Issa Rae, ‘Rap Sh!t’ Cast Predict Grammy Winners, from SZA to Meryl Streep to Nicki Minaj

For Issa Rae, music has at all times been an additional forged member on the decision sheet.

The nine-time Emmy nominee has used music as a storytelling instrument, extending the voices of her complicated and comedic characters — from the groundbreaking collection Insecure and to her present journey Rap Sh!t to the online collection that launched her profession, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Lady.

“Music elevates the storytelling of all the things. I write to music, [and] you may have a scene that performs out nice however music will add that little little bit of stress, or that spark, or that feeling. It is going to cement a scene in your mind,” she tells The Hollywood Reporter. “There are such a lot of songs that I affiliate with particular scenes which have additionally, in flip, affected my life and my reminiscences, and it simply provides an additional feeling to that tune. So, they actually work hand-in-hand fantastically.”

Rae is so linked to music that it’s arduous to not consider her while you take a look at the nominees on the 2024 Grammy Awards. SZA is the highest contender with 9 nominations, and season 2 of Insecure was devoted to the singer, enjoying the vast majority of her acclaimed debut album Ctrl; SZA even recorded an authentic tune (“Quicksand”) for the collection. Victoria Monét, who has seven nominations, helped shut out season 3 along with her observe “The Glow” and in addition had a second tune on the present’s soundtrack. Leon Thomas, who’s nominated for greatest R&B tune for SZA’s “Snooze,” performed the function of Eddie aka “Neighbor Bae” on the present. And others who’ve been featured on Insecure or Rap Sh!t are nominated on the Feb. 4 awards present, together with 6lack, SiR, Alex Isley and ThankGod4Cody, who’s signed to Rae’s file label Raedio.

So it’s solely applicable that THR recruited Rae — together with the celebrities of Rap Sh!t (KaMillion, Aida Osman) — to foretell who will stroll away as winners on the Grammy Awards. In an interview, as they talk about their love for nominees like SZA, Nicki Minaj, Janelle Monáe and Meryl Streep, the breakthrough actresses additionally dote over their bad-ass boss whereas Rae — who stars within the field workplace hit Barbie — breaks down her dance to Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night time” within the movie.

Issa, what’s it prefer to see artists who have been featured in your exhibits competing on the Grammys?

It’s an honor that Insecure has been capable of function so many artists, given them their first syncs. We’ve carried out the identical on Rap Sh!t, and to see them be awarded and acknowledged on the Grammys, I really feel pleased with them, and I really feel pleased with our collective style in our ears. We’re clearly followers first — that’s why they make it onto the soundtracks. So, we’ll proceed to be followers and root for them ceaselessly.

Let’s get into these predictions, beginning with ALBUM OF THE YEAR, which is dominated by feminine acts. The nominees are: SZA, SOS; Taylor Swift, Midnights; Olivia Rodrigo, Guts; Miley Cyrus, Infinite Summer season Trip; Jon Batiste, World Music Radio; Lana Del Rey, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Below Ocean Blvd; Janelle Monáe, The Age of Pleasure; boygenius, the file.

AIDA OSMAN I believe Taylor Swift, solely due to the sample of the Grammys [and] who they love. However I need SZA to win.

ISSA RAE I believe SZA’s gonna take it. Taylor Swift didn’t even cross my thoughts, which suggests I’m not the demographic. I haven’t heard it. I’ve heard it’s nice, and individuals are evaluating her to Michael Jackson. I don’t know which individuals are doing that — whites! However I’m gonna give it to SZA.

KAMILLION I like Lana Del Rey. I’m like, “The place you been lady?” However I believe I’ma give it to SZA for positive.

RAE Janelle Monáe’s album was phenomenal.

OSMAN: Sure it was.

RAE Yeah, come on. Present us some extra titties. Ha ha.

KAMILLION Titties! We would have liked you.

Do y’all have a favourite tune on SZA’s album?

RAE “SOS.” It simply began off proper. It simply transports you right into a world. Oh, and “Blind.”

OSMAN I like “SOS” as a result of it’s like her tackle Frank Ocean a bit of bit, however she’s like yelling it. It’s so cool. “All that sauce you gave free of charge!”

RAE I like that really.

12 months after yr we see the rapper or the R&B artist of the yr lose, whereas Taylor might win her fourth album of the yr Grammy. I imply, Beyoncé has misplaced what number of instances? 

RAE That was infuriating.

So plenty of us are questioning if SZA might really win. How devastating would it not be if she doesn’t win?

KAMILLION I don’t suppose will probably be disappointing. I believe she is aware of that she’s that lady and what she deserves. Generally you simply don’t get what you deserve, and finally you do. However I’m rooting for her. I believe to see the lady that we relate to … win a Grammy? Like, that’s massive. However she’s ain’t going to cease if she don’t win.

OSMAN She’s bought 9 nominations. I believe she’d be actually pleased with that. We love SZA. And Taylor has Ice Spice on that album, too. That “Karma” observe. So, it’s like, she tapped us. She tapped us.

RECORD OF THE YEAR: SZA, “Kill Invoice”; Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”; Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”; Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”; Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”; Olivia Rodrigo, “Vampire”; Jon Batiste, “Worship”; boygenius; “Not Robust Sufficient.”

OSMAN I believe TikTok received. All of those songs are TikTok songs. I cannot keep away from these on the web.

KAMILLION I need Victoria Monét to win, however I believe Miley Cyrus goes to take this. Or Billie. (Taking a look at Issa), “Did you hear that tune lots? It was in Barbie.”

RAE I didn’t hear that as a lot as I heard Dua Lipa [“Dance the Night”] and “I’m unhealthy just like the Barbie” [Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie World”]. However I like “What Was I Made For?” The primary time I noticed Barbie and I heard that tune, I bought chills. I used to be like, “That is lovely.”

There’s Olivia Rodrigo. Is she killing it?

OSMAN The youngsters love her. They are going to die about that lady. She’s a Disney lady.

RAE I actually suppose Taylor Swift will take file of the yr. And if she takes file of the yr and SZA will get album of the yr, then all people’s comfortable.

That’s true as a result of Taylor has by no means received file of the yr, so I believe she’d be very comfortable.

RAE Let’s solely give her that.

BEST NEW ARTIST: Ice Spice; Victoria Monét; Jelly Roll; Coco Jones; Noah Kahan; Gracie Abrams; Fred once more; The Warfare and Treaty. 

And I need to level out that The Warfare and Treaty is a country-soul married duo, and the feminine member (Tanya Trotter) was in Sister Act 2 and sang “His Eyes on a Sparrow” with Lauryn Hill.

RAE Oh shit! Yo, it pissed me off in Sister Act 2 when she bought interrupted, as a result of that silly nosy nun got here in. They have been getting it in, and I by no means bought to … Properly, I suppose it’s on the soundtrack. However, anyway, I might be trying them up.

KAMILLION I’m simply confused at Jelly Roll and Victoria Monét — they’ve been killing it for a minute. Prefer it’s underdog season, however how they get [nominated for] greatest new artist?

OSMAN I don’t know Jelly Roll.

KAMILLION I do know Jelly Roll. Gang gang.

OSMAN The nation artist? Are you buddies with Jelly Roll?

KAMILLION Gang gang.

OSMAN OK! Gang gang with Jelly Roll.

RAE Wow. You’re so versatile.

KAMILLION Jelly been killing for a minute. I keep in mind when he was within the golf equipment. Jelly tapped in.

RAE The place’s he from?

KAMILLION He’s from the country-country. He a rustic boy. Tatted up, piercings. He rockin’ with us.

OSMAN Perhaps Jelly Roll’s going to win greatest new artist. In all probability.

KAMILLION I believe so. I believe Jelly Roll’s gonna win.

RAE I really feel like Ice Spice will in all probability take it ‘trigger her come-up is loopy. And the Grammys, they’re at all times like, “We’re cool!” And I really feel like they’re going to need to acknowledge her speedy ascent and provides it to her, as a result of she’s been capable of do lots in a short while. However I like Coco and I like me some Vicky Monét.

BEST R&B SONG: Halle Bailey, “Angel”; SZA, “Snooze”; Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”; Coco Jones, “ICU”; Robert Glasper, SiR and Alex Isley, “Again to Love.”

OSMAN Oh no, that is arduous!

