Kendrick Lamar leads 2016 Grammy with 11 nods

Lamar’s name, in fact, is seen in numerous categories as he leads this year’s nominees with 11 nods. Just ask J. Cole, who held up a “F*ck the Grammys” sign while on tour in 2013 after his sophomore album, Born Sinner, didn’t receive a Best Rap Album nomination. Lamar, Taylor Swift and the Weeknd have earned top nominations for the 201…

“Girl Crush” is also nominated for best country song and country duo/group performance, while Little Big Town’s “Pain Killer” is nominated for best country album.

“Thinking out Loud” and “Blank Space”, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, are also nominated for record of the year, pitting the songs against No. 1 hits that include Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” and the Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face”, as well as a wild card: “Really Love” from R&B singer D’Angelo and the Vanguard.

Immediate reaction: This category played out as expected, as Swift, Lamar and The Weeknd were locks – and many critics were cautiously optimistic about Southern rockers Alabama Shakes and country crooner Chris Stapleton, easily having the best year of his life. His success at recent awards shows demonstrates that he’s an important presence on this year’s circuit like Swift.

The other surprise nomination was Drake’r back to back getting a nod for best rap performance.

There are 83 categories in all, so if you want to know who’s nominated for Best Classical Instrumental Solo, Best Surround Sound Album, Best Album Notes, Best Spoken Word Album, Best Regional Roots Music Album, Best Children’s Album, or Best Tropical Latin Album, you’ll have to visit the Grammy website.

Other British acts who have secured nominations include James Bay, Florence + The Machine, Ellie Goulding and Lianne La Havas.

They won one in 1978 for best vocal performance by a group for How Deep Is Your Love but won the majority of awards in 1979 for their Saturday Night Fever album including the biggie: Album of the Year.

Lady Smith Black Mambazo’s Music From Inala received a nomination in the category World Music Album. Hes nominated twice for both best rap song with “Alright” and for co-writing Kanye Wests “All Day, ” as well as best music video for “Alright” and “Bad Blood.”“Its a testimony to his artistry, ” Portnow said of Lamar.

“I don’t make records with the thought of awards”. However, Rihanna failed to receive any nominations at all this year.

Saxophonist Jimmy Greene, the father of one of the children killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting, earned two nominations for an album inspired by his late daughter Ana Mrquez-Greene.

The 2016 Grammy Awards will be held February 15, 2016 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center and broadcast live in high-def from 8 P.M. ET.