The 2017 Grammy nominations reflect the Recording Academy's attempt to recognize a diverse range of popular music across multiple genres while also highlighting some established and emerging artists. There's no single "thought" behind the selection, but rather a complex process involving many voters across different fields within the music industry. However, we can analyze some underlying patterns:

• Dominance of Pop and R&B: Adele and Beyoncé's strong presence in major categories (Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Record of the Year) is indicative of their immense popularity and critical acclaim at the time. Rihanna and Drake's multiple nominations also reflect their continued influence on the charts and popular culture. This dominance reflects the Academy's (and, by extension, the industry's) focus on popular music.

• Rise of Hip-Hop: The significant nominations for Chance the Rapper (Best New Artist and Best Rap Album) represent a noteworthy shift in the Grammy's acknowledgment of hip-hop's artistic merit, especially in the mainstream. The inclusion of artists like Kanye West, Drake, and others show that the Academy was attempting (with varying success) to capture the breadth of the genre.

• Genre Blending: The nominations showcase the increasing blurring of lines between genres. Many songs nominated in multiple categories (e.g., "Work," "Stressed Out," "7 Years") bridge pop, R&B, and hip-hop, reflecting the collaborative and genre-bending nature of modern music.

• Balance Between Established and Emerging Artists: The "Best New Artist" category and the inclusion of newer artists in other categories reveal an effort to spotlight rising talent alongside established stars.

• Inclusion of Other Genres: Although pop and hip-hop dominated, there were nominations for a range of other genres including rock, country, jazz, gospel, reggae, and electronic music, demonstrating a broader reach albeit less representation than the dominant categories.

• Possible Political/Cultural Subtext: Beyoncé's "Formation," a politically charged song, was nominated for several awards. Its inclusion, alongside the overall representation of Black artists, suggests an ongoing conversation within the Grammys about race and representation in the music industry, although whether it fully reflected the cultural moment is still debated today.

In essence, the 2017 Grammy nominations represent a snapshot of the music landscape, attempting to balance mainstream popularity with artistic merit and genre diversity, while also acknowledging shifts in cultural influence and artistic trends. However, the choices are always subject to criticism and ongoing discussions about fairness and representation across different genres and artists.