Detroit rappers Royce Da 5’9” and Big Sean both get Grammy nods

Royce Da 5'9'''s most recent album, The Allegory, prompted this newspaper to create a masterful cover story complete with resplendent art.

It was one of the last issues that Metro Times would publish before the coronavirus pandemic upended the entire world.

At that time, I — that very same writer — declared, “Royce is hoping to not just lead others to the light, but to be the light.”

And perhaps he has.

The Allegory has earned Royce Da 5’9” his first Grammy nomination for nothing less than Best Rap Album.

Joining him in the category are: Black Habits by D Smoke, Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist, A Written Testimony by Jay Electronica, and King’s Disease by Nas.

"I hope that it starts a narrative and a conversation that it's OK to be smart, it's OK to be hip-hop," Royce told Metro Times. “It's OK to have balance."

Balance has been necessary when it comes to releasing albums during a global pandemic.

Also this year, Big Sean put out Detroit 2, which has been critically acclaimed and earned him a lot of support from local writers and fans.

His single “Deep Reverence” featuring a special appearance from the late, great Nipsey Hussle earned the Cass Tech graduate a nod for Best Rap Performance.

Former ESPN star and podcaster Jemele Hill, who recently celebrated her own good news that her comedy series co-produced by fellow Detroit journalism legend Kelley Carter and actress Gabrielle Union, tweeted her support.

“Two of the nominees appeared on @JHillUnbothered,” she wrote, plugging her podcast. “Moral of story: Appear on @JHillUnbothered and a Grammy nom is in your future.”

Congrats to all the homies.

Certified election results on Monday. Two Black Detroit women have a series coming to Showtime, and two Detroit rappers have Grammy nods — it’s official; we're on a winning streak.

Just don’t mention the Lions.

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