Complete List of 2013 Grammy Winners

The Grammy’s is one of the most exciting night in music. It is truly the music industry’s night to shine. Below is the list of winners from the event. Congratulations to all of the winners and keep making great music that we all love. 

Album of the Year
Mumford & Sons, Babel

Record of the Year
Gotye featuring Kimbra, “Somebody That I Used to Know”

Song Of The Year [awarded to songwriter]
“We Are Young,” Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess, songwriters (Fun. featuring Janelle Monae)

Best New Artist
Fun.

Best Pop Solo Performance

“Set Fire To The Rain (Live),” Adele

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Somebody That I Used To Know,” Gotye featuring Kimbra

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Kisses On The Bottom, Paul McCartney

Best Rock Performance
“Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance
“Love Bites (So Do I),” Halestorm

Best Pop Vocal Album
Kelly Clarkson, Stronger

Best Rock Song
“Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys

Best Rock Album
El Camino, The Black Keys

Best Alternative Music Album
Making Mirrors, Gotye

Best R&B Performance
“Climax,” Usher

Best Traditional R&B Performance
“Love On Top,” Beyoncé

Best R&B Song
“Adorn,” Miguel

Best Urban Contemporary Album
Channel Orange, Frank Ocean

Best R&B Album
Black Radio, Robert Glasper Experiment

Best Rap Performance
“N****s in Paris,” Jay-Z & Kanye West

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
“No Church In The Wild,” Jay-Z & Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream

Best Rap Song
“N****s in Paris,” Jay-Z & Kanye West

Best Rap Album
Take Care, Drake

Best Country Solo Performance
Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away”

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“Pontoon,” Little Big Town

Best Country Song
“Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood

Best Country Album
Uncaged, Zac Brown Band

Song Written For Visual Media
“Safe & Sound” (From The Hunger Games), Taylor Swift, John Paul White, Joy Williams

Short-Form Music Video
“We Found Love,” Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris

Long-Form Music Video
“Big Easy Express,” Mumford & Sons

Best Spoken Word
Society’s Child: My Autobiography, Janis Ian

- Israel Lattiboudeaire 

The VMAs Rundown

The VMAs were last night, and there were some interesting things that happened.

The show opened with a performance by Rihanna. As usual, I was not impressed with her voice, but she looked hot. I think I still need some time for the short hairstyle to grow on me, I’m not quite sure if I like it or not yet. Her outfit was very trendy as usual. (Side note leather is definitely a must have for this fall.) I was surprised that there was no outfit change during her performance, she normally does that. But what had me shocked beyond belief was when A$AP Rocky came out did his part and then grabbed her ass with extreme force and gave her a kiss on the neck. Now I’m not even sure why I’m surprise because that’s something RiRi would do, but I’m still shocked, and I find it hilarious. I would also love to know if it was planned, or not. Next, Kevin Heart was the host. I found him hilarious, I was actually laughing out loud. Which made me very upset because I didn’t get to see him when he came to Toronto. Anyway, he really did a good job hosting, he joked about touchy subjects such as the Drake and Chris Brown beef, Frank Ocean coming out, and even Kristen Stewart. All of his jokes were in good fun, and I doubt anyone was offended. Next honestly whoever Drakes stylist is clearly does not like him. Or Drake dressed himself, who knows but what I do know is that that shirt was ugly, and clearly not his size. I don’t have anything against Drake, but wearing that outfit definitely gave people more ammo to use to make fun of him. And him dedicating his award to all the loners, brought to my attention that Drake is definitely a loner, which explains why his music is the way it is. Next Nicki’s acceptance speech was …odd. She either really didn’t think she was going to win, or she decided to freestyle her acceptance speech, and failed miserably. She later tweeted an acceptance speech. Which was more sane than the one she said at the VMAs. A lot of people were complaining about her outfit, saying it was ugly and outrageous. I was confused as to why people were surprised, that’s what Nicki does, she never wears anything conventional. I found her outfit bazaar, but I liked it, it was super sexy, and unique designed by the great Versace. Next, Franck Ocean performed. And I can honestly say his performance made me a fan. I wasn’t one before but I am now. His voice was amazing, his range is unheard of, and his talent is impeccable. He didn’t have any back up dancers, or a large band. It was him and a guitar, and it was probably the best performance all night. He is so talented, and that showed through his performance last night.  Next 2 Chainz performed and he brought out Lil Wayne. I have to say I was not expecting a lot out of this performance, however I was pleasantly surprised. It was a hyped performance. They had the audience rocking, and I was for sure entertained. A lot of people were saying Lil Wayne fell off, but his performance surely proved he’s still got it. Next Alicia Keys performance was very good. Her outfit was HOT. But I’m not sure if her ass was too fat and her pants couldn’t zip all the way up, or that’s how it was suppose to be, either way she looked amazing. The slick back short cut makes her look very sophisticated. Her husband and son rocking to her performance was so cute too. Also Gabby coming out and doing some flips was cool. Taylor Swift closed the show with a good performance. There were other little moments during the show, like Katy Perry swinging around the award, and the flag dropping out. Though it didn’t really seem like she cared. And apparently when Nicki won her award, RiRi went to give her a hug, and Nicki told her to “sit the f*** down”. Now I’m not sure if there is any truth to that, but the MTV host who was at the show, tweeted that, that altercation went down. In a nut shell that was the VMA’s.

