(The Recording Academy asked some of this year's first-time GRAMMY nominees to collect their thoughts and share what it feels like to be nominated for a GRAMMY.)

I was at my label Wondaland when I heard the news. While scrolling through Netflix for a quick fix, I was eating a bowl of cereal with the last drops of almond milk in the house. I figured Janelle Monáe or Roman GianArthur got to it before me. They always did.

Suddenly, both of my managers, Mikael Moore and Whippa Wiley, hit me with consecutive calls. I didn't want to answer the phone because I was in a musical zone, but I rarely ignore a call from management or legal. I'm glad I picked up because it gave me an excuse to have champagne with my breakfast.

Immediately, I ran downstairs to Studio A to write and record what I'm hoping is my next big record. I was always taught to accept praise and criticism in the same regard. I was taught to go back to work immediately after someone gives you positive or negative feedback.

To be nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration is both a major affirmation and inspiration. Regardless of whether or not we win, the nod from The Recording Academy is that extra burst of wind that you need sometimes in such a fickle industry. It washes away the doubt and confirms what you knew the whole time: You were born to do this.

(Jidenna is nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Roman GianArthur for "Classic Man." His debut single, the track peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.)

Tune in to the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS.