Today is the day the Recording Academy reveals the 61st GRAMMY Awards nominees, including this year's list of contenders for Best New Artist. This year's nominees are (cue drumroll): Chloe X Halle, Luke Combs, Greta Van Fleet, H.E.R., Dua Lipa, Margo Price, Bebe Rexha and Jorja Smith. With so much rising talent in contention this year, let's learn a bit more about each nominee's breakout year in music.

Chloe X Halle

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Sisters Chloe and Halle Bailey, aka Chloe X Halle, may only be 20 and 18 years old, respectively, but the pop-infused R&B duo from Atlanta has been on the rise for several years already, with their first big break coming when Beyoncé noticed their YouTube cover of her song "Pretty Hurts" and signed them to her Parkwood Entertainment label in 2013. Since then, Chloe X Halle offered support for the European leg of Beyoncé's 2016 Formation Tour and the U.S. leg of her and Jay-Z's On The Run II Tour earlier this year.

Chloe X Halle released their debut album The Kids Are Alright in March 2018. The album's lead single and title track was featured on the TV show "Grown-ish," and they have recurring roles in the show. The Kids Are Alright is also nominated this year for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

Luke Combs

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Originally from Ashville, N.C., rising country singer Luke Combs moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue his passion of performing live and making music. Inspired by his country heroes Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan, he steadily gained a following in the country music world after getting signed to Colombia Nashville and re-releasing his hit single "Hurricane" in 2016, which has since gone double platinum. Combs has spawned more hits, including "Beautiful Crazy," since releasing his debut album, This One's For You, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart.

Greta Van Fleet

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Twin brothers Josh and Jake Kiszka (age 21), their younger brother Sam (age 19), and friend Danny Wagner (also 19), from Frankenmuth, Mich. make up revivalist rock band Greta Van Fleet. They may be young but listening to their songs takes you back to the golden age of '70s psychedelic rock. They had songs featured in a car commercial (targeted at "cool dads" nonetheless) and the TV show "Shameless" before they ever released their debut single, "Highway Tune," in March 2017, which spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs chart and catapulted them into becoming one of the most-buzzed about new rock bands. Following two EPs, they released their debut full-length album Anthem of the Peaceful Army in October 2018. Greta Van Fleet have three other nominations, with "Highway Tune" up for Best Rock Performance, "Black Smoke Rising" in the running for Best Rock Song, and their second EP, From The Fires, in consideration for Best Rock Album.

Read On: Exclusive: Greta Van Fleet On Lollapalooza, "When The Curtain Falls" & Touring

H.E.R.

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R&B singer/songwriter H.E.R., which stands for Having Everything Revealed, may prefer to not reveal everything about who she, born Gabi Wilson in Northern California (although she has yet to confirm this), is, yet her soulful music offers a window into the experiences she has had so far in her 21 years of life. She released her self-titled debut album in October 2017, which combined her first two EPs (H.E.R. Vol 1 and 2) plus 6 new tracks.

Her breakout single, "Focus," originally part of H.E.R Vol. 1, got the attention of Rihanna, who shared the song in an Instagram video in April 2017 to her over 66 million followers. The song's video, released in March 2018, has racked almost 6 million views on YouTube. She is the running for four additional GRAMMYs in her debut year, including for both Album Of The Year and Best R&B Album for H.E.R., Best R&B Performance for "Best Part" featuring Daniel Caesar and Best R&B Song for "Focus," which she co-wrote with Darhyl Camper Jr. and Justin Love.

Learn More: Something About Her: The Mystery Of H.E.R.

Dua Lipa

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Rising 23-year-old popstar Dua Lipa, hailing from London, has been on a roll since her breakout single "New Rules" took the internet and airwaves by storm as one of the singles from her self-titled debut LP, released in June 2017. The song's has gone on to spawn fan videos from around the world and rack up over 1.5 billion views on YouTube to date. In April 2018 Calvin Harris dropped "One Kiss" featuring the singer/songwriter, and in September, Silk City, the Diplo and Mark Ronson production duo, put out another viral Lipa-track, "Electricity." The latter trio is in the running this year for Best Dance Recording for "Electricity."

Read More: Dua Lipa Reflects On Her Journey To Pop Stardom: "Absolutely Mental"

Margo Price

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Nashville-based 33-year-old Americana singer/songwriter Margo Price started turning heads for her feminist-infused brand of country/folk music when she released "Hurtin' (On The Bottle)" in late 2015 as the lead single from her debut album, Midwest Farmer's Daughter. Price has a lot to say and isn't afraid to say it, as evidenced by her breakout sophomore album All American Made in October 2017 on Jack White's Third Man Records. The album features poignant songs such as "Pay Gap," a tribute to the ongoing fight for women's rights, and "Weakness," a look at her own feelings, pains and imperfections. The album also features an appearance from the great Willie Nelson on her song "Learning To Lose."

