GRAMMYS

SZA And Kanye West Collaborator Nascent Talks His Four 2022 Grammy Nominations

by
Nascent Grammys
Via The Artist

“This sh*t took a little too long,” Nascent says with a laugh.

The Chicago-bred, Mexican-American producer has navigated a long road prior to notching the four Grammy nominations (Best Melodic Rap Performance, Best Rap Album, Best R&B Song, and Album Of The Year) he now lays claim to. Being fully independent is a major point of pride for “The Tallest Mexican” as he has earned his way into some huge credits and gained knowledge along the way that he commits to passing along to other producers. Nascent got his start at 18 years old, traveling to New York City on a whim to connect with DJ Kay Slay, ultimately to no avail. However, he made the most of his trip by walking to Madison Square Garden to the G-Unit office and got two placements with 50 Cent on “Redrum” and “Strong Enough.” These achievements pushed him to drop out of community college, fully commit to his craft, and now the work speaks for itself.

Prior to the SZA “Good Days” and Kanye West “Hurricane” placements, Nascent’s most notable work was helping to break Brent Faiyaz, contributing to the now RIAA platinum-certified “Trust,” gold-certified “Clouded,” and “Been Away,” among other Faiyaz records. He has also worked with Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla Sign, Kiana Lede, Offset, Elle Varner, and many more. Despite collaborating with these major names, the 33-year old has mostly played the shadows but is now ready to fully break out, especially having turned down a million-dollar publishing deal after the success of “Good Days.”

Though he advocates for independence, Nascent understands that’s not an easy thing for everyone to stick to. He even admits himself that had he been offered a publishing deal upon his first placements with 50 Cent, 20-year-old Nascent likely would have taken it. Now, he can look back and revel in his self-belief as he has the potential to walk out of the upcoming Grammys with four awards; something he believed should have happened a year prior if F*ck The World was submitted.

We spoke on New Year’s Eve, with tequila and Tecate in hand, about manifesting this moment in his life through tweets, how “Good Days” and “Hurricane” came together, his plans for the Grammys, independence, and what is next in his production career.

Describe the feeling of being Grammy-nominated in four words.

Holy sh*t, is this real? Nah that’s five words. Shocked, grateful, recognized, and alreadyknewthatsh*twasgonnahappen. I’ve been talking about this sh*t for years. So many years I thought we were close because of Brent or others projects I’ve been a part of. We’re continually doing things outside of what the norm is, but I knew “Good Days” had to be nominated. “Hurricane” came out of nowhere and I wasn’t too sure because I don’t know how them people feel about Kanye. I don’t think he cares. That’s where I got the most nominations. It felt good to get here.

Did you know the songs you’re nominated for were submitted?

I assumed. It wasn’t smart to assume but I figured they had to submit for this sh*t. I had no knowledge of it prior though.

Where were you when you found out you were nominated?

I was home in Chicago with my family when nominations came out. In Humboldt Park, a neighborhood I spent a lot of time in when I was broke. I was doing what I’m doing now, but I was broke thinking I was doing sh*t. I had a long way to go. It was symbolic in that aspect, being back home with family in that environment where up the street I used to crash at my ex-girlfriend’s crib when I wasn’t couch surfing in Los Angeles. It was a perfect way for me to get the first one.

How did the “Hurricane” placement come together?

I went home to work with Chance The Rapper on “Good Ass Job” in 2018. We were at CRD Studio; Chance had the whole main level booked and Kanye was upstairs. I saw ‘Ye in the bathroom and was awestruck. “F*ck, that’s Kanye, bro.” We’re in Chicago and that’s Kanye. If you make beats, you studied him. You’re influenced by him in some way, but being from the crib and doing the sh*t he did, chopping samples up as he started, it means even more. I overheard someone say Boogz was upstairs and I was like “Oh sh*t, my boy Boogz.” He’s a Chicago legend and I’m happy for him because he’s getting his flowers. He’s a wizard and one of Kanye’s closest friends. I texted Boogz and he said “Man, come up you good!” I gave Boogz hella ideas that day. “Hurricane” was an idea I started and he went and did what he did. There were two ideas I kept hearing when I would walk around the rooms. I heard Kanye rapping to “Hurricane” and I was like “Damn, that’s crazy.” I knew my position and my role. I didn’t get ahead of myself. I trusted who I was working with. Some producers are reluctant to give up control and follow someone else’s lead, but dealing with Boogz, he’s someone of high character and he got it done.

