Music

The Grammys’ New Best Progressive R&B Album Category Is Here, And It’s Awesome

Getty Image / Uproxx Studios The new category revamps the Academy’s previous attempts at honoring hip-hop-influenced R&B. …

The Grammys have a new category this year. In an effort to better recognize the increasing breadth and variety of modern R&B, they’ve split the R&B Album category into two: Best Progressive R&B and Best R&B. The new range allows them to nominate more artists — five each — and give the nod to non-traditional contemporary R&B artists who aren’t forced to compete with genre mainstays like Alicia Keys and John Legend.

Although the Grammys have tried similar moves in the past, this year’s move is timely, as the style of some R&B has been reshaped by contributions from alt-rock, ambient music, hip-hop, EDM, trap, and other styles to make it something far more futuristic but still rooted in the tenets of the sound established in the late ’80s and early ’90s. From 2003 to 2011, more hip-hop-influenced albums could be found under Best Contemporary R&B Album, but they were shifted back to the main category after 2011. The new category was created as Best Urban Contemporary Album, but that name was phased out as a result of longstanding criticisms and the industry-wide revamping of “Urban” classifications after this summer’s “Blackout Tuesday.”

According to the Recording Academy, the new category “is intended to highlight albums that include the more progressive elements of R&B and may include samples and elements of hip-hop, rap, dance, and electronic music. It may also incorporate production elements found in pop, euro-pop, country, rock, folk, and alternative.” For its inaugural clutch of nominees, the Academy has acknowledged Chloe X Halle, Jhené Aiko, Free Nationals, Robert Glasper, and Thundercat. The traditional category includes Ant Clemons, Giveon, Gregory Porter, John Legend, and Luke James.

Speaking of Robert Glasper, the accomplished pianist/producer is planning his eighth annual Grammy Jam to coincide with 2021 Grammy Awards, gathering together some of the biggest names in R&B, jazz, and hip-hop for a special night of music. Check out the video from the 2020 edition above.

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Artist Spotlight

Alwyn Morrison drops an enchanting love ballad to Manhattan with the single “Lenox Hill”

Alwyn Morrison has delivered an evocative sonic experience with his latest track, “Lenox Hill,” designed for those who have ever felt the pang of leaving a piece of their heart behind. This song emerges as a meticulously crafted blend of pop-rock, characterized by its emotional resonance and sophisticated production techniques. From the opening measures, Morrison immerses listeners in an auditory landscape reminiscent of New York’s electrifying streets, where motifs of love and heartbreak are seamlessly interwoven.

The production, helmed by Michael Carey, an established figure recognized for his collaborations with artists like Pablo Alborán and Idina Menzel, masterfully fuses the raw intimacy inherent in live performances with a contemporary synth-pop aesthetic. This duality creates a sound that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Morrison’s partnership with Emmy-nominated composer Michael Kooman infuses the songwriting with a dramaturgical quality that elevates it beyond conventional love ballads. Harlan Hodges’ emotive piano arrangements also provide a poignant foundation, enhancing the track’s lingering emotional impact long after the final notes decrescendo.

At its core, “Lenox Hill” explores themes of love and loss, a nuanced meditation on transient moments forever imprinted on our lives. The recording, executed in Los Angeles, showcases Morrison’s earnest and yearning vocal delivery, guiding listeners through the complex emotional landscape of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Each lyric acts as a fleeting memory, meticulously captured in time.

With its rich cinematic production, “Lenox Hill” solidifies Morrison’s identity as a distinctive artist possessing a unique vision. His songwriting transcends mere auditory enjoyment, resonating with a deep emotional core. Whether navigating the remnants of a broken heart or seeking a musical accompaniment to a reflective late-night stroll through New York City, this track stands out as an unforgettable piece of art.

For more information about Alwyn Morrison, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Alwyn Morrison’s “Lenox Hill“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight

“No Daylight” by Fiona Amaka evokes an anthemic storm of emotion

It’s as if each release is chasing the next, never quite catching up. Emerging London-based artist Fiona Amaka returns with “No Daylight,” a sonic masterpiece that invites listeners to delve into the unfiltered corners of emotion. From the outset, the track distinguishes itself as a composition and an immersive auditory experience. The crashing guitars and soaring instrumentals create a sonorous landscape, but Fiona’s voice truly takes center stage. Her vocals embody poignant expressiveness, delivering an aching vulnerability long after the last chord fades.

The mesmerizing production of “No Daylight” showcases Fiona’s artistic versatility and sonic innovation. Echo and delay effects aren’t just embellishments but vital threads in the song’s emotional tapestry, amplifying its haunting allure. The track pulses with controlled chaos, balancing intensity with intimacy and power with restraint. Its cinematic quality evokes a palpable sense of time dilation, where emotions rise, and reality blurs into something more profound.

With every release, Fiona Amaka cements her status as a formidable presence in the contemporary music industry. From the pulsating, club-oriented rhythms of ‘In-Club’ to the profoundly introspective ballad ‘Miles Apart,’ her capacity to traverse varied moods and genres is remarkable. “No Daylight” continues this trajectory, further establishing her as an artist to monitor closely. The single brilliantly enriches her discography, crafting compelling soundscapes that captivate listeners and invite deeper engagement.

As the buzz around her music intensifies, “No Daylight” stands out effortlessly, infusing pop sensitivities with her emotive storytelling. Get ready for an evocative auditory journey that warrants repeated listening.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Fiona Amaka’s “No Daylight“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Fiona Amaka | Instagram |