RAE That is very arduous. I imply, these songs are nice. And since it’s R&B, the Grammys are like, “That is for the Blacks.” So anyone can take it.

OSMAN I believe “On My Mama” will win. It had such a giant yr. “Snooze” was wonderful, too.

RAE I’m torn between “On My Mama” and “Snooze.”

KAMILLION “ICU” did actually good. I like “On My Mama” however I really feel prefer it hasn’t been out lengthy sufficient. So far as “Snooze,” I simply hear that tune on a regular basis, in all places. So both “ICU” or “Snooze.” However I wish to see Victoria take residence one thing.

OSMAN I heard “Snooze” at Walgreens the opposite day.

KAMILLION However shout-out to Halle although. I really feel like she ought to be within the pop class. The place are the Black ladies in pop?

RAE Was “Angel” a pop tune?

KAMILLION It’s poppy.

OSMAN It’s poppy however she was singing.

KAMILLION It’s like pop-R&B.

OSMAN Want a brand new class: P&B.

KAMILLION Create the class such as you did greatest African music efficiency. Let’s go!

KaMillion, you might have written for therefore many artists together with Rihanna, H.E.R., Trey Songz and Keke Palmer. When you might write a tune about Issa and Aida, what would it not be about?

KAMILLION It could be the best tune on Earth. I believe it could sound like a field of crayons. I don’t know if crayons have a sound, however it could sound like a field of crayons. It could scent like Baccarat. And it simply can be shaking ass all around the world. Even in New Zealand.

Issa and Aida, y’all approve?

OSMAN I like it!

RAE Yeah. I like coloring.

KAMILLION It is going to be very enjoyable. It is going to be comical, ‘trigger they’re humorous as hell. Very witty.

RAE Takes one to know one.

KAMILLION Thanks lady.

BEST R&B ALBUM: Victoria Monét, Jaguar II; Babyface, Ladies Night time Out; Summer season Walker, Clear 2: Smooth Life EP; Coco Jones, What I Didn’t Inform You [Deluxe]; Emily King, Particular Event.

KAMILLION I didn’t know Babyface had an album out. However shout-out to the legend.

OSMAN I simply seen him at a restaurant. I’m going with Victoria Monét’s Jaguar II.

RAE: That or Summer season Walker.

That is Summer season’s first nomination for her personal music. She was beforehand nominated for showing on Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Huge Steppers however had by no means earned a nomination for her personal songs or albums.

KAMILLION For actual? All these albums. Severely?

RAE Then they’re not gonna decide her.

OSMAN How is Smooth Life EP [in an] album [category]? I’m confused.

An EP could be in an album class.

OSMAN There’s no guidelines anymore.

RAE Yeah, they only be making shit up. I believe Coco Jones’ album was very, excellent. However I don’t know that they’re going to offer it to her. Properly, possibly they’ll. I don’t know.

KAMILLION I’m stumped on this one.

RAE I’m stumped.

OSMAN I at all times decide who has essentially the most nominations. Victoria — she has seven.

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE: SZA, “Love Language”; Babyface and Coco Jones, “Easy”; PJ Morton and Susan Carol, “Good Morning”; Kenyon Dixon, “Fortunate”; Victoria Monét, Earth, Wind & Fireplace and Hazel Monét, “Hollywood.” 

Victoria’s 2-year-old daughter is nominated right here and will make Grammy historical past if she wins.

OSMAN Aw. So cute. They should put Hazel in motion pictures. She’s so cute.

RAE She’s lovely.

OSMAN Put her in Boss Child, like stay motion. Give her a movie. Issa, let’s write a movie for Hazel.

RAE I’ll try this tomorrow.

KAMILLION “Love Language” possibly.

RAE How does “Love Language” go once more?

(Interviewer sings SZA’s “Love Language”)

RAE You’re not giving me nothing. I might have carried out that (laughs). SZA has like 43 tracks [on that album].

OSMAN Victoria Monét and her child. Her child lady.

KAMILLION Let’s do it Victoria.

RAE And Earth, Wind & Fireplace. You possibly can’t beat them. They’re legacy R&B, in case you’re speaking conventional.

BEST MELODIC RAP PERFORMANCE: Doja Cat, “Consideration”; Lil Durk and J. Cole, “All My Life”; Drake and 21 Savage, “Spin Bout U”; SZA, “Low”; Burna Boy and 21 Savage, “Sittin’ on High of the World.”

