Every year, usually in early February, noteworthy singers, song-writers, producers, and other members of the music industry gather in Los Angeles for the Grammy award ceremonies.
Originally named the “Gramophone Awards” for the device used for listening to music before the radio was invented, the Grammys are a celebration of new music from around the world.
There are four major Grammy awards, often called the “Big Four,” that are considered the most prestigious: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist.
This year, there are many talented artists and good songs up for these important awards, and although there is truly no way of telling who the winner will be, the Prowler is predicting who we think will take home each award.
The Prowler’s Album of the Year Pick: “GNX” – Kendrick Lamar
The Album of the Year Award is presented to an artist, their production team, and the songwriters who helped to create the songs. It is considered the most desirable of the awards presented every year. This year, Kendrick Lamar’s newest release, “GNX” stands out the most as a piece of work worthy of the award.
Kendrick Lamar’s newest album, “GNX,” came out Nov. 22, 2024, following a two-year hiatus after his release of “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers,” which was praised as a deeply emotional, bold album.
“GNX” serves as a victory lap for Lamar, who performed at the 2025 Super Bowl and won both the Song of the Year and Record of the Year awards at last year’s Grammy Awards Ceremony for his diss track, “Not Like Us.”
Hits like “squabble up,” “tv off (feat lefty gunplay),” and “luther (feat sza)” all ooze self-assurance, playfulness, and genuine artistic expression that doesn’t present itself often.
Lamar absolutely deserves the Album of the Year Award, which he has yet to win despite numerous nominations.
The Prowler’s Song of the Year Pick: “Golden” – HUNTR/X (EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, Rei Ami)
The Song of the Year Award goes to the singers and songwriters of a song, and highlights the overall composition of the song’s lyrics and simple melody rather than focusing on the music itself.
“Golden,” a surprise hit from Netflix animated film “K-pop Demon Hunters” has reigned on the Billboard Hot 100 podium for 29 weeks now – an impressive stretch for a fictional K-pop girl group.
The song has been everywhere this year, and its catchy lyrics emphasize confidence, self-expression, and pure joy.
“Golden,” though it was recorded for a children’s movie, has become a reminder to have an optimistic attitude, and will hopefully leave the Grammys ceremony with this major award.
Prowler’s Record of the Year Pick: “luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
While the Song of the Year Award focuses on the lyrics of a song, Record of the Year is awarded to the production team that helped to create the winning music.
This year, Kendrick Lamar’s single “luther (feat sza),” spent 13 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the viral dance accompanying SZA’s verse could not be escaped online.
The intertwining twinkle of the keyboard in the background, low percussion that highlights the vocals from both artists, and the gorgeous string are all packaged into one dreamlike song.
The clip at the beginning of the song comes from Luther Vandross and Cherl Lynn’s cover of “If This World Were Mine,” originally sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, making it not only a heartfelt dedication but also a celebration of past African-American artists’ work.
All in all, “luther (feat. SZA)” should certainly be awarded Record of the Year for its thoughtful sample, beautiful string background, and lovely vocals from both the artists involved.
Prowler’s Best New Artist Pick: sombr
Although all of the artists nominated for Best New Artist, an award that celebrates a breakthrough in music, were wildly popular this year, one artist stands out on the nominee list.
His 2025 hit singles “back to friends,” “undressed,” “we never dated,” and “12 to 12” make a quartet of musical masterpieces that pepper his debut album, “I Barely Know Her.”
Sombr’s global success overrides any worries about his being just another one-hit wonder landing on the chart for a few weeks.
So, then, it is easy to declare that his sudden stardom makes sombr a clear choice for the Grammy award of Best New Artist.
Overall, there are plenty of exciting honors up for grabs, and it will be a close finish for all of the “Big Four” Grammy awards. Whether you enjoy listening to country, rap, pop, or something else entirely, the Grammy awards recognizes the creativity and success of every musician fueling the industry.
Click here to listen to a playlist with nominated songs and artists!
