Kendrick Lamar has a significant hit on his hands with “Not Like Us,” as the Drake diss track ended up debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It’s one of the year’s defining songs so far, so people might be wondering about its chances at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Can Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Win A Grammy Award?
There are some requirements for a song to be eligible for Grammy nomination, and one of the most immediately important ones is the release window. In order to be eligible for the 2025 awards, a work needs to have been released between September 16, 2023 to August 30, 2024. “Not Like Us” come out on May 4, so it’s well within the window.
Another noteworthy consideration is the use of AI. As established for the 2024 awards, work created using AI tools is actually eligible for Grammy nomination if, among other criteria, “the human authorship component of the work submitted must be meaningful and more than de minimis.” There has been no word of AI usage in the song’s creation, so “Not Like Us” is alright on that front, too.
So, it appears there’s no reason why the song can’t be considered, and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. just backed that up. In a recent TMZ interview, he was asked about if the song could be nominated and he said he doesn’t “see any reason why it couldn’t be.”
The 2024 Grammys were only three months ago, but already, the Recording Academy is looking forward to the year ahead. The Academy posted a list of important dates for the 2025 Grammys, including the cutoff date for consideration (August 30), when the nominations will be announced (November 8), and when the voting for those nominations will conclude (January 3, 2025). The only question that leaves is: when will the 67th Annual Grammy Awards be held?
Fortunately, that date was part of the larger announcement. The 2025 Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 2, 2025, and will be broadcast live from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena via CBS (or Paramount Plus).
#GRAMMYs Key Dates: Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024: Product Eligibility Period Oct.4, 2024 – Oct.15, 2024: 1st Round Voting Nov. 8, 2024: GRAMMY Nominations Dec.12, 2024 – Jan.3, 2025: Final Round Voting Feb. 2, 2025: 67th GRAMMY Awards
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) May 21, 2024
The past year’s awards included some surprises, with Uproxx’s Derrick Rossignol listing the biggest winners and losers including Taylor Swift and boygenius winning several awards, Swift announcing her album The Tortured Poets Department, and Miley Cyrus’ performance among the winners. The eventful ceremony also saw Killer Mike led out in handcuffs after sweeping every category for which he was nominated earlier in the evening.
Next year’s awards already have stiff competition just for nominations, with the aforementioned Tortured Poets and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter dropping earlier this year. The latter is also sure to be the center point of some categorical controversy come November, and that’s without even knowing what else is dropping before the cutoff.
Given everything that has happened in the music world lately, it might feel like the 2024 Grammys were forever ago. In reality, they were only just in February, if you can believe that. Still, it’s already time to start looking forward to the 2025 Grammys.
As for who and what will be considered for next year’s awards, here’s what to know about when we’ll have that information.
When Will The 2025 Grammy Nominations Be Announced?
Today (May 21), the Recording Academy shared a list of key dates for the 2025 awards. One is the window during which products need to be released in order to be eligible for award consideration, and that runs from September 16, 2023 to August 30, 2024. Then the first round of voting stretches from October 4 to October 15. After that, the nominations will be announced on November 8.
Following that is the final round of voting (from December 12, 2024 to January 3, 2025) and the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on February 2, 2025. The show will be broadcast live from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, via CBS and Paramount+.
#GRAMMYs Key Dates: Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024: Product Eligibility Period Oct.4, 2024 – Oct.15, 2024: 1st Round Voting Nov. 8, 2024: GRAMMY Nominations Dec.12, 2024 – Jan.3, 2025: Final Round Voting Feb. 2, 2025: 67th GRAMMY Awards
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) May 21, 2024
Meanwhile, the Grammys were recently on Dua Lipa’s mind: In May, she told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe about how backlash to her winning Best New Artist motivated her, saying, “‘She’s got no stage presence. She can’t do this. She’s not well equipped. She won’t be here next year though.’ There was a lot of that and that fueled me in a way. I try not use criticism as this revenge thing, but it does push you in a way.”
