies, including three (3) for Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open” smash and one for H.E.R.’s “I Can’t Breathe” alongside songwriter Tiara Thomas. I’ve followed his musical journey and career from the beginning. Happy to see him receiving his flowers, as well as accolades. Amazing producer and composer!

Newcomers GloRilla and Latto were also considered as far as female rap is concerned. Yo Gotti’s protege made quite the entry earlier this year with her street anthem, “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” (up for “Best Rap Performance”) before keeping the streak going with the Cardi B-assisted “Tomorrow 2” (Remix), which instantly became a fan favorite, particularly due to Bardi’s guest spot on the record. Meanwhile, Latto’s recognition comes in the form of “Best New Artist” and “Best Melodic Rap Performance” for her live version of “Big Energy,” which saw her in a Twitter war with rap icon Nicki Minaj just last month.

Lastly, we can’t forget some of the snubs that has social media in a frenzy. One in particular is Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl” not receiving any recognition at all after breaking records on the Billboard Hot 100 for at least 12 weeks straight in the Top 10 and Summer Walker’s Still Over It album after experiencing critically-acclaimed chart success peaking at No.1 on the Billboard 200 with 166,000 album equivalent units its first week and being the first female since Beyoncé’s Lemonade to accomplish such a feat in the R&B arena. Summer took to Instagram today to voice her opinion on the matter.

“& as for the grammys for a 2nd time, the math is literally not mathing… I was gone post some numbers but it’s ok, atleast the streets fuq with me. y’all always pack out every show & support everytime I drop so thanks for the love I do receive”

Justice Baiden, from her label LVRN also shared his thoughts on the Atlanta native being snubbed twice in a row.

The 65th annual ceremony will air live on CBS from L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 5, 2023. See a partial list of nominations below and the full here.