Hear More: Exclusive: Margo Price On 'All American Made,' Women's Rights & More

Bebe Rexha

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Bebe Rexha, born Bleta Rexha, is a 29-year-old Brooklyn-born-and-raised pop singer/songwriter who got her start in music penning songs for big stars like David Guetta, Selena Gomez, Rihanna and others, including for Eminem's GRAMMY-winning 2013 track featuring Rihanna, "The Monster." She began to make her own voice heard with several breakout collabs, including in 2015 on G-Eazy's "Me, Myself & I" and in 2016 on Martin Garrix' "In The Name Of Love." With the release of her solo single "I Got You" in 2016, the rising star carved a niche for herself in the heavily-saturated pop world. Following her three EPs, she dropped her breakout debut studio album, Expectations, in June 2018.

Not afraid to surprise her fans, Rexha went "a lil' bit country" and recorded "Meant To Be" with Florida Georgia Line in 2017, which she shared is one her favorite songs from All Your Fault: Part 2, her third EP. The song's video has over 650 million views on YouTube to date and has her and Florida Georgia Line in the running for Best Country Duo/Group Performance this year.

In Her Words: Bebe Rexha On 'All Your Fault,' Harry Potter & Cardi B

Jorja Smith

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The buzz around 21-year-old R&B singer/songwriter from the U.K. Jorja Smith began almost as soon as she self-released her debut single "Blue Lights" in January 2016 on SoundCloud, gaining almost half a million listens in just a month. Her second single, "Where Do I Go," got noticed by Drake, who soon tapped her for a collab on his album More Life—you can hear her on "Jorja Interlude" and "Get It Together," which also features South African DJ/producer Black Coffee—and took her on his several dates of his 2017 Boy Meets World tour.

Smith officially arrived when she released her debut studio album Lost And Found in June 2018, which includes a re-release of "Blue Lights," along with new hit singles, including "Teenage Fantasy." She is also featured on a Kendrick Lamar track, "I Am," on the Black Panther Soundtrack, which is nominated for Album Of The Year.

The final month of 2024 is upon us. Filled with a festive — yet a little chaotic — mood, it's a great month to discover new albums to soundtrack your trips, block out the noise outside, or find the perfect gift for the music aficionados in your life.

In the upcoming weeks, Dua Lipa will release the live recording of her concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, Lucinda Williams will pay homage to the Beatles with a new LP recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, and Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre will try to replicate the magic of 1996's Doggystyle with upcoming Missionary.

K-pop lovers will rejoice with a new EP by TWICE, BLACKPINK's Rosé long-awaited debut album, and a brand new Stray Kids mixtape. For those who also enjoy J-pop, Travis Japan will come back with VIIsual. And for those who like completely different stuff, Hepcat will release a dub version of their classic Scientific, a new posthumous LP from late rapper DMX will drop, and Pure Prairie League will bring forth their first album in almost two decades.

Travis Japan — 'VIIsual' (Dec. 4)

J-pop sensation Travis Japan are gearing up for a comeback on Dec. 4 with their sophomore studio album, VIIsual. The 13-track collection showcases the septet's synergy and creativity in its best form. Each member produced one song in the album, reflecting their individual styles while still forming a propulsive whole.

Spearheading the project, Travis Japan released the buoyant pop-rock singles "Crazy Crazy" and "Fly Higher," as well as "Sweetest Tune," the theme for TV Asahi's "Tokyo Tower" (starring group member Genta Matsuda), and the '80's chill of "T.G.I. Friday Night."

VIIsual follows 2023's Road to A, and the band's recently wrapped first world tour, including sold-out stops in Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York.

Dua Lipa — 'Dua Lipa Live From the Royal Albert Hall' (Dec. 6)

Dua Lipa fans can soon relive her extraordinary Royal Albert Hall concert with the release of her live album, Dua Lipa Live From the Royal Albert Hall, available Dec. 6. The performance, held on Oct. 17 at the prestigious London venue, was a dazzling showcase of her songs from Radical Optimism.

"For the longest time, I've had this idea to reimagine my music with an orchestra," Lipa said in a recent statement.  "When I was making Radical Optimism, I was constantly thinking about the live element and how these songs would transform on stage."

