2022 NAACP Image Awards: Meet The 'Outstanding Album' Nominees
Television and movie stars aren’t the only entertainers honored at the NAACP Image Awards. The organization acknowledges all talent across categories in Hollywood, motion picture, literature, television, and yes, even music. Artists honors include “Outstanding New Artist,” “Female Artist,” “Music Video,” “Outstanding Album,” and more.
In the past, legendary musicians such as Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, and Luther Vandross have all taken home honors for their contribution to the industry. And as we prepare for what’s expected to be another celebration of Black excellence at the 53rd annual event, which will air live on Saturday, Feb. 26, we’re looking at some of the acts competing for this year’s distinguished honors. Take a look below.
Silk Sonic / An Evening with Silk Sonic
Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak are the sultry duo we didn’t know we needed last year. Their initial single, “Leave the Door Open,” was an instant hit. The nine-track funk-inspired album garnered several awards, including four Grammy nominations at the 64th annual event.
H.E.R. / Back of My Mind
The highly anticipated debut studio project from Grammy Award-winner singer H.E.R. finally arrived in June 2021 and did not disappoint. Stand out tracks including “Damage” and “Come Through” made the soulful project a top contender to beat during award season.
Drake / Certified Lover Boy
The Toronto-born emcee attempted to save what was left of yet another chaotic year with his latest musical effort, Certified Lover Boy. Fans instantly embraced the project. Drake’s clever marketing, including several different pregnant female emoji characters as the album cover and even more comedic music videos, only amplified a fantastic album.
Jazmine Sullivan / Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan made her long-awaited return with her first studio album in six years. The album was a musical tribute to women in their different phases in life and was a massive success for the R&B songstress, whose project also earned her the “Album of the Year” and the 2021 Soul Train Awards.
Givēon / When It’s All Said and Done … Take Time
Givēon shook up the genre with his baritone-led singles, including “Garden Kisses” and “Like I Want You.” However, his collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake on their 2020 single, “Chicago Freestyle” track, further pushed him into the public eye. It garnered the attention he needed for what is panning to be a classic project.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 8/9c.
