NURD Enters 2026 GRAMMY® Awards Screening Process for "Best New Artist" and "Record of the Year"

NURD Enters 2026 GRAMMY® Awards Screening Process

By: Vianca Mireya

LOS ANGELES, CA – The West Coast music scene is buzzing! Rising R&B star, NURD, the Leimert Park Princess, has officially gained entry into the screening process for the prestigious 69th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. This phenomenal artist is being considered in two of the most coveted general field categories: Best New Artist and Record of the Year. 

This honorable achievement is propelled by the undeniable impact of NURD’s latest releases, the critically acclaimed projects, “GODSPEED” and “BUTTERFLIES.” These tracks, which have been setting streaming platforms on fire, solidifying NURD's status as one of the biggest growing R&B forces on the West Coast. 

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A post shared by NURD🦋 (@neosoulnurd)

Beyond her vocal performance, NURD has become synonymous with breathtaking visuals. Her music videos are renowned for their incredible storytelling, cinematic quality, and distinctive artistic vision, creating an immersive experience that perfectly complements her soulful sound. 

NURD’s inclusion in the screening process marks a monumental milestone, positioning her alongside the industry's elite and highlighting the growing influence of authentic, West Coast R&B. The journey to the final nominations is underway, but this exciting step is a clear indication that the Leimert Park Princess is on a definitive path to global superstardom. 

About NURD: Born and raised in the heart of Leimert Park, NURD is one of the city’s most refreshing voices in alternative R&B and neo-soul. With a sound rooted in vulnerability, groove, and creative experimentation, she’s redefining what it means to be soulful in this generation. 

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Killer Mike Dominates Grammy Awards

Killer Mike poses with one of his Grammy awards at the 2024 Grammys.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for The Recording Academy

By: Joshua Martin

Atlanta native and activist Killer Mike had an impressive showing at the 2024 Grammys, capturing the win for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. All thanks to Michael, a 14-track ensemble laced with influences from gospel, soul, and hip-hop. The Moorehouse graduate in an interview labeled the project an “come home moment musically” and as a way to honor the Civil Rights and the Abolishment movements. 

Basking in the glow of his recent wins, the 48-year-old shared a bit of wisdom to the adulating audience.

“You can make one hit song, make 10 hit songs. The only thing stopping you, the only limitation you have is your imagination. It’s our opportunity; it is our must. It is our absolute responsibility to be grand in every action. For 20 years I’ve been saying, ‘I can do it, I can do it, I can do it.’ Then in the 20th year of Hip-Hop, here I am doing it.”

— Killer Mike

Later that evening, Killer Mike shared his thoughts on his remarkable feat during Black History Month and how he views Hip Hop as a whole. Calling his hometown of Atlanta,GA “the Capital of Black America” while also shouting out his city's legends who had a hand in producing Atlanta’s diverse musical sound.  

“Whether it’s Kenny Mason, Killer Mike, Outkast, T.I., or Jeezy, we are giving you a plethora of styles that you should be listening to.”

— Killer Mike

KILLER MIKE Backstage At The 2024 GRAMMYs

During his acceptance speech, the “Scientists & Engineers” rapper let it be known that he intends to dominate Hip Hop and the Grammys again next year. Promising to work even harder and produce more groundbreaking music. 

View his acceptance speech here:

Killer Mike Wins Best Rap Performance For "SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS" | 2024 GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech

Sunday night marked Killer Mike’s first Grammy Award victory since 2003, when he won for his feature on Outkast’s “The Whole World” in the best rap performance by a duo or group category. He was also nominated for best rap song in 2018 for “Chase Me” by Run the Jewels, his hip hop duo with fellow rapper and producer El-P.

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Babyface and Teddy Riley Break Instagram Live Record In Iconic 'Versuz' Match-Up

By: Omar Cook

The first couple tries didn’t go as planned do to sound issues, but when it finally got rolling, it was major. 2 iconic producers in Babyface and Teddy Riley went head to head for the best “Versuz” matchup to date on instagram live.

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have teamed up to create an instagram series to take advantage of everyone sitting at home by pitting top notch artists and producers against each other in song for song match-ups. Some of the match-ups include RZA vs. DJ Premier, Ne-Yo vs. Johntá Austin, Mannie Fresh vs. Scott Storch, French Montana vs. Tory Lanez, The-Dream vs. Sean Garrett…but this was by far the best match-up.

Teddy Riley and Babyface teamed up to break the instragram live record by attracting over 500,000 viewers. The playlist was crazy between the 2 featuring artists such as SWV, Ready or Not, Tevin Campbell, Doug e Fresh, Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton, Blackstreet and many more!

Babyface recently battled the covid-19 and recovered which pushed the date back but it definitely did not disappoint. Babyface has a decorated resume writing and producing 26 #1 hits and earning 11 Grammys while Teddy Riley has 2 Grammys as well. This was a historic moment in music as 2 producers who are responsible for a lot of the songs we grew up on gave us an epic battle. If you missed it, check it out below!

Teddy Riley Verzuz Babyface - RnB Hits Broke IG Live [Full Version]

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