CAN RAPPER TRAVIS SCOTT WIN BIG?
The most surprising thing about Travis Scott’s Grammy nominations is that there weren’t more.
The Houston rapper, who performs Wednesday at Toyota Center, is up for three at Sunday’s ceremony, including best rap album for “Astroworld,” best rap performance and best rap song for the Drake-assisted “Sicko Mode.” But he was shut out of the major categories, despite the album’s critical and commercial success.
“Astroworld” was universally lauded upon its release for its complex production and grand scale. The album’s name, of course, comes from the iconic Houston amusement park that closed in 2005. Scott's inaugural Astroworld Festival, held near the original site on the NRG Park grounds, drew 40,000 fans in November.
“They tore down Astroworld to build more apartment space. That’s what it’s going to sound like, like taking an amusement park away from kids. We want it back. We want the building back,” he told GQ in 2017. “That’s why I’m doing it. It took the fun out of the city.”
The album has remained in the Billboard Top 10 for more than five months, a rare feat for any artist these days, including several weeks at No 1. The “Sicko Mode” single has been certified triple platinum for sales of 3 million copies.
But is it enough to secure him any wins this weekend?
In the rap album category, Scott is up against Cardi B, Nipsey Hussle, Pusha T and the late Mac Miller. His album is the most adventurous in the group, but we all know the Grammys don’t like to take chances. Cardi B’s ubiquity may give her the edge, and she’s also up for overall album of the year. Miller’s death, however, may be the sentimental push voters need to give him the win for an already wellreceived album.
Scott and Drake’s “Sicko Mode” faces off with Cardi B, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Anderson. Paak for best rap performance. Cardi B again seems like a safe bet, but never count out Grammy darling Lamar.
Scott’s best chance at a win is in the rap song category. His competition includes Drake, Lamar, Eminem and Jay Rock. “God’s Plan” is his biggest hurdle, but voters could see awarding “Sicko Mode” as a win for both rappers.
But even if he doesn’t take home a Grammy, Scott seems to have already won.
“It’s always dope to be noticed for your work, but you always just have to remember that as long as you’re making the best music, touching fans and moving spirits, that’s what we all do it for,” he told Billboard . “I go in on making music. (Getting nominated) wasn’t driving me in my mind. It’s just something that kind of like, happened.”
The Grammys air 7 p.m. Sunday on KHOU/11.