RAE How does “Low” go?

OSMAN (Singing) “I’m the bottom of the low…”

RAE Oh! I like that tune! (Begins singing “Low” with Aida). I nonetheless don’t know what “Love Language” is.

I believe Burna Boy and 21 Savage as a result of they [sampled] Brandy. It’s a recognizable tune. Everyone is aware of it, you understand, from 20 years in the past, 30 years in the past? 

KAMILLION How does “Consideration” go?

OSMAN Is it the, “Bitch I mentioned what I mentioned…”

KAMILLION That’s not it. That’s not that one. I woulda identified that one. That’s my lady. “I’d slightly be well-known as an alternative, I let all that get to my head.” That’s not that one. “Ooh, she a insurgent, she a…”

That’s “Paint the City Pink.” That’s nominated within the pop class. She’s rapping extra on “Consideration.”

RAE: She should be melodically rapping (laughs).

KAMILLION I believe Lil Durk and J. Cole. “They been tryin’ to maintain me down.”

OSMAN I believe “Spin Bout You.” I don’t have an opinion right here. I believe it’s my favourite tune out of all of them. It’s not an informed guess, it’s simply what I need.

BEST RAP SONG: Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, “Barbie World”; Doja Cat, “Consideration”; Lil Uzi Vert, “Simply Wanna Rock”; Drake and 21 Savage, “Wealthy Flex”; Killer Mike, André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane, “Scientists & Engineers.”

RAE I don’t suppose I’ve heard “Scientists & Engineers.” That’s embarrassing for me. I like me some Andre 3000.

KAMILLION I imply, he’s enjoying flutes now.

RAE Yeah, which I like.

OSMAN And them overalls. Shout-out to them overalls. Give a Grammy to them overalls.

RAE Give a Grammy to that face! Mm-hmm.

KAMILLION I believe Lil Uzi Vert…

RAE I can’t contest that.

KAMILLION Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice may take it for the [win].

OSMAN That film did a billion {dollars}…

RAE I believe they’re going to [win] for the soundtrack [category]. 

The loopy factor is Nicki Minaj has by no means received a Grammy.

RAE She’s by no means received a Grammy?

OSMAN Actually?

RAE Has Lil Kim ever received a Grammy?

Sure, however just for “Girl Marmalade” with Christina Aguilera, Pink and Mya.

OSMAN (Rolling eyes) Oh, wow.

RAE They’re disrespectful. However they disrespect rap lots. Properly, I believe Nicki’s going to take it on certainly one of these. “Barbie World” was too massive.

KAMILLION “Tremendous Bass” didn’t win? That’s loopy. Wow.

BEST AFRICAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE: Burna Boy, “Metropolis Boys”; Tyla, “Water”; Davido and Musa Keys, “Unavailable”; Ayra Starr, “Rush”; ASAKE and Olamide, “Amapiano.” 

KAMILLION All these songs is massive. That is going to be a troublesome class for them to select from.

RAE Sure, they’re superstars.

KAMILLION Like “Amapiano,” I used to be simply turning as much as that yesterday. “Metropolis Boys” is loopy. Ayra Starr, “Water,” I don’t know man. I can simply inform you who I need to do a tune with — Burna Boy.

OSMAN She’s an opportunist. I’m going to say Tyla’s “Water.” Simply because I couldn’t escape the tune. I can also’t do the dance in any respect. I’ve tried a lot.

KAMILLION I’m going to say Davido or Burna Boy.

OSMAN I don’t know plenty of these songs, which is embarrassing as an African.

RAE I, too, suppose they’re going to offer it to Tyla as a result of they’re as ignorant as me.

KAMILLION As a result of it’s extra widespread, proper?

RAE Yeah, it’s TikTok-y. And Trevor Jackson remade it, so clearly that’s going to take it [to the top]. (Laughs).

BEST AUDIO BOOK, NARRATION, AND STORYTELLING RECORDING: Meryl Streep, Huge Tree; Michelle Obama, The Gentle We Carry: Overcoming In Unsure Instances; Senator Bernie Sanders, It’s OK to Be Indignant About Capitalism; William Shatner, Boldly Go: Reflections on a Lifetime of Awe and Marvel; Rick Rubin, The Artistic Act: A Manner of Being. 

