To the delight of music fans, the 2026 Grammy Awards are almost here. The lead-up to the big night, as per usual, has featured plenty of conversation and debate about who the best picks are for each of the different categories.
The hip-hop field is proving to be no exception, with the genre certainly being a topic of discussion. For instance, three rap albums are contenders for Album Of The Year, which is notable considering that none were nominated in that category during last year's awards.
Even going beyond Album Of The Year, though, there's a lot to unpack in the rap-specific categories. Who are the nominees, and who should come out on top? Let's get into that.
Here's who should win each rap category
Best Rap Performance
Our five nominees here are "Outside" by Cardi B, "Chains & Whips" by Clipse, "Anxiety" by Doechii, "TV Off" by Kendrick Lamar, and "Darling, I" by Tyler, the Creator. Focusing solely on artist performance, Kendrick's energy on "TV Off," the lyrical flash of Clipse plus Kenny on "Chains & Whips," and Tyler and Teezo Touchdown's singing on "Darling, I" are the most impressive offerings.
"Outside" sees Cardi B spitting over a banger southern trap beat. It's cool, but I can't see it coming out on top. It's not a particularly memorable performance. I wouldn't say that Doechii has one either on her track. Maybe there's some initial novelty from her rapping on the "Somebody That I Used To Know" beat, but "Anxiety" really doesn't interest me.
I could see this Grammy going to "Chains & Whips," "TV Off," "Darling, I," and, despite my personal opinion, even "Anxiety" as a result of its popularity. But I think that the opportunity to give a Grammy to both Clipse and Kendrick at once will prove too tempting for voters. I'm predicting "Chains & Whips," and would be perfectly happy with that.
Best Melodic Rap Performance
The five options for this category are "Proud of Me" by Fridayy, "Wholeheartedly" by JID, "luther" by Kendrick Lamar, "WeMaj" by Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon, and "SOMEBODY LOVES ME" by Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR. Outside of the Drake and PARTY track, which is honestly nothing special, all of these are worthy nominations.
In a field crowded by quality, voters can go in several directions. For example, "Proud of Me" is a passionate, emotional cut featuring Meek Mill that delves into overcoming struggle and loss. JID, Ty Dolla $ign, and 6LACK beautifully come together to cover loyalty on their track, and "WeMaj" is a feel-good, soulful love song with Rapsody in the mix.
Despite these other good options, Kendrick and SZA's "luther" feels like the clear favorite, considering how big this song was, its supremely catchy hook, and overall chemistry, and, well, Kendrick and SZA's penchant for winning Grammys, especially recently. It's my pick to win, but don't be upset if one of these other tracks comes through.
Best Rap Song
"Anxiety" and "TV Off" are again nominated here in addition to their Best Rap Performance nods. They are joined by "The Birds Don't Sing" by Clipse, "Sticky" by Tyler, the Creator, and "TGIF" by GloRilla. I've already stated my lack of enjoyment for "Anxiety," though again, it could win based on popularity. Next, GloRilla's solo track is good, but not really dynamic enough to be a serious contender.
If GloRilla is gonna win a Grammy, it's much more likely to be via her contributions, along with Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne, to "Sticky." Admittedly, it's not a song that's necessarily my cup of tea, but I can't deny that the song is an absolute adventure of a posse cut from front to back. It would definitely make sense to be chosen.
I'd personally want "TV Off" or "The Birds Don't Sing," which is the powerful opener to Clipse's album. Once again, though, there are a handful of picks that have a legitimate chance here. I'm gonna pick the song that was performed at the Vatican, "The Birds Don't Sing," but if it doesn't win, I'd predict "Sticky."
Best Rap Album
Last year's nominees for Best Rap Album weren't awful or anything, but this year's competition is next-level. The contenders are Clipse's Let God Sort Em Out, GloRilla's GLORIOUS, JID's God Does Like Ugly, Kendrick Lamar's GNX, and Tyler, the Creator's CHROMAKOPIA.
None of these albums are bad pick, but some are better than others. GLORIOUS is a solid trap album from GloRilla, but it does fall a bit flat when she's dabbling beyond her comfort zone. Meanwhile, God Does Like Ugly and CHROMAKOPIA are good and fairly ambitious, but both artists have offered better material in the past.
That leaves the final two: Let God Sort Em Out and GNX. They are both very deserving, and it's difficult to choose a favorite between them. Ultimately, though, I'll pick Let God Sort Em Out. This category specifically has seemed to go to artists with a bit less mainstream appreciation in recent years, and between Kendrick and Clipse, Clipse fits that bill more.