Tyla told a hilarious story about meeting Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker, during a pre-Grammy gala last month. The “Water” musician did an interview with People Magazine about the night they met, where she revealed she was very confused by the encounter.
“I had no idea,” she shared. “I didn’t know who she was, honestly, but I think she may have known [me] because she asked to take a picture with me.” The photo of the two soon made the rounds online, which left many wanting to know the backstory.
“I was like, ‘OK, cool,’” Tyla added. “She held my hand, and I was like, ‘Are you sure we should hold hands?’ Because I didn’t know. I was kind of feeling a bit tight, but she was like, ‘Hold my hand, hold my hand.’ It was cute.”
Throughout the rest of that party, Tyla also met Cher — and freaked out because she knew her as one of her idols. “I was like, ‘What the heck?’ I was literally in so much shock. I love her,” Tyla dished. “She’s always been an inspo… I can’t wait to even tell my kids, that’s how much of a good time I had.”
Check out the wild full photo of Tyla and Nancy Pelosi at the Grammy Awards below.
After over a decade of conquering the underground R&B scene, Victoria Monét has broken through to the mainstream. Thanks to Victoria’s breakout hit, “On My Mama” (co-produced by Deputy), critically acclaimed debut studio album Jaguar II, and her snagging multiple Grammy Awards (including Best New Artist), the public is eager to see what’s next.
Although Victoria’s time on the road via her international TheJaguar Tour has ended, supporters can catch her at the 2024 Roots Picnic. But what else is up her animal print sleeve? According to her latest interview, the answer is new music. So, when should we expect it?
When Does Victoria Monét’s Jaguar II Deluxe Album Come Out?
After expressing that she would be ending the Jaguar series, fans could get one last offering by way of a Jaguar II deluxe album. On February 23, during the “Hollywood” singer’s appearance on iHeart Radio’s The New Hit List, Victoria Monét teased the idea.
As she confirmed to host Angelina that Jaguar III is no longer happening, Victoria did spill details about a Jaguar II deluxe project. “I do want to put out a deluxe to ‘Jaguar II,’” she said. “So, we’re working on that…it will be [released] this year.”
The wait is sure to be worth it. Perhaps it will include the never-released tracks with her bestie Ariana Grande.
Victoria also spoke about her future songwriting plans. “I feel like there’s more of an open timeline on writing songs for other people,” she said. “So, I’m more focused on my artistry right now. My schedule doesn’t really allow for much else. But I do want to eventually get back into collaborating… writing with and for other people. Right now, it’s Victoria Monét world. I’ve done a lot of writing previously, so now I’m flipping into a new chapter.”
Suge Knight says there’s a double standard in the industry when it comes to Dr. Dre. Discussing the Grammys naming their Global Impact Award after the legendary producer, Knight compared the industry’s treatment of him to Chris Brown. He brought up the topic on his podcast, Collect Call.
“You can have a man that’s part of that secret society and they gonna give him an award — the Impact Award,” he said. “That motherf*cker beat up more b*tches than anybody. This man gets an award for beating up women. Chris Brown is stripped of his crown and not saying it was right that him and Rihanna got into it and they had a fight or he beat her up. I’m not saying that, but what I’m saying is this: he had a fight with one woman or he beat up one woman — and they still casting stones at him.”
Suge Knight With Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg At “Murder Was The Case” Premiere
American rapper and producer Dr Dre (born Andre Young), record executive Suge Knight (born Marion Knight Jr), and rapper Snoop. Dogg (born Calvin Broadus Jr) attend the premiere party for ‘Murder. Was the Case’ (directed by Dre and Fab Five Freddy), New York. New York, circa 1995. The short film stars Snoop Dogg and its soundtrack released on Knight’s record label. (Photo by Nitro/Getty Images)
Knight further said: “They don’t give him his cigar, they don’t let him come perform, they don’t let him pretty much win awards. But you can have an Impact Award with Andre.” The award is said to “recognize the contributors, creatives and professionals with a proven track record of uplifting Black music.” JAY-Z was the latest artist to accept it. Check out Knight’s full comments on Dr. Dre below.
The comparison between Dre and Brown comes after the latter claimed the NBA uninvited him from the All-Star Celebrity Game to keep sponsors happy. Be on the lookout for further updates on Suge Knight on HotNewHipHop.
At the 2024 Grammys last Sunday, February 4, Killer Mike won Best Rap Performance (“Scientists & Engineers“), Best Rap Song (“Scientists & Engineers”), and Best Rap Album (Michael). Killer Mike was predictably euphoric, but Twitch streamer Kai Cenat had trouble accepting that anyone beat out Travis Scott’s Utopia or Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss for the award. But Joe Budden doesn’t care to hear another word from Cenat.
On the February 7 episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the host played a clip from Cenat’s Twitch stream in which he reacted to Killer Mike’s victory, saying, “Who decided this motherf*cker? Who the f*ck decided this motherf*cker? Her Loss?! Utopia?! Metro Boomin?!”
Budden laughingly mocked Cenat’s outrage and said, “Shut your ass up. Yo, y’all lil streaming n****s don’t always run sh*t. Shut the f*ck up! We don’t care about none of that little streaming, moshpit, marked car whatever you n****s is doing over there.”
Budden continued, “U-f*cking-topia. U-nope-ia, n***a. I’m just so happy that the streaming — that the little f*ckity f*cks finally, finally have a look-in-the-mirror moment and say, ‘Oh, it’s not about us.’ No, adults are out, n***a. N****s got pocket handkerchiefs in. N****s got fly sh*t on. Yeah, real execs, business people, you little f*ckity f*cks. Shut up for a change! I’m so sick of these n****s. We only get to do this once a year. Listen, we gotta rush behind Killer Mike. Killer Mike won. We gotta let these n****s know what the f*ck we really think.”
Joe Budden goes on rant reacting to Kai Cenat and others saying Travis Scott’s Utopia was robbed of Rap Album Of The Year at the Grammys
“yall lil streaming n*ggas dont always run sh*t… Killer Mike won, we gotta let these n*ggas know what the f*ck we really think” pic.twitter.com/8IibeyY4F4
“What the f*ck is Travis and his man doing up here?” Budden said in a clip making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter). “You two bozos, get the f*ck off the stage when n****s got beautiful women and tuxedos on, honestly. You up there smashing sh*t.”
Budden added, “All that sh*t look different when it ain’t a thousand little white kids jumping up and down. Ay, when there are grown people here, all that, ‘Fein! Fein! Fein!’ That’s what you wanted to win over Killer Mike?” (Scott’s Utopia was nominated for Best Rap Album, which Killer Mike won for Michael.)
Budden called Scott “stupid” before continuing to mockingly imitate Scott’s performance. And just when you think it couldn’t get any more brutal, Budden brought Carti into the criticism.
“And then you bring your man out,” he said. “This is how I knew I was in the f*cking matrix. You bring your man out, Playboi Carti, the crowd just stares silent. Playboi Carti looked confused. Like, ‘Y’all don’t know who I am?’ No, n***a! You got a f*cking mask on! Who the f*ck are you under there? You are not at South By Southwest [SXSW] anymore. We can’t recognize you bozos by the stocking mask you’re wearing. I hate these n****s, man. All of ’em!”
But it wasn’t all hate. Budden added, “I love that song, but not when the tuxedos are out. Take that sh*t to the dirty Coachella grass, n****.”
Watch the clip below.
Joe Budden trashes Travis Scott & Playboi Carti’s Grammy FE!N performance
Yes, the Grammys just happened this past weekend, but it’s never too early to be thinking ahead. On Sunday (Feb. 4) night, Victoria Monét took home the gold for Best New Artist, keeping the trend of solo female artists wins in this category going for a seventh year straight (following Samara Joy, Olivia Rodrigo, Megan Thee Stallion, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Alessia Cara respectively). But who could be in line for next year’s award?
