The competition for the Best Rap Album award at the 2026 Grammy Awards is intensifying, with several prominent artists emerging as strong contenders. Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator are currently viewed as top nominees, while other artists like GloRilla and Playboi Carti are also making a strong case for recognition. The upcoming ceremony promises to be a significant event for the hip-hop genre, reflecting a diverse range of artistic achievements and commercial successes.
Clipse, the brother duo of Pusha T and Malice, has only received one Grammy nomination in their career. This was for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002 for their work on Justin Timberlake’s debut solo single, "Like I Love You." Despite their long career, they have not yet won a Grammy. Their new album, Let God Sort Em Out, marks a significant comeback and could earn them their first trophy.
Key Takeaways
- Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator are strong contenders for Best Rap Album.
- GloRilla, Playboi Carti, Gunna, and BigXThaPlug have significant commercial and critical momentum.
- Veteran artists like LL Cool J, Chance the Rapper, and Freddie Gibbs also have albums in contention.
- The 2026 Grammys are expected to showcase a diverse range of rap artists and styles.
Leading Contenders for Best Rap Album
Three artists are widely considered near-certainties for a Best Rap Album nomination. These include Clipse with Let God Sort Em Out, Kendrick Lamar with GNX, and Tyler, the Creator with Chromakopia. Each artist has demonstrated significant impact during the eligibility period.
Kendrick Lamar's Continued Success
Kendrick Lamar's album, GNX, has been a major success. It follows his hit song "Not Like Us" and includes additional Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles such as "Squabble Up" and "Luther," featuring SZA. Lamar also recently concluded the highest-grossing co-headlining tour in history. He has previously won the Best Rap Album category three times, making him a strong candidate.
Fact: Kendrick Lamar has won the Best Rap Album Grammy three times in his career.
Tyler, the Creator's Chart Dominance
Tyler, the Creator's Chromakopia became his third consecutive Billboard 200 No. 1 album. This album also yielded his first two Hot 100 top 10 hits, "Noid" and "Sticky," both reaching No. 10. This period marks his most successful year to date. Tyler, the Creator has won this category twice before.
"You don't play the game just to get a participation trophy," said an industry insider close to Clipse, highlighting their ambition for a Grammy win.
Other Notable Contenders
Beyond the top three, several other artists are in contention for a nomination. These include both established names and rising stars who have made a significant impact with their recent releases.
GloRilla's Breakthrough Year
GloRilla could become only the eighth woman to receive a nomination for Best Rap Album with her debut studio album, Glorious. She first earned a Grammy nod in 2023 for Best Rap Performance with "F.N.F." In 2025, she received two more nominations for "Yeah Glo!" in both Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song categories. Her album features two Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay No. 1 hits, "TGIF" and "Whatchu Kno Bout Me" (featuring Sexyy Red), alongside a successful headlining tour.
Background: The Best Rap Album category recognizes excellence in rap music. It has historically been dominated by male artists, making GloRilla's potential nomination particularly notable.
Playboi Carti's Unique Style
Playboi Carti's album, Music, spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard 200. His distinct style has influenced a generation of "rage rap" artists. This album could finally earn him recognition from Grammy voters. Carti is also on the ballot for "Timeless," his collaboration with The Weeknd, who is returning to the Grammys after a five-year absence.
Gunna and BigXThaPlug's Momentum
Gunna, a four-time nominee without a win, has released The Last Wun. His collaboration with Burna Boy, "WGFT," is gaining popularity just in time for the first round of voting. Notably, Gunna received no nominations in 2024 for A Gift & a Curse, an album many consider one of his best. BigXThaPlug's album, Take Care, has also generated significant radio and streaming success. The Dallas artist is appearing across multiple ballots, including rap, country, and general fields. His song "The Largest" is a track to watch in Best Rap Performance. His nostalgic sound and commercial appeal could lead to a Best Rap Album nomination.
Critically Acclaimed Projects Without Major Singles
Some albums have resonated strongly within hip-hop communities despite not producing major hit singles. These projects also have a chance at a nomination.
- Alfredo 2 (Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist): The first installment received a Best Rap Album nod in 2021.
- Life Is Beautiful (Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist): This album is considered one of the year's most acclaimed rap releases.
Chance the Rapper's Potential Comeback
Chance the Rapper won this category in 2017 for Coloring Book. Since then, he has not received a Grammy nomination for his solo work, though he did receive nods for collaborations in 2020 and 2022. His new album, Star Line, is his first studio release since 2019's The Big Day. It is being called a "return to form" by many, potentially setting him up for a Grammy comeback.
JID's God Does Like Ugly is another respected project that could earn the Atlanta MC his first Grammy nominations for his own releases. The album has been well-received by critics and fans alike, highlighting his lyrical skill and unique storytelling.
Veteran Artists in the Mix
Several veteran artists are also presenting new work that could surprise voters and secure a nomination. The Grammy ballot no longer lists entries alphabetically, which could open doors for unexpected contenders.
LL Cool J's Latest Effort
LL Cool J, a two-time nominee in this category and a five-time Grammy telecast host, could secure one of the final nomination spots with his album, The Force. His long-standing presence and respect within the industry could play a role.
Other veteran rappers whose albums could receive a surprise nomination include:
- Wu-Tang & Mathematics (Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman)
- Chuck D (Radio Armageddon)
- Ghostface Killah (Supreme Clientele 2)
- Slick Rick (Victory)
- Public Enemy (Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025)
- Raekwon (The Emperor’s New Clothes)
- Ye (Donda 2)
Contemporary Artists to Watch
A new wave of contemporary artists also has albums in contention. These artists represent the evolving sound of rap music and have achieved significant commercial success.
Additional contenders from the contemporary scene include:
- Lil Baby (WHAM)
- Lil Tecca (Dopamine)
- Key Glock (Glockaveli)
- Billy Woods (Golliwog)
- Travis Scott (Jackboys 2)
- Metro Boomin (A Futuristic Summa)
- Future (Mixtape Pluto)
- Offset (Kiari)
Predictions for the Final Nominations
Based on current momentum, critical reception, and historical Grammy voting patterns, a forecast for the final five nominees for Best Rap Album at the 2026 Grammys includes a mix of established and breakout artists. The competition highlights the strength and diversity of the rap genre.
Prediction: The five albums most likely to receive a nomination are GNX (Kendrick Lamar), Let God Sort Em Out (Clipse), Chromakopia (Tyler, the Creator), Glorious (GloRilla), and The Force (LL Cool J).
This selection reflects a balance of critical darlings, commercial powerhouses, and projects that represent significant artistic statements. The final nominations will be announced later this year, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated categories at the Grammy Awards.