On November 7th, the nominations for the 2026 Grammys were announced. For the rap categories last year, it was a pretty good step in the right direction. This year was the strongest in quite a while. So, once again I am going to go through the nominations and give my opinions. 

Best Rap Performance 

• Outside- Cardi B
• Chains & Whips- Clipse, Pusha T & Malice Featuring Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams
• Anxiety – Doechii
• tv off – Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay
• Darling, I – Tyler, The Creator Featuring Teezo Touchdown

I think these nominations overall make sense; they were all huge songs this year. I do think that there are a few performances that outshine some of these. First, I think “Gold Feet” by Freddie Gibbs featuring JID needs more recognition. JID’s verse had a quick, yet controlled flow that melded incredibly with the Alchemist’s production. Next is “Community” by JID and Clipse. This song is another addition to rap duo Clipse’s grand return to music. Both Pusha T and Malice provide verses about the gentrification of neighborhoods in American cities. Both verses provide elite word play throughout making this an incredible performance.

Best Rap Song

• Anxiety – Doechii
• The Birds Don’t Sing – Clipse featuring John Legend
• Sticky – Tyler, The Creator featuring GloRilla, Sexxy Red, and Lil Wayne
• TGIF – GloRilla
• tv off – Kendrick Lamar featuring Lefty Gunplay

There has been a heap of fantastic releases this year, but I did my best to narrow it down to three. First, “Dark thoughts” by Lil Tecca, this was the lead single to his new album Dopamine. This beat is infectious with a 2000’s style and Pharrell Williams inspired production. Lil Tecca slides over the production with his fun verses and catchy hooks. Next “2024” by Playboi Carti, despite the name saying “2024” it was part of his March release of his album Music. This is a more unconventional rap song with it not focusing on lyrics much, but it redeems itself with the production. The sample flip is elite and makes it a great son with an incredible beat. Lastly, I chose “cLOUDs” by J. Cole. His flow is unique and works wonderfully on the beat. He covers themes about dangers of AI threatening creativity and his struggles with fame. It is criminal how this song did not get nominated, but the nominations are overall pretty solid.

Best Rap Album 

• Let God Sort ‘Em Out – Clipse
• GLoRious – GloRilla
• God Does Like Ugly – JID 
• GNX – Kendrick Lamar
• CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator

This list is nearly perfect, I do not think the Glorilla album is even in the same realm of these albums. With 2025 being one of the strongest rap years of all time, I think there are better choices. Alfredo 2 by Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist being an exceptional sequel to one of the best albums from 2020. The Alchemist has had an incredible year with the best release being his collaboration with Freddie Gibbs. Production is top notch with Freddie giving us some of his strongest verses yet. Next, Music by Playboi Carti should have been nominated. It ended up with zero nominations even though it is one of the best selling first week albums of all time and it was a huge cultural moment. This was Carti’s big return after five years of no albums, while it did not do anything groundbreaking it still gave the fans the one of one music that he provides. 

In conclusion, the Grammys have truly been listening to the complaints of hip-hop fans. They captured the best of the best from the genre. Lets hope they continue this amazing selection of music.