When did you hear the final version?

I heard a leak on YouTube, but just with Lil Baby at first. I knew it was out of here once I heard The Weeknd on it. It sounded different from the original, but it is what it is. I figured it was going to go crazy though. I didn’t think it was going to come out. It was from over three years ago, and on top of that, Kanye does what he wants. It was interesting to see the process.

Did you get to make any of the listening sessions?

No, but I watched at the crib.

Talk about now three-time platinum “Good Days” and how it felt to make that alongside people you consider family.

That was a special one for me. I made it with my friends. Working on the SZA record was more in-house and it felt like more of my signature along with LosHendrix. It felt more personal. I was able to do the beat and add little details Los and I do. “Good Days” was done around 2018 but it feels like more of a timeless classic. It doesn’t have a date on it.

What was cooler — “Good Days” being Grammy-nominated or put on Barack Obama’s Summer 2021 playlist?

Ah, that’s hard bro! Shoutout to Barry but the Grammys for sure! That’s tight though man. It’s cool because the Grammy situation, we don’t do this for that. Some of our favorite records we’ve worked on haven’t even been nominated, but they’re still great and impacted music in many ways. The Grammys is our championship. It’s our way of telling people we got something. It’s cap when people say they don’t give a f*ck; they do give a f*ck. A little recognition, who doesn’t want that?

In your 2010 interview with ThisIs50, you mentioned wanting to work with Jazmine Sullivan. How does it feel seeing her get her recognition?

I love it. It’s going to be her year. Jazmine Sullivan is a legend, she’s a GOAT. That’s tight as f*ck she got nominated. It’s about time. It’s about being patient. I still want to work with her because we would make some sh*t. I’m gonna put it out there in the universe and manifest it. She’s on my list.

Describe how it feels to have reached this point, all things considered.

All that playing yourself down to make other people comfortable is over with. It’s a dub. You don’t know what people have to do to get through what they go through. You can still be confident and not be an asshole. I’m gonna talk my sh*t a little bit because it’s been a long journey.

You’ve tweeted in the past about your Grammy outfit. Take me through the night, what you plan to wear, what bottle you’re popping if you win, and what Mexican dish you’ll have.

I’m going to be in some clean, sleek ass Saint Laurent or Tom Ford. There’s going to be a statement or something on my outfit. I think it’s important if I’m there and take some pictures, it’s got to say something and mean something. Shake the tree up a little. I’m probably gonna pop a bottle of champagne, Ace of Spades or some Mezcal tequila. I might go out that night. As for my meal, some rice and beans. My mom makes these great fried chicken taquitos with guacamole. We’ve got to go all out, bro. A lot of times the narrative is the good guys don’t win. F*ck that. We’re doing it how we want to do it–our way, independently. Unfortunately, you’ve got to eat more sh*t and be patient but you can get there. When you do it like that, nobody can tell you sh*t.

What would you tell the nine-year-old kid who wanted to be a pilot?

I always wanted to fly planes up until I turned 11 or 12 and bought Stillmatic, which changed my life. I would tell nine-year-old me that everything you’re feeling, you’re right. Knowing you’re going to do something, you’re right. There isn’t a thing I would change. Do everything you did. I would wait as long as I had to wait because it’s more rewarding. It happens just as it’s supposed to happen, especially when you move with character and integrity.

You’ve spoken in the past about going to Mexico and exposing people to music, production, and information. What’s the scope of that vision now?

I want to do it in Mexico and Chicago, too. I want to make it for everybody. I do it now in the way I do business with collaborators. A lot of times I’ll be in sessions working with people and try to read the room to see if I can talk about it with them. They may not want to hear it or they may be doing the opposite of what I’m doing, so I don’t want to add insult to injury preaching independence when they’re signed to a f*cked up deal. Often times I’ll be telling producers about standard stuff that I already know on the business side, but they don’t because of information gatekeepers or simply being given the wrong information. It’s so important to give the game because it’s free and the game don’t lie. It’s not like I’m giving you the DaVinci Code, I’m giving some basic sh*t. It’s f*cked up. The way I do my business is fair and I only want credit for what I do.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on an album with BJ The Chicago Kid and another project with Orion Sun. I’ve got a couple of placements on Brent’s next album and hopefully, we can get him on my album, too. I plan to drop my second album by the end of next year.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