The criteria for Best New Artist eligibility is a bit vague: while two of the requirements are pretty cut and dry (artists must have released a minimum of five tracks and they can only be entered into this category a maximum of three times), the third condition leaves some gray area: the artist “must have achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and impacted the musical landscape during the eligibility period.”
This guardrail was implemented after Meghan Trainor took home the award in 2016 despite seeing her debut single “All About The Bass” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 two years prior, but it makes things murky for artists like Reneé Rapp, Teddy Swims, and Tyla, who had all enjoyed a bit of acclaim prior to the beginning of the eligibility window (Sept. 16, 2023).
We’d place our money on some (if not all) of the aforementioned artists getting in if they are eligible, but we’ve set our sights on ten other promising acts we think could be among next year’s nominees. From a London-born country chanteuse to K-pop’s hottest new boy band, take a look into our crystal ball as we make early bets on the 2025 Grammys Best New Artist nominees.
Chappell Roan
For fans of: Katy Perry, MARINA
Every few months, there seems to be a new pop star wannabe being billed as the “next big thing,” but they almost always fall flat due to the lack of a crucial ingredient: originality. While we navigate a sea of carbon copies all trying to out-vibe each other, Chappell Roan has approached the industry with a secret weapon: a refusal to take herself too seriously. It’s that fearless originality that truly sets her apart and given the fact that female artists have dominated this category, she’s a solid contender for the trophy.
Listen to: “Red Wine Supernova,” “Casual”
Infinity Song
For fans of: The Mamas and the Papas, Lana Del Rey
The story behind Infinity Song’s big break is as wholesome as their music: director Jeymes Samuel (The Book Of Clarence) saw a clip of the family band busking in Central Park and sent it to his mogul buddy Jay Z. The rapper brought them in for an audition and signed them to RocNation, and for good reason: between their breezy arrangements and lush harmonies, they make records that sound right at home between cuts from The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield and other Laurel Canyon legends.
Listen to: “Metamorphosis,” “Slow Burn”
Xavi
For fans of: Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida
Regional Mexican music is an undeniable force in the industry: the Billboard 2023 Year-End Top Artists Duo/Groups chart’s top two slots were occupied by Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera, outperforming other top ten acts like Fleetwood Mac, Imagine Dragons, and NewJeans. If the Grammys have their finger on the pulse, they’ll take note of Phoenix-born 19-year-old singer-songwriter Xavi, who rang in the new year by crowning Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart with his track “La Diabla.”
Listen to: “La Diabla,” “La Víctima”
RIIZE
For fans of: Boynextdoor, BTS
It’s perplexing that despite K-pop’s chokehold on pop culture, the genre hasn’t seen a single act nominated in the Best New Artist category. In fact, K-pop groups were completely shut out of every category for the 2024 Grammys. Surely the Academy will soon catch up with the rest of the world, and our eyes are on RIIZE as the ones to watch. Not only did the band send a strong message that they’re staking a claim for the U.S. market by releasing an English version of their debut track, but they’ve got SM Entertainment (the geniuses who broke acts like NCT, Red Velvet, and aespa) at the helm. Expect big things.
Listen to: “Get a Guitar,” “Love 119”
Flyana Boss
For fans of: Missy Elliott, Doja Cat
It’s been a long time coming, but female emcees are finally dominating pop culture. While new acts seem to pop up daily, the Los Angeles-based duo Flyana Boss (a play on Diana Ross’ name) set themselves apart with their comedic lyricism and high-energy TikToks. The pair of weirdos may be considered too irreverent for the notoriously stuffy Grammys voters, but that’s part of their charm. Shouldn’t music be fun?!
Listen to: “You Wish,” “UFHO”
Lola Kirke
For fans of: Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves
Despite being in London and raised in New York City, Lola Kirke was always drawn to the gritty glamor of country music. Still, it seems Nashville has caught on: her forthcoming EP Country Curious (out Feb. 16) features folk duo First Aid Kid and Rosanne Cash, and is produced by Elle King.
