Last year, Kendrick Lamar dominated the Grammy conversation without even having an album in contention. That sweep was fueled by the unstoppable run of “Not Like Us,” which bulldozed its way to both Song of the Year and Record of the Year, cementing Kendrick as the night’s most powerful presence.
Now, Kendrick is once again positioned for a huge showing at the 2026 Grammy Awards, this time with nine nominations, including Best Rap Album for his 2024 release GNX. The difference? This year’s field is far more competitive.
In the general categories, Kendrick faces stiff competition from Bad Bunny, one of the biggest global pop forces right now. Bad Bunny recently won Album of the Year at the Latin Grammys and is also set to headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, making him a serious threat across multiple fronts.
In the rap categories, Kendrick’s biggest obstacle may be Clipse. The duo—brothers Pusha T and Malice—returned in a major way with Let God Sort Em Out, their first album in 16 years. The project has been critically acclaimed and backed by an aggressive awards-season push.
So who’s actually going to win? Technically, you can bet on it—but before doing that, it helps to understand how the Grammys tend to work.
The Recording Academy is made up of artists, songwriters, producers, and executives, and their voting habits often lean toward music that feels timeless, traditional, or canon-worthy, rather than what’s simply dominating the moment. That bias plays a major role in how predictions shake out.
Best Rap Album – 2026 Grammys
Nominees:
- Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse
- Glorious — GloRilla
- God Does Like Ugly — JID
- GNX — Kendrick Lamar
- Chromakopia — Tyler, the Creator
Should Win:
Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
After a 16-year absence, Clipse didn’t just return—they reminded everyone why they were once the most electrifying duo in rap. Let God Sort Em Out feels both nostalgic and forward-moving, proving that Pusha T and Malice can still operate at the highest level. It’s a statement album and a triumph that doesn’t rely on trends or timing.
Who Will Win:
Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
While every nominee has a legitimate case, Let God Sort Em Out checks the most Grammy-friendly boxes. It has clear cultural impact, strong critical reception, visible campaigning from its creators, and the benefit of being a more recent release than GNX. Taken together, it feels like the safest—and strongest—bet in the rap field.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live from the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