Accompanied by a seven-piece band, a full choir, and the 53 members of the Heritage Orchestra, Lipa described the opportunity as "perfect" for reconstructing and celebrating her music "in such a beautiful and intimate way."

"The experience was entirely thrilling and equally rewarding. It was a dream come true, and something I'll always take with me," she added. Now, fans can take the experience with them too, as they await the North American leg of her Radical Optimism tour, set to begin in September 2025.

TWICE — 'STRATEGY' (Dec. 6)

Following a remix of Megan Thee Stallion's viral hit "Mamushi," K-pop girl group TWICE will join forces with the Houston rapper once again. Their upcoming fourteenth EP, Strategy, features Stallion on the title track of the album, set to drop Dec. 6.

In a 15-second snippet of the song, TWICE sing lines such as "Hey boy, once I get ya/ You'll be oh so glad that I met ya," while Stallion announces her name, foreshadowing a fun and sassy collaboration. Strategy follows TWICE's February EP, With You-th, and new solo music from vocalist Nayeon and youngest member Tzuyu, as well as Japanese subunit MISAMO.

In October, during their ninth-anniversary fan meeting, TWICE delighted fans with a surprise performance of their upcoming b-side "Sweetest Obsession." Although the group concluded their Ready to Be World tour in July, their prolific track record suggests it won't take long before new live dates for 2025 are announced.

Scientist Meets Hepcat — 'Scientific Dub Special' (Dec. 6)

After the passing of founding member Greg Lee in the beginning of the year, California ska legends Hepcat will keep his memory alive with a dub reissue of their 1996 masterpiece, Scientific. The album was produced by one of dub music's forefathers, Scientist, and is set to drop on Dec. 6 via Trust Records.

"Greg Lee believed it would be cool if Scientist would dub Scientific. He liked the play on names and the historic implications," the band shared in a statement. Said and done, Hepcat eventually met Scientist, who agreed to produce the LP. Back in January, Lee was still alive to approve the final mixes, making it even more special. "Greg Lee is Hepcat personified," they added. "One of the strongest and greatest songwriters of Hepcat's history. A mastermind. A positive source of inspiration. A leader. An eternal flame."

The album will be accompanied by a deluxe reissue of Scientific, and by limited vinyl copies included in the deluxe set. Along with the announcement, Hepcat shared Scientist's "Bobby & Joe (Rambo Dub)."

Lauren Mayberry — 'Vicious Creature' (Dec. 6)

After embarking on her first solo tour last year, CHVRCHES lead singer Lauren Mayberry will finally drop her debut studio album, Vicious Creature, on Dec. 6. The project has been teased through singles  "Are You Awake?," "Shame," "Change Shapes," "Something in the Air," and "Crocodile Tears" — all of which expand on her keen lyricism and nostalgic electronic beats.

"So much of this process has been an exercise in empowering myself to listen to my own intuition — something I really trained myself out of," said Mayberry in a statement. "That's ultimately why you start making things — because you felt a feeling, and you wanted to articulate that somehow. I think it was important for me to relearn that kind of independence, and recognize what I bring to any table I choose to sit at."

The Scottish singer worked on Vicious Creatures with producers Greg Kurstin, Matthew Korma, Tobias Jesso Jr., Ethan Gruska, and Dan McDougall. Starting January 2025, Mayberry will embark on a 24-stop North American tour and will head to the U.K. for six shows in March.

Lucinda Williams — 'Lucinda Williams Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road' (Dec. 6)

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, acclaimed singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams started Lu's Jukebox. Initially a six-part series of full-band, HD video performances in-studio, Lu's Jukebox featured sets of cover songs curated by Williams and streamed for a fee, with proceeds going to venues suffering from the lack of live performances at the time. 

Four years later, Williams turned to the Jukebox again — this time to record The Beatles' songs at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. Serving as Vol. 7 of the series, Lucinda Williams Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road will be released on Dec. 6.

Featuring 12 tracks that range from big hits like "Can't Buy Me Love," "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Something," to hidden gems such as "I'm So Tired," "I've Got A Feeling," and "Yer Blues," Williams and her band inhabit the Beatles' timeless songs and give them a singular soul.

Pure Prairie League — 'Back On Track' (Dec. 6)

Country-rock mavens Pure Prairie League are Back On Track with their new album. After nearly two decades without studio releases, the '70s and '80's formative ensemble prove that they are still on top of trends while never losing their essence.

Back On Track is set to release on Dec. 6 and, according to a statement, "flows like a freshwater river making its way through moss-covered rocks to its home in a cool clear lake." Spanning 12 cuts that display a "rejuvenated band," the album blends country, rock, pop, and R&B into an accessible, unique sound.

