(ThyBlackMan.com) The 2012 Grammys will be the first time I actually watched the award show in who knows how many years. I am actually excited to see which artists will be acknowledged for their excellence from the music calendar year of 2011 (September 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011).
This year, the Grammy’s will feature nominations from the likes of J. Cole, Adele, Nicki Minaj, etc. Of all the many nominations, I have five awards that I’m specifically watching for and have an idea on who might win in those categories. Here are my five most anticipated award nominations and who I think will win them.
1. Song of the year.
Predicted winner” Kanye West, All of The Lights. (Jeff Bhasker, Stacy Ferguson, Really Doe, Kanye West & Malik Yusef, songwriters (Kanye West featuring Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie)
It took me a while to warm up to this song, but Kanye delivered a masterpiece for the ages. Star-studded artists + a genius producer = timeless music.
2. Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Predicted winner: R. Kelly, Radio Message
R. Kelly should be considered in the line of R&B greats by default, but he will only be seen as a top 10 artist at the minimum because of his “bump & grind” type music. But “Radio Message” from his album titled Love Letter was 
wonderfully written and produced in an old school type fashion, which for many, was surprised R. Kelly went that route. Anyhow, this song was a major fixture on my iPod last year, and I surely hope Mr. Kelly brings home the hardware.
3. Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Predicted winner: Beyoncé, Party featuring André 3000
DJ Khaled’s “I’m On One” and Kanye West’s “All of The Lights” is nominated for this same award, but I am anxious for a win for this Beyoncé cut. There aren’t many songs I can say that I like on first mention, but “Party” is that one song that I couldn’t stop listening to. Perhaps Beyonce’s best vocal performance on her album, the smooth production handled by Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker & Beyonce made this song one of the best songs of the summer.
4. Best Rap Album
Predicted winner: Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
The fact that this critically acclaimed work wasn’t considered to be album of the year material is an insult. With that said, it should be the runaway winner without question. Watch The Throne could also go for this award, and even Nicki Minaj Pink Friday effort, but MBDTF is one of the best rap albums in recent memory. Hands down.
5. Best R&B Album
Predicted Winner: R. Kelly, Love Letter
Chris Brown “F.A.M.E.” is also in this field, but I have to side with R. Kelly again for a Grammy nod. Both singers made artistic comebacks with their most recent efforts, but Love Letter is an extremely solid R&B album from start to finish. It’s only right to honor him for the retro musical ability he displayed.