2022 Grammys Predictions: Who Will Win and Who Should Win

by
Image via Getty/FilmMagic
  • Image via YouTube/Tyler, the Creator

    Best Rap Album

  • Image via YouTube/J. Cole

    Best Rap Song

  • Image via Getty/Paras Griffin

    Best Rap Performance

  • Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images

    Best Melodic Rap Performance

  • Image via Getty/Jason Mendez

    Album of the Year

  • Image via Getty/JMEnternational/JMEnternational for BRIT Awards

    Song of the Year

  • Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Recording Academy/Getty

    Record of the Year

  • Image via YouTube/Olivia Rodrigo

    Best New Artist

  • Image via Getty/Raymond Hall/GC Images

    Best Pop Solo Performance

  • Image via Pepsi/Doja Cat

    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

  • Image via Getty/Jason Mendez

    Best Pop Vocal Album

  • Image via Getty/John Esparza

    Best R&B Performance

  • Image via Getty

    Best R&B Song

  • Image via Getty Images/Shannon Finney

    Best R&B Album

  • Image via YouTube/Lil Nas X

    Best Music Video

  • Image via Getty

    Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

The Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical Grammy Winners, Ranked

by
Best Remixed Recording Grammy
Getty Image/Ralph Ordaz

Of the 86 Grammy categories being awarded this year, one of the most intriguing is the Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical. Over the years, eclectic sonics have been a hallmark of the category, which was first awarded in 1998 as the Grammy Award for Remixer Of The Year, Non-Classical. Because these songs are remixes, the source material nominated isn’t limited to genre. In 2022, it’s safe to say Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical is the only Grammy category to include Papa Roach (nominated due to Spencer Bastin’s “Born For Greatness (Cybek Remix)”), Deftones (“Passenger (Mike Shinoda Remix)”), and Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande (“Met Him Last Night (Dave Audé Remix)”).

Naturally, over the years, the artists who triumphed in this category have been equally intriguing. Here’s the top 10 winners, ranked.

10. Song: Madonna — “I Rise (Tracy Young’s Pride Intro Radio Remix)”

Winner: Tracy Young
Year: 2020

Madonna and dance music have gone hand in hand since the ’80s. In fact, Madonna herself has won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording (“Ray of Light”) and Best Electronica/Dance Album (Confessions On A Dancefloor). However, in 2020, Tracy Young was the first woman to be nominated, much less win, the Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical category for an inspired take on Madonna’s pro-gun control anthem “I Rise.” Young’s interpretation amplifies the icon’s empathetic vocals and the song’s resiliency — as well as the voice of Emma González, a survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting — with low-key house beats and a chill (but verve-laden) tempo. Consider this remix of a piece with dance music’s long history of political activism.

9. Song: No Doubt — “Hella Good (Roger Sanchez Main Mix)”

Winner: Roger Sanchez
Year: 2003

No Doubt‘s hard-left turns to ’80s synth-pop throwbacks on 2001’s Rock Steady were ideal for dance remixes — as evidenced by this no-frills, brisk re-do by global superstar DJ Roger Sanchez full of rollicking percussion and beat drops that emphasizes the lines “You got me feeling hella good, so let’s just keep on dancing.”

8. Song: Cher — “Believe (Club 69 Mixes)”

Winner: Club 69
Year: 2000

Cher‘s Y2K comeback came because of the already-unstoppable dancefloor anthem “Believe.” The Club 69 remixes are peak late-’90s house, with over-the-top beats, blocky stacks of keyboards, and an arrangement that places Cher in the role of vocal diva — something she comes by naturally.

7. Song: MGMT — “Electric Feel (Justice Remix)”

Winner: Justice
Year: 2009

It’s a fitting bow on the blogrock era that French electrofunk act Justice won a Grammy for a sophisticated remix of MGMT’s “Electric Feel.” Rich horns, squelching beats and a choppy vibe transform the swank electro of the original into a swaggering mid-’80s synth-rock throwback.

6. Song: Nero — “Promises (Skrillex and Nero Remix)”

Winner: Joseph Ray, Skrillex & Daniel Stephens
Year: 2013

This remix is peak dubstep era, with Skrillex (aka Sonny Moore) and two members of Nero teaming up for a re-do of Nero’s “Promises.” There’s a massive beat drop at about a minute in that leads directly to an explosion of grimy zippered beats that alternate with dramatic, piano-driven interludes with caution-heavy vocals from Nero’s Alana Watson. The net effect is a song that’s both unsettling and moving—a fine combination.