Produced by bandleader and veteran PPL bassist Michael Reilly, Back On Track was recorded at Riverfront Recorders in Madison, Tennessee with additional recording at Twilight Zona Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee. "We're hoping that our fans will be as pleased with the new record as we are proud of what we've done," Reilly said.

Angel Olsen — 'Cosmic Waves Volume 1' (Dec. 6)

"As someone that emerged into the music scene through a small tape label, I've wanted to continue the spirit of discovery and of my debut release, Strange Cacti, while supporting and collaborating with artists and friends whose music I have been moved by," said indie star Angel Olsen in a press release about her upcoming album, Cosmic Waves Volume 1.

Outlined as "a compilation reimagined as a dialogue," Cosmic Waves is composed of sides A and B. The first features artists selected by Olsen, with each of them choosing a song of their own for the collection. The latter comprises songs from the same artists, but chosen and recorded by Olsen.

"I feel there is something unique and special about covering another artist's song. We all make it our own, or we try to, but I personally always learn something new about the process when I'm engaging someone else's words and melodies in such a close way," she added.

Among the artists contributing to Cosmic Waves Volume 1 are Poppy Jean Crawford, Coffin Prick, Sarah Grace White, Maxim Ludwig, and Camp Saint Helene. To celebrate, Olsen and all the artists will be having a release party at Los Angeles venue In The Meantime.

Rosé — 'rosie' (Dec. 6)

If you had never heard of Rosé before, October's viral "APT." with Bruno Mars certainly changed that. The addictive track brought even more people to see what fans of the BLACKPINK vocalist have seen for almost a decade — Rosé is destined to shine.

Her upcoming debut studio album is scheduled to drop on Dec. 6 through Atlantic Records. Rosie is "the name I allow my friends and family to call me," she shared on Instagram. "With this album, I hope you all feel that much closer to me."

Rosé described the year-long process of making the record as "walking in and out of the studio, writing songs with songwriters and producers I'd met for the first time, trying to figure out the next chapter in my career," and that she poured her "blood and tears" into it. The result is a relatable, emotional "little journal" (as she called it) of a promising global star.

Read more: Breaking Down Every Solo Act From BLACKPINK

Roddy Ricch — 'The Navy Album' (Dec. 6)

Roddy Ricch has been largely out of the spotlight since 2022's mixtape Feed Tha Streets III, but this December will mark his awaited return. The Compton rapper is set to release his third studio effort, The Navy Album, on Dec. 6.

Although the official date might change (Ricch has since deleted the announcement post on X/Twitter), there's a great chance The Navy Album will still come out this month — it follows 2019's Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial and 2021's Live Life Fast, which were both released in December of their respective years.

Throughout this year, Ricch featured on Gunna's "Let It Breathe" and Kendrick Lamar's "dodger blue." Off the new album, he shared the rumoured lead single "Survivor's Remorse" and "911."

Laura Nyro — 'Hear My Song: The Collection, 1966–1995' (Dec. 6)

One of the most brilliant folk singers of the U.S., Laura Nyro, is getting a deserved rediscovery this month. Hear My Song: The Collection, 1966–1995 is coming Dec. 6, and includes a massive 19 albums, plus a 90-page coffee-table book with unseen photos and a foreword by Elton John.

Hear My Song compiles Nyro's 10 studio albums, from her 1967 debut More Than a New Discovery to 2021's posthumous Angel in the Dark, six live albums — two of which are previously unreleased — her 1966 Go Find The Moon demo tape, and a rarities CD.

Nyro's work was a major influence on the work of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Alicia Keys, St. Vincent, Tori Amos, and more. "She wrote songs that had no kind of fixed compass point," said Elton John in a statement about the collection. "They remain as unique and absolutely spellbinding to this day as when I first heard them in the '60s."

Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre — 'Missionary' (Dec. 13)

In 2022, Snoop Dogg teased the idea of a 30th-anniversary album to honor his 1993 masterpiece, Doggystyle. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rap records of all time, Doggystyle showcased the unparalleled synergy between Snoop and producer Dr. Dre.

Now, after much anticipation, the celebratory album — titled Missionary — finally has a release date: Dec. 13. Also produced by Dr. Dre, the project features 15 tracks, including the singles "Gorgeous" with Jhené Aiko and "Outta Da Blue" with Dre and Alus. On the remaining tracklist, there are stellar participations by Tom Petty, Sting, Jelly Roll, 50 Cent, Eminem, and more.

