2026 Grammys – Three Rap Albums Could Land Album of the Year Nominations the Second

When the 2026 Grammy nominations are announced on Friday, November 7, history could be made. For only the second time ever, three rap albums may be nominated for Album of the Year, one of the most prestigious categories in music.

Fans and industry insiders are buzzing over the possibility that Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia, and Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out could all land coveted spots in the final lineup. If this happens, it will mark the first time since 2019 that three rap projects are nominated in the same year.

Let’s explore the significance of this potential milestone, the artists involved, and the full history of rap albums in the Album of the Year race.

The Rare Feat of Multiple Rap Albums in the Grammys’ Top Category

The Grammys have historically been selective in nominating rap albums for Album of the Year. While the rap genre dominates global streaming charts, its recognition in top categories has been sporadic.

There have been four years when two rap albums were nominated in the same cycle, and just one year—2019—when three rap albums made the cut. If 2026 sees another trio of rap contenders, it will cement rap’s increasing prominence at the Recording Academy.

The Three Potential Nominees

Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to Grammy history. Already a 22-time Grammy winner, Lamar could break new ground if GNX is nominated.

• He would become the first rapper to earn five Album of the Year nominations as a lead artist, surpassing Ye (formerly Kanye West).

• He would also be the first solo artist in history to receive Album of the Year nods for five consecutive studio albums.

Lamar’s consistency and cultural impact make him a frontrunner. His collaborations on this project include SZA and Roddy Ricch, adding even more Grammy-winning pedigree.

Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia

Tyler, The Creator has reinvented himself over the last decade, moving from rebellious experimental rap to critically acclaimed artistry.

• Both his previous albums, Igor and Call Me If You Get Lost, won Best Rap Album.

• Despite his accolades, Tyler has never been nominated in a marquee Grammy category like Album of the Year.

With Chromakopia, Tyler blends innovative production with features from Lil Wayne, Daniel Caesar, and Doechii. The album, fully self-produced, has been hailed as his most ambitious work yet.

It’s worth noting that Tyler released two albums during the eligibility window: Chromakopia (Oct. 28, 2024) and Don’t Touch the Glass (July 21, 2025). But per Recording Academy rules, only one can be considered for Album of the Year, making Chromakopia the frontrunner.

Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

The return of Clipse, the duo consisting of brothers Pusha T and No Malice, has thrilled longtime hip-hop fans. Their new album Let God Sort Em Out not only marks a comeback but also brings together an all-star list of collaborators: Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Pharrell Williams, John Legend, The-Dream, and Nas.

• Clipse’s only Grammy nomination to date was in 2003 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration as featured artists on Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You.”

• Pharrell, who produced the entire album, is a three-time Grammy winner for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical).

This album symbolizes both nostalgia and reinvention, giving it strong momentum heading into Grammy season.

Other Rap Albums That Could Compete

While the big three are dominating headlines, several other projects have a realistic shot at being nominated:

• Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness

• PartyNextDoor & Drake – $ome $exy $ongs 4U

• Playboi Carti – Music

• Lil Baby – WHAM

The inclusion of these albums would further emphasize the Recording Academy’s recognition of rap as a global cultural force.

Why 2026 Feels Different

The Recording Academy has been making a conscious effort to diversify its membership.

• In 2019, a new membership model was introduced, inviting larger and more diverse groups of voters annually.

• As of October 2024, 66% of the voting body had joined since this model was implemented.

• The 2025 membership class included nearly 3,600 professionals, with 49% women, 56% people of color, and 60% under age 40.

This fresh perspective may explain why more rap albums—and albums from other underrepresented genres—are gaining attention in top categories.

The Expansion of Album of the Year Nominations

The Grammy rules have also played a role.

• Until 2018, the Album of the Year category was limited to five nominees.

• From 2019 to 2021, the field expanded to eight nominees.

• In 2022, it briefly jumped to 10 nominees, before returning to eight in 2024.

The expanded pool makes it more feasible for multiple rap albums to earn nods without crowding out other genres.

History of Multiple Rap Albums Nominated for Album of the Year

Here is the complete list of years when rap albums shared the spotlight in the Album of the Year category, along with the winners:

• 2003

  • Nominees: Eminem’s The Eminem Show, Nelly’s Nellyville

  • Winner: Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me

• 2004

  • Nominees: Missy Elliott’s Under Construction, OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

  • Winner: OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

• 2014

  • Nominees: Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ The Heist

  • Winner: Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories

• 2018

  • Nominees: Jay-Z’s 4:44, Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN.

  • Winner: Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic

• 2019

  • Nominees: Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy, Drake’s Scorpion, Black Panther soundtrack

  • Winner: Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour

If 2026 delivers Lamar, Tyler, and Clipse in the same lineup, it will join this historic list as only the second time three rap albums were nominated.

Why This Matters for Rap and the Grammys

The Grammys have often faced criticism for underrepresenting rap in major categories. Yet, rap has been the dominant global genre for years, shaping culture, fashion, and social dialogue.

Recognizing multiple rap albums in Album of the Year:

• Validates the genre’s artistic depth.

• Acknowledges rap as more than just a commercial juggernaut—it’s innovative, genre-blending, and culturally vital.

• Helps bridge the gap between mainstream recognition and critical respect.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Grammy nominations could be a watershed moment for rap. With Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia, and Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out all in strong contention, fans may witness history when three rap albums compete for Album of the Year for only the second time ever.

Whether or not all three make it, the conversation around these albums proves one thing: rap is no longer fighting for recognition—it’s shaping the very definition of excellence at the Grammys.