5. Song: Public Enemy — “Bring the Noise (S-faction Remix)”

Winner: Benny Benassi
Year: 2008

Superstar DJ Benny Benassi deconstructed Public Enemy‘s 1988 hit with surgical precision. At first, he leaves in only select exhortations (“Bring the noise!” and “Bass!”) atop a pulsing, surging bed of techno-house beats, before introducing more of the song’s lyrics — building excitement and tension alike with a natural rhythm.

4. Song: Curtis Mayfield — “Superfly (Louie Vega EOL Mix)”

Winner: Louie Vega
Year: 2006

There’s a long history of classic songs receiving a boost thanks to a modern dance remix — witness how Junkie XL’s re-do of Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation” breathed new life into the tune. The same thing happened when Louie Vega took a crack at remixing Curtis Mayfield’s already-unimpeachable “Superfly.” Vega added salsa beats and a languid touch to the 1972 soul-funk hit, making it (improbably) even more smooth than it was to begin with.

3. Coldplay — “Talk (Thin White Duke Mix)”

Winner: Jacques Lu Cont
Year: 2007

Stuart Price records under many aliases — to name a few, Les Rythmes Digitales, Zoot Woman and Jacques Lu Cont. Under the latter moniker, he’s known for recording retro-tinted synth-pop remixes; in fact, he won a Grammy in 2005 for his take on No Doubt’s “It’s My Life.” He won another Grammy two years later for his spin on Coldplay‘s “Talk,” a song that interpolates Kraftwerk. Lu Cont plays up that association by adding in robotic vocal flourishes and stripping the song down to insistent, Krautrockian rhythms and streamlined synths.

2. Song: SAINt JHN — “Roses (Imanbek Remix)”

Winner: Imanbek Zeikenov
Year: 2021

Back in mid-2020, you couldn’t scroll through your TikTok #FYP without running into Imanbek’s remix of “Roses,” by the rapper SAINt JHN. This viral hit was a radical re-work of the original, speeding up the vocals and adding sharp-edged, electro-driven rhythmic contours that doubled as mega earworms. Remixes with Future and J Balvin followed, although Imanbek’s take remains tops for how it took fresh source material and made it sound even cooler.

1. Song: Lana Del Rey — “Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)”

Winner: Cedric Gervais
Year: 2014

Lana Del Rey‘s originals are already known for being mesmerizing and hypnotic. However, the Cedric Gervais remix of “Summertime Sadness” elevated the song to a different level entirely, tapping into the melancholy hinted at in the title by plucking out Del Rey’s wistful refrain (“I got that summertime, summertime sadness”) and pairing it with turbulent house beats. “Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)” peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart — but, more important, became an instant-classic anthem for every type of summer bummer imaginable.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Questlove, And Others Will Present At The 2022 Grammys

by
Dua Lipa 63rd Annual Grammy Awards 2021
Getty Image

Trevor Noah is set to host this weekend’s Grammy Awards (on Sunday, April 3), but the host isn’t the only one who speaks on stage. Others come on to present awards and now the Recording Academy and CBS have revealed who will be on hand to do that. The list includes Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Questlove, Avril Lavigne, Ludacris, Anthony Mackie, Billy Porter, Bonnie Raitt, Jared Leto, Joni Mitchell, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lenny Kravitz, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.

Aside from the presenters, also taking the stage to perform during this year’s show are Lady Gaga, Silk Sonic, Carrie Underwood, J Balvin, John Legend, Maria Becerra, BTS, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, Brandi Carlile, Brothers Osbourne, Nas, HER, Jon Batiste, Chris Stapleton, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., and Rachel Zegler. Foo Fighters were previously included, but it was later confirmed they dropped out of the show after scrapping all their upcoming performances in light of Taylor Hawkins’ death.

The presenters have some 2022 Grammy nominations between them: Megan’s “Thot Sh*t” is up for Best Rap Performances, Questlove’s Summer Of Soul is up for Best Music Film, and Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) is up for Best Historical Album.

Find the full list of 2022 Grammy nominations here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Silk Sonic Named Opening Performers for the 2022 GRAMMYs

by
Silk Sonic Named Opening Performers for the 2022 GRAMMYs

Kanye West won’t be on the GRAMMYs stage but Silk Sonic will. The duo of Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars are a part of the third cycle of performers announced for this Sunday’s show.

Named alongside Silk Sonic are Carrie Underwood, J Balvin, John Legend, and Maria Becerra.