In an interview for ET, Dre said that working with Snoop was "much more fun" this time around. "We were kids at that time, you know what I mean?" he added. "This one is gonna show a different level of maturity with his lyrics and with my music. I feel like this is some of the best music I've done in my career."

DMX — 'Let Us Pray: Chapter X' (Dec. 13)

While mostly known for his violent lyrics, late rapper DMX was a born-again Christian, and a deeply spiritual man. Therefore, his upcoming posthumous album, Let Us Pray: Chapter X, aims to explore a less-popular side of the iconic star. 

Coming out Dec. 13, Let Us Pray will reflect on DMX's complexity and emotionality by pairing his prayers with original music from GRAMMY-winning songwriter and producer Warryn Campbell. The album also packs a stellar line of contributors, including Snoop Dogg, Mary Mary, Killer Mike, MC Lyte, Lecrae, and more.

"Working on Let Us Pray: Chapter X has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for me as a creative," Campbell said in a statement. "When you hear the voice of DMX, it inspires instant creativity and what better way to showcase who X really was than through prayer."

Stray Kids — '合 (HOP)' (Dec. 13)

As prolific as their labelmates TWICE, K-pop boy group Stray Kids are also closing 2024 on a big note. Their upcoming mixtape, 合 (HOP), is the first installment of a new project titled SKZHOP HIPTAPE — a name that combines Stray Kids' abbreviation "SKZ" with "hip-hop."

In a press release by their label JYP Entertainment, 合 (HOP) is said to carry a double meaning, combining "hop" from hip-hop and its Korean homophone, the hanja 合, which means "unity."

The record is also described as containing "songs in Stray Kids' own 'new genre' that can't be officially defined."

Stray Kids have been sharing sneak peeks of the songs through their "Unveil: Track" videos on social media. The tracklist also includes each member's new solo songs — first performed during their ongoing Dominate World Tour. Track "U" features a first-class feature by Epik High's frontman, Tablo.

Read more: What's Next For K-Pop? A Roundtable Unpacks The Genre's Past, Present And Future

Mario — 'Glad You Came' (Dec. 13)

It's been six years since R&B notable Mario released a studio album, 2018's Dancing Shadows. The much-anticipated Glad You Came will break that spell on Dec. 13.

"My successes and failures in the department of love and my imagination are what helped me to create this body of work," Mario told Billboard in a recent interview about the new LP. "I had the pleasure of creating alongside James Fauntleroy, who executive-produced this project and wrote multiple songs with me. We have the same mission in our hearts of helping to preserve the art form."

The Baltimore native added that Glad You Came "embodies the very essence of the quality of classic R&B and retro-futuristic sound that can be played in any space" and that it is permeated by "vulnerability and confidence."

Mario shared the smooth singles "Space" and "Glad You Came" to preview the album. In January 2025, he will join Ne-Yo and Mary J. Blige on her The For My Fans Tour.

Editor's note: This article was updated to include the latest information about Kendrick Lamar's 2024 album release 'GNX,' and up-to-date GRAMMY wins and nominations with additional reporting by Nina Frazier.

When the world crowns you the king of a genre as competitive as rap, your presence — and lack thereof — is palpable. After a five-year hiatus, Kendrick Lamar declaratively stomped back on stage with his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, to explain why the crown no longer fits him.

Two years later, Lamar circles back to celebrate the west on 2024's GNX, a 12-track release that revels in the root of his love for hip-hop and California culture, from the lowriders to the rappers that laid claim to the golden state.

“My baby boo, you either heal n—s or you kill n—s/ Both is true, it take some tough skin just to deal with you” Lamar raps on "gloria" featuring SZA, a track that opines on his relationship with the genre.

The Compton-born rapper (who was born Kendrick Lamar Duckworth) wasn't always championed as King Kendrick. In hip-hop, artists have to earn that moniker, and Lamar's enthroning occurred in 2013 when he delivered a now-infamous verse on Big Sean's "Control."

"I'm Makaveli's offspring, I'm the King of New York, King of the Coast; one hand I juggle 'em both," Lamar raps before name-dropping some of the top rappers of the time, from Drake to J.Cole.

Whether you've been a fan of Lamar since before his crown-snatching verse or you find yourself in need of a crash course on the 37-year-old rapper's illustrious career, GRAMMY.com answers nine questions that will paint the picture of Lamar's more than decade-long reign.

Who Discovered Kendrick Lamar?

Due to the breakthrough success of his Aftermath Entertainment debut (good kid, m.A.A.d city), most people attribute Kendrick Lamar's discovery to fellow Compton legend Dr. Dre. But seven years before Dre's label came calling, Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith saw potential in a 16-year-old rapper by the name of K.Dot.

Lamar's first mixtape in 2004 was enough for Tiffith's Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) to offer the aspiring rapper a deal with the label in 2005. However, Lamar would later learn that Tiffith's impact on his life dates back to multiple encounters between his father and the TDE founder, which Lamar raps about in his 2017 track "DUCKWORTH."

How Many Albums Has Kendrick Lamar Released?

Kendrick Lamar has released six studio albums: Section.80 (2011), Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) DAMN. (2017),Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022), and GNX (2024). Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN. received both Rap Album Of The Year and Album Of The Year GRAMMY nominations. 

What Is Kendrick Lamar's Most Popular Song?

Across the board, it's "HUMBLE." The 2017 track is Lamar's only solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (he also reached No. 1 status with Taylor Swift on their remix of her 1989 hit "Bad Blood"), and as of press time, "HUMBLE." is also his most-streamed song on Spotify and YouTube.

How Many GRAMMYs Has Kendrick Lamar Won?

As of November 2024, Kendrick Lamar has won 17 GRAMMYs and has received 57 GRAMMY nominations overall, solidifying his place as one of the most nominated artists in GRAMMY history and the second-most nominated rapper of all time, behind Jay-Z. Five of Lamar's 17 GRAMMY wins are tied to DAMN., which also earned Lamar the status of becoming the first rapper ever to win a Pulitzer Prize.

His most recent wins include three awards at the 2023 GRAMMYs, which included two for his album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, and Best Rap Performance for "The Hillbillies" with Baby Keem. 

Does Kendrick Lamar Have Any Famous Relatives?

He has two: Rapper Baby Keem and former Los Angeles Lakers star Nick Young are both cousins of his.

Lamar appeared on three tracks — "family ties," "range brothers" and "vent" — from Keem's debut album, The Melodic Blue. Keem then returned the favor for Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, featuring on "Savior (Interlude)" and "Savior" as well as receiving production and writing credits on "N95" and "Die Hard."

Read More: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: Baby Keem On Inspiring Rap's Next Generation, Why "Producer Artists" Are The Best & The Likelihood Of A Kendrick Lamar Collab Album

Why Did Kendrick Lamar Wear A Crown Of Thorns?

Lamar can be seen sporting a crown of thorns on the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers album cover. He has sported the look for multiple performances since the project's release.

Dave Free described the striking headgear as, "a godly representation of hood philosophies told from a digestible youthful lens."

Holy symbolism and the blurred line between kings and gods are themes Lamar revisits often on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. He uses lines like "Kendrick made you think about it, but he is not your savior" and songs like "Mirror" to reject the unforeseen, God-like expectations that came with his King of Hip-Hop status.

According to Vogue, the Tiffany & Co. designed crown features 8,000 cobblestone micro pave diamonds and took over 1,300 hours of work by four craftsmen to construct.

Why Did Kendrick Lamar Leave TDE?

After five albums, four mixtapes, one compilation project, an EP, and a GRAMMY-nominated Black Panther: The Album, Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) confirmed that Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was the Compton rapper's last project under the iconic West Coast label. 

According to Lamar, his departure was about growth as opposed to any internal troubles. "May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators. As I continue to pursue my life's calling," Lamar wrote on his website in August 2021. "There's beauty in completion."

TDE president Punch expressed a similar sentiment in an interview with Mic. "We watched him grow from a teenager up into an established grown man, a businessman, and one of the greatest artists of all time," he said. "So it's time to move on and try new things and venture out."

Before Lamar's official exit from TDE, he launched a new venture called pgLang — a multi-disciplinary service company for creators, co-founded with longtime collaborator Dave Free — in 2020. The young company has already collaborated with Cash App, Converse and Louis Vuitton.

Has Kendrick Lamar Ever Performed at The Super Bowl?

Yes, Kendrick Lamar performed in the halftime show for Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles in 2022, alongside fellow rap legends Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem, as well as R&B icon Mary J. Blige. Anderson .Paak and 50 Cent also made special appearances during the star-studded performance. As if performing at the Super Bowl in your home city wasn't enough, the Compton rapper also got to watch his home team, the Los Angeles Rams, hoist the Lombardi trophy at the end of the night.

Three years after his first Super Bowl halftime performance, Lamar will return to headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Feb. 9, 2025 — just one week after the 2025 GRAMMYs — at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. 

Is Kendrick Lamar On Tour?

