By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony is set to be a groundbreaking night, especially for African-American artists across multiple genres.
With the awards ceremony scheduled for Feb. 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, all eyes are on the Black creatives pushing the boundaries of modern music.
The 2025 nominee list includes big names like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, but local artists—especially in categories that don’t always get as much attention– also landed on the list.
Beyonce is the most nominated artist in Grammy history, but she has never won the coveted Album of the Year award from the Recording Academy. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Kendrick Lamar’s hot summer jam “Not Like Us’ is nominated for two different Grammy awards- Record of the Year and Best Rap Song. (AP Photo/ Chris Pizzello)
“I was in the bookstore at Morgan State University when I received a call from Carolyn Malachi saying the album we worked on for Queen Sheba received a Grammy nomination,” said Powe, who helped produce a spoken word album titled “Civil Writes: The South Got Something To Say.”
For Powe, the nomination isn’t just a personal milestone– it’s a proud moment for Baltimore, a city brimming with talent, yet often overlooked.
“I was thankful for the opportunity to work on the album. This award nomination was unexpected and gave me hope to keep going as a producer in Baltimore City,” said Powe. “I think it’s important for artists from my city to receive this type of recognition because for far too long Baltimore’s best rappers, singers and producers have been in the shadows of the music industry.”
“Things are changing in the industry, and I’m proud to be a part of the new wave,” he said.
Kevin Powe Jr., a local Baltimore artist and producer, is one of several producers to work on the Grammy nominated spoken word album, “Civil Writes: The South Got Something To Say.” (Courtesy photo)
While many things are changing- some things remain the same.
Beyoncé, for example, emerged once again as a top nominee after earning a staggering 11 nominations for her genre-blending country album, “Cowboy Carter.” These latest nods bring her career total to an unprecedented 99 Grammy nominations, securing her place as the most nominated artist in Grammy history. Beyoncé is competing in multiple categories. She is up for Record of the Year with “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter,” showcasing her versatility and redefining what it means to cross genre boundaries in today’s music landscape.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar is right behind Beyoncé with seven nominations, including Record of the Year for “Not Like Us” and Best Rap Song for the same track. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and powerful beats, Lamar’s music continues to resonate deeply with fans and critics alike. His collaborations, especially his feature with Future and Metro Boomin on “Like That,” highlight his versatility and influence in hip-hop.
Doechii (left), RAYE and Shaboozey are all on the list for best new artist of the year. (AP Photos/ Evan Agostini and Scott A Garfitt)
This year’s Best New Artist category is also packed with Black talent, including Doechii, RAYE, and Shaboozey. Doechii’s album “Alligator Bites Never Heal” has earned her multiple nominations, including for Best Rap Performance, and she is quickly establishing herself as a bold new voice in rap. Meanwhile, RAYE’s nomination as Songwriter of the Year is a nod to the craftsmanship behind her music, proving that she’s more than just a performer—she’s a force behind the scenes as well.
In the R&B categories, familiar names like SZA, Coco Jones, and Muni Long are in the spotlight. SZA’s “Saturn” is nominated for both Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, solidifying her place in the genre. Coco Jones, who has transitioned from Disney fame to an R&B powerhouse, received a total of five nominations, including a nod for “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” a song popularized by its rich vocals and emotional depth.
The 2025 list of Grammy nominations reflects diversity of talent, from globally recognized superstars to local innovators.
As the nominees solidify their respective places in the industry, the 2025 list of Grammy Award nominees is a reminder of the transformative influence of Black creativity.