Listen to: “My House,” “He Says Y’all”
Sudan Archives
For fans of: Janelle Monáe, Kelela
Today’s elite pop stars could take note from the genre-bending, violin-wielding Sudan Archives. Not only did she record her latest album, the critically-acclaimed Natural Brown Prom Queen, in her basement, but she commands the stage with hypnotic, cat-like swagger reminiscent of Gwen Stefani during the early No Doubt days. She’s been teasing new music on social media, and if MTV were smart, they’d book her for a showstopping VMAs performance. (Yes, we’re mixing awards shows, but the point stands!)
Listen to: “Selfish Soul,” “NBPQ (Topless)”
Jhariah
For fans of: Panic! At the Disco, Poppy
Brooklyn-based artist Jhariah can’t be boxed into one genre: while there’s a heavy theatrical lean from emo bands of the early ’00s, influences from artists like System of a Down to Animé to 100 gecs can be heard while skipping through their catalog. The 23-year-old’s upcoming album has been five years in the making, and if the teaser tracks are any indication, it’s going to be massive.
Listen to: “Pin-Eye,” “Risk! Risk! Risk!”
Stephen Sanchez
For fans of: Frankie Avalon, FINNEAS
Let’s be real: no one is more likely for a Best New Artist nomination than Stephen Sanchez. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter made waves last year with his modest hit “Until I Found You,” which he performed alongside Sir Elton John during the icon’s farewell set at Glastonbury. Not only that, but his late-’50s nostalgia vibe is grade-A Grammys catnip.
Listen to: “Until I Found You,” “High”
Emmy Meli
For fans of: Lizzo, Amy Winehouse
The singer-songwriter had a viral moment on TikTok with 2022’s feminist anthem “I Am Woman,” but instead of haphazardly releasing follow-ups to capitalize on her moment, Meli spent the past year developing her craft — a lesson many quick-to-fame sensations should take note of. The result: her forthcoming debut EP (out this spring) is a cohesive jazz-tinged oeuvre, showcasing her intricate, smoky vocals over a horn-forward production that sounds straight out of the ’60s.
Listen to: “I Am Woman,” “Matrix”
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Kelly Rowland is cosigning JAY-Z’s message at the 2024 Grammys. Rowland gave her opinion while on the Red Carpet for the Bob Marley film.
“Shawn Carter is one of the greatest men I know and his words ring so loud to me,” Rowland said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him.
“I’m just really happy for a lot of things that he said. I think that he made a lot of artists feel very seen and very heard in those minutes that he took on stage.”
In a night filled with celebration and recognition, the 2024 Grammy Awards took an unexpected turn as Jay Z, while accepting the prestigious Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, used his platform to call out The Recording Academy for what he perceived as a snub towards his wife, Beyoncé. The Brooklyn mogul didn’t hold back as he addressed the audience, highlighting the discrepancy between Beyoncé’s unparalleled success and the Academy’s failure to honor her with Album of the Year accolades.
During his speech he said, “I’m just saying, we want y’all to get it right. We love y’all; we love y’all; we want you to get it right, or at least get it close to right, and obviously it’s subjective … because it’s music and it’s opinion-based, but some things — I don’t wan to embarrass this young lady” — referring to Beyoncè — “but she has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year, so even by your own metrics that doesn’t work. Think about that. The most Grammys and never won an album of the year. That doesn’t work.
“Some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed,” he continued. “Some of you may get robbed, some of you don’t belong in the category — when I get nervous I tell the truth.”
His words resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike, igniting a conversation about the criteria used by The Recording Academy to determine nominees and winners.
Watch below.
Let’s run Jay-Z’s #Grammys acceptance speech back, shall we?
Sept. 16, 2023 – Aug. 30, 2024: Product Eligibility Period
Oct.4, 2024 – Oct.15, 2024: 1st Round Voting
Nov. 8, 2024: GRAMMY Nominations
Feb. 2, 2025: 67th GRAMMY Awards
: Recording Academy