Yes. Kendrick Lamar is currently scheduled to hit the road with SZA on the Grand National Tour beginning in May 2025. Lamar concluded The Big Steppers Tour in 2022, where he was joined by pgLang artists Baby Keem and Tanna Leone. The tour included a four-show homecoming at L.A.'s Crypto.com Arena in September 2022, followed by performances in Europe,Australia, and New Zealand through late 2022. 

Currently, there are no upcoming tour dates scheduled, but fans should check back for updates following the release of GNX.

The Latin music community is buzzing with excitement following a week of events leading up to the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Held at Miami's Kaseya Center on Nov. 14, the 2024 GRAMMYs showcased the best and the brightest in global Latin sounds.

In the lead-up to The Biggest Night In Latin Music, a series of festivities offered a rare glimpse into the heart of Latin music’s vibrant culture. Latin GRAMMY Week brought artists, producers, and fans together on star-studded red carpets and intimate industry events — each of which was electric with anticipation, celebration, and reflection. 

Read more: 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Winners & Nominations List

Continue celebrating 25 years of Latin Music excellence with a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the unforgettable moments that have made this week in Miami one to remember. 

Leading Ladies Got Their Flowers

One of the first events of Latin GRAMMY week was the 8th edition of the Leading Ladies in Entertainment, a heartfelt celebration of women who have made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment world.

The event was hosted by Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Becky G (who also performed at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs) and was held inside inside the Loews Hotel. Portraits of honorees Ana Rosa Santiago, Vivir Quintana, Julieta Venegas and Diana Rodríguez were displayed on elegant arches draped in peach and gold. A warmth and intensity buzzed throughout the room, which was amplified by Becky G's encouragement. 

Each honoree's speech reflected the event's theme of elevating women and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. Quintana's powerful speech shared sage wisdom with aspiring music professionals in the room. “You absolutely do not have to change anything about yourself. Just work on your talent, be who you are, and follow your inner compass always,” she told the crowd, sparking a standing ovation. 

In a sweet touch to the already outstanding celebration, attendees were invited to create personalized bouquets. The gesture left honorees and guests alike feeling empowered and appreciated, with the evening both symbolically and quite literally giving everyone their flowers for their contributions to Latin music and culture.

Nominees "Swam" With The Big Fish

The Latin GRAMMY Awards do more than recognize artistic excellence — they invite nominees into a circle of industry peers who celebrate each other's achievements. At the Latin GRAMMY Nominee Reception, this vibrant community bonded over a deep appreciation for the artistry, dedication, and hard work it takes to earn this peer-voted honor.

The crowd at the Frost Science Museum’s Ocean Gallery was a mix of first-time Latin GRAMMY nominees such as Latin Mafia and Carlos Rivera, international stars such as Alok, and recently-announced nominees for the 2025 GRAMMYs.  Producers and collaborators who work with J Noa, Peso Pluma, Residente, Anitta and Kali Uchis were also in attendance. Guests represented a range of genres and disciplines: violinists, songwriters, DJs, salsa musicians, and even the singing clowns of Payasitas Nifu Nifa, who make children’s music, mingled energetically. 

Nominees proudly donned their medallions, capturing this pivotal career moment on the red carpet and posing in front of a giant, golden GRAMMY. The reception featured a stunning aquarium view, and guests could watch the fish, sharks, and stingrays swimming peacefully above them and snapped more photos. The aquarium was a fitting scene: this year’s class of nominees certainly got here by making waves in the music industry.

The Future Sounded Bright As Rising Stars Hit The Stage 

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Held at Miami Beach’s Faena Forum and presented by Mastercard and Bank of America, the third annual Best New Artist Showcase brought an exciting spotlight to the future of Latin music. Over a performance-filled day, each of the seven Best New Artist nominees brought their unique flavor to the stage.

From Nicolle Horbath’s fresh popteño style to 13-year-old Kevin Aguilar’s heartfelt mariachi and corridos, every performance showcased a captivating fusion of genres. The crowd was especially energized when the three-piece girl group DARUMAS delivered an electrifying rock cover of Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," getting everyone on their feet.

Other standout performances included Agris, Cacá Magalhães, Os Garotins, Íñigo Quintero, Sofi Saar, and Ela Taubert. Ultimately, it was Ela Taubert who took home the Latin GRAMMY on Thursday night, and she closed out the week with an emotional performance of her hit "¿Cómo Pasó?" alongside Joe Jonas at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs. 

This showcase not only highlighted the diverse talent shaping the future of Latin music but also gave attendees an unforgettable opportunity to experience the next generation of superstars up close.

