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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Yung Bwill transforms personal victory into pure energy with latest release “THAT DON”

Yung Bwill swings out on “THAT DON,” a hip-hop anthem born of perseverance and determination. Behind the infectious party atmosphere, however, is a profoundly personal story, as the artist turns the aftermath of a life-changing accident that resulted in the loss of a leg into an explosive creative statement. Where struggle shapes others’ stories, Yung B will harness that experience as motivation, transforming pain into confidence and showing that resilience can spark some of the most exhilarating artistic moments.

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Bill Bonnell lets quiet emotion speak loud on latest release “Your Secret’s Safe with Me”

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Bill Bonnell lets the emotion take the lead, proving that quiet arrangements can make a tremendous impact when paired with meaningful songwriting. The record, from start to finish, is defined by the sincerity of the message, never a competition with the acoustic backdrop, but rather one that enhances it. It’s a song that encourages self-reflection and offers solace, blending fragility and hope in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Bill Bonnell turns in a release that quietly sticks with you through unshowy musicianship and heartfelt storytelling.

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