AP Photo – Chris Pizzello

The Grammys are this weekend and, for some reason, they are still the most glamorous night in music. This year they didn’t nominate major efforts from Purity Ring, Crystal Castles or Grimes (Hell, they didn’t even nominate Justin Bieber, Lana Del Rey or One Direction) but they did nominate a bunch of people you’ve never heard of so without further adieu here are the best artists you’ve never heard of going up against Kanye West’s six nominations (Yeah, the Grammys really hate him don’t they … )

“Lotus Flower Bomb” – Wale feat. Miguel 

This is up for Best Rap Song against Drake, Nas, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z. Wale has some serious flow, though. The Nigerian-American rapper has been around since 2007 and while he’s gotten positive reviews from critics he’s flown under the public radar until he signed with Rick Ross’s label in 2011.

“Wanted” - Hunter Hayes

I’m not the biggest fan of country music but “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes is pretty damn catchy. The song is nominated for Best Solo Country Performance against Carrie Underwood and Dierks Bentley. The 21 year-old Louisiana native graduated college at 16 and wrote songs for Rascal Flatts before touring with Taylor Swift and The Flaming Lips.

“Real Good Hands” – Gregory Porter via RTL

“Real Good Hands” is nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance against Beyonce (who had a song come out this year???) . Gregory Porter’s music is totally sexy in the same way that Al Green’s music was sexy.

“Love Bites (So Do I)” – Halestorm

Halestorm is fronted by siblings Elizabeth (Lzzy) and Arejay Hale. The song is up against metal heavyweights Marilyn Manson, Anthrax, Lamb of God, Iron Maiden and Megadeath. Halestorm has lost steam since they released “Love Bites” in April 2012 but this band can definitely hold its own.

Alright, now that we’ve paid some attention to the little guys let’s move on with our lives and listen to some Frank Ocean and One Direction.

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WRITTEN BY: Kate – Managing Editor of Dailymotion’s Sexy / Redband Channel.