Previous performance announcements included Chris Stapleton, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Nas, Jon Batiste, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Rachel Zegler, Billie Eilish, Brandi Carlile, Brothers Osborne, BTS, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, and Olivia Rodrigo.

The post Silk Sonic Named Opening Performers for the 2022 GRAMMYs appeared first on The Source.

Kanye West Reportedly in Talks to Perform at Grammys

by

Ye may hit the Grammy stage after all.

A new report from HITS Daily Double claims that the Recording Academy is having “conversations” with Kanye West about performing at Sunday’s show.

This would come as a surprise since Ye’s team claimed that he was “barred” from performing at the 64th annual awards. A rep for the DONDA rapper previously told Variety that he had been removed from the lineup of performers due to his “concerning online behavior.”

The decision may have had to do with his controversial comments about Grammys host Trevor Noah. Ye used a racial slur against Noah in a since-deleted Instagram post after the “Daily Show” host commented on his “harassment” of Kim Kardashian, resulting in a 24-hour suspension from Instagram. He has not returned to the social media platform since the temporary ban.

Ye, who will headline Coachella next month, is nominated for five Grammys this year including Album of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Song.

According to HITS, the Grammys are expected to make “at least one more announcement of performers” before Sunday’s show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In addition to Ye, producers are reportedly in talks with Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga.

The official Grammy lineup so far includes Nas, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, J Balvin, John Legend, and Silk Sonic, who will open the show.

J. Prince Calls for Drake, Kanye, Nicki Minaj to Participate in Event Opposite the GRAMMYs

by
b6dfdf68ecfd4fbd88136b9acf9e390e md

J. Prince already got Kanye West and Drake to share the stage once. He is asking again and petitioning Nicki Minaj and more to appear in a Hip-Hop shop opposite the Grammys. The ask comes days after Kanye West was banned from performing at the award show in Vegas.

J. Prince called for the change on Instagram, in a video clip containing his voice asking to make a change and not looking toward the Grammys for validation.

“I’ve been watching the Grammys control and dictate our culture to their benefit up close and personal for the past 30 years,” J Prince said. “And all the artists, managers and executives would do is complain, but never have the nuts to come together to do anything about it.”

He added, “This is a slave master, punish a nigga mentality and act to remind us that no matter how much money we have, we’re still niggas in their eyes. So they cancel Kanye and discriminated against Drake, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj and many others over the years. This will only be broken by us uniting our powers to bring about change moving forward.”

J. Prince would close his request by bringing the No. 1 genre in the world to come together for a special show.

J. Prince’s words are similar to those of Dame Dash. TMZ caught Dash in the airport and let out a clear statement: “Ye don’t give a fuck about the Grammys. We’ll make our own Grammys.”

“I’m not trying to fit into somebody else’s system,” Dash added. “So we just create our own so we ain’t gotta worry about nobody else’s rules. … It’s not for them to judge who’s hot. It’s for us. They really shouldn’t be giving us the awards. We should be giving them the awards. They gotta respect our culture.”

The post J. Prince Calls for Drake, Kanye, Nicki Minaj to Participate in Event Opposite the GRAMMYs appeared first on The Source.

Eric Bellinger Finally Earned A Grammy Nomination For His Own Work, And To Him, That’s Enough Of A Win

by
Eric Bellinger Press Image
Akilah Townsend

It’s been a long time coming. That’s probably how Eric Bellinger feels after earning his first Grammy nomination for his personal work at this year’s award. The singer previously received a nomination at the Grammys nearly a decade ago, but it came through his work on Chris Brown’s 2011 album F.A.M.E. He’d go on to earn himself a Grammy Award in 2012 thanks to that album securing a win in the Best R&B Album category. Bellinger was nominated as a songwriter once again in 2015, but in the years that followed, Bellinger was unable to receive some Grammy love.

By all means, Bellinger is very talented as a songwriter and an artist. He’s written for the likes of Brandy, Jennifer Hudson, Sevyn Streeter, Teyana Taylor, and more while releasing solid projects like 2015’s Cuffing Season, 2017’s Eric B for President: Term 2, 2018’s Eazy Call, and more. But for quite some time Bellinger was very much a slept-on act on an “if you know you know” list. The lack of Grammy recognition didn’t diminish his career because he was more than worthy of one with his undeniable talents. Finally, at the end of last year, he struck gold.