Carlos Vives' Life & Influence Was Fêted

The annual Latin GRAMMY Person Of The Year Year celebration honored Colombian artist and philanthropist Carlos Vives. The annual event drew a crowd of about 2,000 attendees to the Miami Beach Convention Center, including legends in Latin music and the next generation of stars.

Guests arrived in ornate attire, enjoying drinks and capturing memories with the Glambot’s interactive photo experience. Among the star-studded crowd were Camilo, Grupo Frontera, Rico Love, Aymee Nuviola, AleMor, and many more. The mayor of Miami also took the stage to offer a few heartfelt words of appreciation for Vives’ contributions. 

Read more: Carlos Vives, The 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year, On The Colombia Music & Culture That Made Him

The evening culminated in a historic moment when six previous Latin GRAMMY Person Of The Year honorees gathered to pay tribute to Vives, a powerful salute to his legacy and impact on the Latin music community. Onstage at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, Carlos Vives was saluted by 2023 MusiCares Person Of The Year Jon Bon Jovi.

Somos Familia

In collaboration with the Recording Academy’s Florida Chapter,BMI and Rebeleon Entertainment, Latin music producers and artists gathered to celebrate in true Miami fashion — with a party. 

At the Los Producers event, attendees filled the venue’s balconies for the best views, while Latin GRAMMY nominees such as Cimafunk, Agris, Latin Mafia, and Trooko were spotted among the crowd. Guests danced and mingled to a mix of '80s classics and rock, all delivered in a Spanglish blend that had the crowd singing along. But the night truly came alive during a series of energetic performances from the likes of five-time Latin GRAMMY winner Luis Fonsi, The Warning, and Bruses.

Prior to taking the stage, Fonsi and his bandmates shared a sweet moment. The group sang "Happy Birthday" and brought out a cake for their guitarist, exemplifying the tight-knit family bond that defines the Latin music community. 

GRAMMY U Gained On The Ground Experience 

Throughout the week, over 75 GRAMMY U members volunteered on the talent team escorting artists such as Gloria Estefan and DARUMAS.

Florida Chapter Member Amy Torres shared her experience: "My dream has always been to work in the Latin music industry so this is a dream come true. This week, I’ve seen a lot of artists I’ve admired growing up and made connections both within GRAMMY U and outside of the organization." 

Patience Murray, a non-student GRAMMY U Member and singer/songwriter based in Florida, described GRAMMY Week as a "mind-blowing experience." "Being able to witness a music event of this caliber and magnitude felt like a once-in-a-lifetime manifestation exercise, and I'm grateful to have seen the stages I dream to one day perform on," she said, adding that her favorite part of the week was connecting with other GRAMMY U members. 

"I have gained so much respect for the talent teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every show looks effortless and enjoyable for the fans," Murray added.

2024 Latin GRAMMY Week was the definitive celebration of music's power to connect and inspire. As Latin music cements its place on the global stage, it’s clear that these artists are not only shaping the future of the industry but also fostering a greater sense of shared identity that transcends borders. 

Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 won Record Of The Year for "Mambo 23" at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.

Throughout his 40-year career, Juan Luis Guerra has won three GRAMMY Awards and 28 Latin GRAMMY Awards. In 2007, the Dominican artist and musician was honored by the Latin Recording Academy as Person Of The Year for popularizing bachata and merengue music.

Known as an innovator of tropical music, Guerra has always tried to see how far he could push the rhythms of the Dominican Republic. With his November 2023 EP, Radio Güira, he incorporated music from the streets of his country into the Caribbean genres that he’s known for. On the sprawling and ambitious "Mambo 23,” recorded entirely in the Dominican Republic, merengue collides with elements of trap and dembow music. 

The win also comes as the singer celebrates 40 years with his band, 4.40, named for the frequency often used to tune stringed instruments and pianos. Janina Rosado, the group’s musical director and co-producer, thanked their fans for the award. “For forty years, you’ve been listening to 4.40. Here’s to the continuation of 4.40, that it keeps going.”

Watch: Watch Juan Luis Guerra Latin GRAMMY Win For Best Tropical Song For "Las Avispas" In 2005 | GRAMMY Rewind

Other nominees for Record Of The Year included Anitta's "Mil Veces," Bad Bunny's "Monaco," Camilo & Carin León's "Una Vida Pasada," Cimafunk & Monsieur Periné's "Catalina," Jorge Drexler's "Derrumbe," Fonseca & Grupo Niche's "Con Dinero y Sin Dinero," Karol G's "Mi Ex Tenía Razón," Mon Laferte's "Tenochtitlán," and Kali Uchis & Peso Pluma's "Igual Que Un Ángel." 

Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.