Michelle’s Changing into received this award in 2020 and Viola Davis’ win final yr made her an EGOT. Meryl nonetheless wants a Grammy and Tony to develop into an EGOT.

RAE That’s a cheat code.

Michelle already received, so I can put my Rooting for Everyone Black apart. Give it to Meryl, as a result of she deserves the EGOT. I’m sorry. Give it to her. I really feel like they, the Grammys, know they need to give it to her. They need her to be acknowledged for her greatness.

OSMAN Additionally, if there’s a white actress that may be Black…

RAE As a result of they are saying that she type of appears to be like like Future, too, so there it’s.

OSMAN No method!

RAE They’ve related options. Have you ever seen the Future and Meryl Streep side-by-side? 

OSMAN I’m really simply noticing.

KAMILLION I need Meryl Streep to win.

RAE That’s so pure. There was simply no clarification. “I need her to win.”

OSMAN I believe Rick Rubin goes to win. I can’t escape this inventive act on TikTok. It’s in all places. “Concepts reside issues. Concepts are…” It’s lovely recommendation. I’m simply saying it’s in all places.

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA: Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, “Barbie World”; Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”; Dua Lipa, “Dance the Night time”; Ryan Gosling, “I’m Simply Ken”; Rihanna, “Carry Me Up.” 

Issa, what was it like doing the dance to Dua Lipa’s tune in Barbie?

RAE Dancing to it was my worst nightmare. It was the worst day of my life. It was the perfect day of my life being on that set. It was thrilling, after which actually the primary day, I needed to study the choreography to shoot the [following] day. And it was horrible. We additionally didn’t have the lyrics to the tune. Greta was like, “Oh, it’s going to be a Dua Lipa tune.” However all we had was the instrumental, so I used to be similar to, “What the fuck is that this? What am I dancing to? (laughs).” And for that, I need “Barbie World” to win as a result of I didn’t have to bop to that.

KAMILLION I need my boss’ film to win.

OSMAN I’m type of caught. I suppose we’re each type of caught. Rihanna has been our boss in one other method, too, so I don’t need to trigger friction.

RAE However “Carry Me Up” was very unhappy.

OSMAN And it wasn’t an album. It nonetheless wasn’t a Rihanna album.

RAE It wasn’t the album. Everyone was anticipating a single.

KAMILLION She received’t give us one. She received’t give us one.

RAE And I really feel like … nevermind. Not going to finish that thought.

OSMAN I’m going to say “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish.

RAE What do you need to win?

KAMILLION Barbie.

OSMAN I need “Barbie World” to win as a result of I like Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj.

KAMILLION (Seeking to Issa) And we love you.

KaMillion and Aida, what has it been like working for Issa? How is she as a boss?

KAMILLION She’s been such a pleasure. She’s so inspiring. It’s so loopy watching her work. Generally you suppose she has a twin as a result of she’s in all places. She’s like Santa Claus. How will you be in all places and [giving] all these presents? She’s at all times on time, it doesn’t matter what. And it’s like, “How are you on Rap Sh!t set day-after-day and also you had all this shit dropping and I ain’t even learn about it, and you then simply drop stuff in your timeline prefer it ain’t nothing?” I’m like, “What? You probably did that, too?” So yeah, I need to be like her. She’s a fucking mogul, man. I imply, espresso outlets!

RAE Thanks. I really feel like she mentioned it for everyone.

OSMAN You don’t need me to inform you how a lot I like you? What can I say? I like you a lot. I’ve beloved you for years. You’ve been on my display screen far more than you can think about. I used to play Insecure after I was in faculty as a result of there weren’t plenty of Black ladies in my faculty. I went to highschool in Nebraska, and I wished to simply hang around with my ladies, so I’d simply let Issa and Molly generally play on mute whereas I wrote. I need to be similar to her.

RAE Thanks a lot for that.

KAMILLION And it’s not simply since you’re sitting proper right here. We actually really feel like that.

OSMAN Yeah. It’s not since you pay me lots.

KAMILLION Yeah. You pay actual nicely.

RAE Sure, thanks. She pays nicely (laughs).