- Kishona Buckett

Twitter: @Kish_Barbie

Mixtape Sessions: Domo Genesis - No Idols

Domo Genesis has an undeniable flow. This young rapper is a member of the OFWGKTA collective and he has already proved himself this year by being one of the members who made significant contributions to the group’s compilation album, The OF Tape Vol. 2. Now, it is his turn to release a solo tape. Teaming up with The Alchemist, Domo deliveries a collective of songs that are both soulful and witty. His word play is strong and blend extremely well with The Alchemist’s production. The mixtape has a variety of features from Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Prodigy, and Freddie Gibbs.  Domo Genesis gives us an excellent example of his potential. He is very strong lyrically and capable of becoming one of the next members of the group to explode into the mainstream, just as Tyler and Frank Ocean did before him. Look out for Genesis!

Download from the link: http://limelinx.com/fc62j

- Israel Lattiboudeaire 

Follow me on Twitter: @IzzyLatti

Channel Orange.

Channel Orange is a look at the mind of Frank Ocean that is quickly shown to lack the depth of his previous musical offerings. Channel Orange will require a few listens to truly understand the emotions that Ocean is trying to covey. This does not mean the album is bad or even mediocre, it means that the album will not have the long lasting appeal that is needed for it to be seen as a success. Channel Orange is an album will satisfy audiences need for fresh Frank Ocean material, but will not stick with fans as long as previous Frank Ocean collectives.

 The overall content of the album paints a very ambiguous picture of Ocean. This is an area of songwriting that Ocean has always excelled in, but for his first major label debut, a clearer picture is needed to keep the audience interested. Through the first listen of the album, the listener will have a difficult time understanding the various messages Ocean portrays throughout the album. One song that doesn’t particularly feel like it fit on the album is Super Rich Kids featuring Earl Sweatshirt. This song sounds like it would have fit better on OF Tape Vol. 2 that released earlier this year. The album also has some truly amazing songs. The flagship single of the album, Thinking about you, is already considered a favorite by many of Ocean’s fans. The 9 and ½ minute song, Pyramids, is hypnotizing and is shining light guiding the album. Two more very soulful and intimate songs on the album are Bad Religion and Forrest Gump. Both songs are extremely personal for Ocean, yet very ambiguous. He is not forthcoming with his message, but it comes across rather clearly through repeated listens. With a varying message throughout the album, one can become confused as to whether Ocean is trying to allow his audience into a personal realm or keep them at bay.

 Channel Orange is not a bad or even half decent album, it is good but it is not the Frank Ocean offering that will be able to stand the test of time. While Ocean does give us a deeper looking into his personal life with the album, he covers this over with shallow attempts to entertain and constant interludes. This album is worth checking out, but many will quickly forget that this was Frank Ocean’s debut album, having Nostalgia, Ultra forever burned into their memories.

- Israel Lattiboudeaire

@IzzyLatti