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Weeks ahead of the official Grammy nominations announcement on November 7, Billboard has unveiled its “Fearless Forecast” predictions for the hotly contested Best Reggae Album category — and the mix is nothing short of fire. Among the top five contenders tipped for a nod are Vybz Kartel’s Heart & Soul and Keznamdi’s Blxxd & Fyah, both representing distinct yet powerful ends of Jamaica’s musical spectrum. The publication’s shortlist also includes Mojo Morgan’s Jamaica Love, Lila Iké’s Treasure Self Love, and Jesse Royal’s No Place Like Home — signalling a fiercely competitive year for the genre.
For Keznamdi, the inclusion marks a crowning moment in a breakout year. His sophomore project Blxxd & Fyah debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums Chart in August and sparked a grassroots movement that transcended borders. Recorded across Kingston, Miami, and London, the 12-track set blends cultural introspection and pan-African pride with sharp lyrical consciousness. With standout tracks like “Pressure”, “Bun Di Ganja” (featuring Mavado), and “Forever Grateful” (with Masicka), Keznamdi has positioned himself as a torchbearer of modern roots reggae. The album’s success—amplified by viral freestyles and endorsements from Bounty Killer, Stonebwoy, and Swizz Beatz—has made him one of the most talked-about names in reggae this year.
Meanwhile, Vybz Kartel’s Heart & Soul continues the Worl’ Boss’s impressive Grammy streak following his first-ever nomination last year. Though lighter on mainstream hits than Party With Me, the project has maintained buzz thanks to Kartel’s enduring influence and massive fanbase. On the dancehall front, Billboard also notes Skillibeng’s International and Valiant’s Prove Them Wrong as strong contenders, both signaling the genre’s continued dominance despite being grouped with traditional reggae.
According to Recording Academy data, 73 albums were submitted for consideration this year—a slight 2.67% dip from last year’s 75 but still reflecting healthy competition. With submissions ranging from veterans like King Jammy and Niney the Observer to newcomers like 450, Squash, and DJ Mac, the 2025 Grammy race showcases the evolving dynamism of Jamaican music.
As anticipation builds ahead of the November 7 announcement, all eyes are on how voters will balance legacy and innovation. Whether it’s Kartel’s dancehall dominance or Keznamdi’s conscious fire, this year’s race proves one thing: reggae—and its ever-blurring boundary with dancehall—is burning brighter than ever.
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