Bellinger’s eighth album, New Light, was selected in the Best Progressive R&B Album category. There it joined other nominees like Lucky Daye, Masego, Hiatus Kyoto, Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, and others. At long last, Bellinger was getting the recognition he truly deserved.

Ahead of the Grammy Awards, we spoke to Bellinger about New Light, why he believes this is the album that brought him back to the Grammys, and what it would truly mean for him to win.

Congratulations on your Grammy nomination! Where were you when you found out and what was your initial reaction?

Ah man, I was actually in New York. I was at a rehearsal singing backgrounds, I was actually doing a show with Alicia Keys, and I was in the middle of rehearsal while the announcements went off, so I was lowkey watching it in the corner with my headphones. Don’t tell her (laughs)! But nah I’m joking, so when they announced it, it was dope, because I was just like, “Yo! I got nominated!” and everybody what like what are you talking about? Then as I explained it, we took a break and everybody celebrated with me, it was a joyous occasion.

You were previously won and were nominated as a songwriter thanks to your work on Chris Brown’s FAME. How fulfilling is it that this nomination is now for an album of yours?

It feels great bro. To transition from the songwriter world to the artistry world, or from the producer world to the rapper, it’s not easy to transition. For me, that was confirmation that this is for me. Yeah, I have some success as a songwriter, but although I’ve been independent, and to me, in an upward battle when it comes to really making a mark on the other side of the fence. This was great for me to remove the chip off my shoulder to know that all things truly are possible.

You have plenty, and I mean plenty, of great songs in your catalog, great albums as well. What do you think made New Light the album that receive the recognition it has?

I think it was just having a proper team in place to handle all the different things that are necessary when it comes to checking off boxes to even be a potential candidate. I think we got so many incredible people in place now that just know what needs to be done and I’m not guessing anymore. We’re all experienced, we’ve all been here, And we’re all veterans in this. We can lean on each other, I can throw a no-look pass and know that I’m gonna have somebody right there at the rim ready to slam it in.

After the plethora of projects that you’ve released over the last near-decade, did it ever get to a point where you believed maybe the Grammys aren’t for me?

I always wanted it. I just always felt like it was gonna be tougher because I was independent, but I always knew it’s possible because I’ve seen it done, you know? I feel like, “Why wouldn’t it be me? Why couldn’t it be me?” As long as I stay consistent, if it ain’t this year, it’s next year, and if it ain’t next year, it’s the year after that. Because I’m doing what I love, I’ve learned to enjoy the journey rather than anticipating the celebration at the destination.

Continuing off that last question, when you look throughout your discography, what’s a song or album that you think should’ve or you hoped would receive some Grammy love?

Yeah, I think The Rebirth album (2014), I think Cuffing Season, Part 3 (2019), I think Eventually (2016), Eric B For President album (2017) (laughs) maybe all of them. I definitely feel like we’ve been going crazy, like the music didn’t necessarily get better, the team just got stronger.

Furthermore, what makes New Light different than the other projects you’ve released? Was it the creative process? Types of collaborations?

I think this is a personal album. I had time after the quarantine, after the isolation, that was all spent doing self-healing, doing more awareness work on myself, so I was able to be more honest — I was forced to be more honest in the songs. I don’t really want to talk about no bullsh*t, so it was real, pure moments and intentional sessions. I got songs like “Counting My Blessings” and “Backwards,” you know, not being afraid to talk about how sh*t is backwards. You work hella hard to have money to be able to buy what you want, then they just gave it to you for free. All of the life experiences helped create “Blue Dreams,” like man, that’s a song just about manifesting. “Shine On The World,” it’s about having confidence in yourself to not be afraid to shine when the world tries to dim your light. A lot of the songs have a lot more purpose and intention behind them because of the place that I was at and the state of mind that I was in mentally while creating the album.

In this stretch of the journey as an artist, what does New Light represent for you and the music you’re creating?

It’s crazy because going into creating the album, my overall goal is to win a Grammy. When I first started making it, it was like “Yo, we got to win a Grammy with this album.” I never thought that on any other album going in and creating, but this time that was literally the main goal. It’s fire to have been nominated and be in strong consideration from my peers.

New Light was nominated in the Best Progressive R&B Album category, a category that the Grammys added to its field back in 2013. I think it speaks to the many colors and shades within R&B, do you think so? And do you think it’s a category that best speaks to your style?

