‘Adele is mad ratchet’ and Other Music News While You Were Away

Kendrick Lamars album, To Pimp A Butterfly, has been nominated for 11 Grammys.

via twitter.com

Kendrick Lamar’s album, To Pimp A Butterfly, has been nominated for 11 Grammys.

Opheli Lawler, Staff Writer

Over winter break, Frank Ocean released his new album — just kidding. However, here’s some music news that did happen over break that you might have missed.

Kanye West released three songs and announced that his highly anticipated forthcoming record “Waves” will be out Feb. 11. The first of the songs was a diss track about Nike, and it was decidedly awful. The second two songs were incredible, and hopefully reflect quality of the rest of the upcoming album. The third song, “No More Parties in LA,” featured Kendrick Lamar and was received with ample acclaim on the internet.

Just before his passing on Jan. 10, David Bowie released “Blackstar,” which shot to the top of the charts in the weeks after his death. Bowie also broke Adele’s Vevo record for views in a 24-hour period in the days after his death. Glenn Frey, a lead singer of the Eagles, passed away on Jan. 18, adding yet another beloved individual to the list of celebrity deaths.

Grammy nominations were announced, with Kendrick Lamar getting 11 nods, more than any other artist, for his widely acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” The award show, airing on Feb. 15, will also include notable nominees Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj and newcomer Kehlani. Kendrick’s Grammy nods are just a portion of his growing success. In January, President Barack Obama said in an interview that he preferred Kendrick Lamar over Drake. This was in the same week that Compton city officials announced that Kendrick would be receiving keys to the city.

Lady Gaga, The Weeknd and Sam Smith were nominated for Oscars for their original songs. Lady Gaga also won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Limited Series/TV Movie for her role in “American Horror Story: Hotel.”

James Cordon’s Carpool Karaoke made huge waves when Adele lip synced Nicki Minaj’s verse in “Monster,” earning a compliment from Minaj herself: “Adele is mad ratchet.” James Cordon’s Carpool Karaoke is almost painful to watch because it evokes memories of the days when One Direction was still together. With each member working on a solo project and Frank Ocean rumored to be working on Zayn’s new album, many fear there will be no reunion for the boy band.

Cage the Elephant released a new album that is also receiving some strong acclaim and may make festival appearances this summer. Throughout January, multiple lineups for major festivals have been released. One of the most exciting lineups announced was for Governors Ball, which Kanye West is headlining alongside The Strokes, The Killers and Beck from June 3-5.

Future released another mixtape on Jan. 16, and while his fans were excited for more, many are still holding their breath for the release of Drake’s “Views From the 6.” Another album eagerly being awaited upon is Rihanna’s “Anti,” which was rumored to be dropping in December but has yet to appear. With a tour slated to start in February, many fans are nervous about the no-show album.

Email Opheli Lawler at [email protected].