The NAACP Image Awards are right around the corner and the ceremony is celebrating Black achievements across genres and sectors. Blitz Bazawule’s The Color Purple , Quinta Brunson’s Abbott Elementary , and Victoria Monét’s Grammy-winning, history-making album, Jaguar II , are some of the many Black-led projects that earned a nomination. Ahead of the big night, here are our picks of the best in each category. Outstanding Album: Jaguar II Monét’s buttery R&B album Jaguar II was one of the most influential projects of 2023. With hits like “On My Mama,” which spawned a viral TikTok dance, thanks to Sean Bankhead’s infectious choreography, and “Hollywood,” which made Monet’s 2-year-old daughter, Hazel, the youngest Grammy Award nominee in history, Jaguar II showed the singer’s prowess as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. The album is already considered a staple of its genre. Outstanding Female Artist: Victoria Monet Monét’s 15-year career makes her more deserving than most for this...