Yeah, I do man, I do. I felt like I’ve been a pioneer for just merging different experimental sounds and sonics with R&B. From the beginning of my career, sampling Kriss Kross on “I Don’t Want Her,” it was R&B, but it was progressive. I think my love for drums and my love for cadences and BPMs created a new sound in R&B that has always been progressive.

You’re also on tour at the moment, your first one in a couple of years. What have the interactions you’ve had with fans taught you about this album and even about how you’re viewed as an artist?

Lately man, I feel like I’ve been able to experiment and not be afraid because of my comfortability in my space and in my personal life from my songwriting. That set me up to where I’m not hurting to where I have to jeopardize or compromise the character of my music or what I do. I think with that, who I’ve been able to portray is just literally myself and my actual growth. This is actually where I’m at in life, this is the music, this is everything that I’m talking about — it’s all so true and genuine and it comes from my honest place. So I think that’s my weapon in this all: to be able to truly be myself. This isn’t no, like, “this is what people recommend of me.” I’m able to really, really be myself and that is was getting the shine, just genuineness. I think in a time where a lot of people are doing things based on what they feel will work for the people, I’m doing what works for me and it gives me such a peaceful state of mind that it’s like, “Man, this is a winner’s mentality.” I’m able to really live life happy, you know, that’s the ultimate goal, that’s the ultimate win.

With the work you’ve put in, the albums and songs you’ve released, collaborations you’ve done over the years, what would a Grammy win for this project after all that mean to you?

It would mean everything, it would mean God’s promise is true. It would mean even if it don’t happen, I still feel like I already won being an independent artists bro. Ain’t nobody else up there independent. So with everything that I’m doing, that would just be the cherry on top. Even in all of this, I’m already basking and walking in victory. The fans and the people that tell me they voted for me or that they know of nominated, they tell me they rooted for me to win or they feel like I got this. The confidence that people tell me that “I got it,” it’s to the point where I already know that the people know I deserve it so that’s good enough for me. The people know! They know I deserve it. I just wanted the people to know that I’m out here, and for me to be on that list with those incredible artists — Masego, Lucky Daye — it’s like man, them dudes are doing it at the top of this, and I’m in that in that same category, except I’m the fuel behind my machine. There’s no feeling that can compare to that.

You’re absolutely one of the more active artists in the game, so with that being said, what’s next for you?

Man, the acting vibes. The label vibes, building my label, I got some R&B artists that are super dope. I’m excited to bring them to the world man and get on my Eazy Gordy swag.

‘Roblox’ And The Recording Academy Are Hosting A Grammys Week With A Performance And Other Virtual Events

by
Grammy Award Grammys Trophy Statue
Getty Image

Roblox has increased its standing in the music world lately, from hosting a Lil Nas X concert to draining Cardi B’s bank account. Now the video game is going to have a Grammys presence, too, as they and the Recording Academy are teaming up for a Grammy Week on the platform.

The Las Vegas-themed experience (since the Grammys will be in Vegas for the first time this year) goes down virtually from March 30 to April 3 and will feature “artist avatar meet & greets, chats, mini games, prizes,” and a performance from Camilo, making him the first Laton artist to perform on Roblox.

Camilo says of the performance, “When Roblox approached me, I immediately got very excited because this was the first time in my life that I would be doing something like this. I’m also grateful that I’ll be able to bring this unique experience to La Tribu, especially during Grammy Week. I was already incredibly honored to be one of this year’s nominees, and to perform in a completely new way in the Metaverse, brings it to a whole new level. I can’t wait!”

Camilo is among this year’s Grammy nominees, as Mis Manos is up for Best Latin Pop Album.

Panos A. Panay, Co-President of the Recording Academy, also noted, “We are thrilled to partner with Roblox for our first-ever official Grammy Week experience in the Metaverse. We are always looking to innovate and reach music lovers wherever they are, and there is no better partner for us to accomplish this than Roblox. Online gaming platforms are quickly becoming one of the most important music discovery channels for tens of millions of fans. As an Academy, it’s our priority to continue broadening where and how our members connect with audiences around the world. Plus, my 8-year-old twin daughters think this is amazing.”

Jon Vlassopulos — vice president, global head of music of Roblox — also said, “The Grammy Awards are iconic and we’re delighted to bring the hottest music show of the year to fans across the globe. We’re thrilled to be featuring Camilo, our first Latin virtual concert performer on Roblox, giving the community new music and genres to discover.”

Find the full list of 2022 Grammy nominations here.