In a recent episode of the Rory and Mal podcast, hosts Mal and Rory stirred the pot by taking shots at Kendrick Lamar’s dominance in the upcoming Grammy nominations. This year, Lamar has secured an impressive nine nominations, including Best Rap Album for his latest project, “GNX”. The discussion, however, took a critical turn as Mal expressed his belief that Lamar, often referred to as a “Grammy darling,” does not deserve to sweep the awards once again.
The podcast conversation highlighted the competitive nature of the 2026 Grammy nominations, particularly in the Best Rap Album category. Alongside Lamar’s “GNX,” other contenders include “Let God Sort Them Out” by The Clips, “Glorious” by Glorilla, “God Does Like Ugly” by J. Cole, and “Chromacopia” by Tyler, the Creator. Despite the acclaim surrounding Lamar’s work, Mal argued that “GNX” should not have made the cut, insisting that The Clips’ album is more deserving of the win.
Mal’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some music critics who believe that Kendrick Lamar’s consistent recognition at the Grammys has led to an oversaturation of his accolades. His critics argue that the Grammy Awards should reflect a diversity of voices and styles in hip hop, rather than favoring a small group of artists repeatedly. This perspective was echoed by fellow podcaster Joe Budden, who described Lamar as a “Grammy darling” and implied that the artist’s past victories might unfairly influence this year’s outcomes.
In response to the nominations, fans and critics alike have taken to social media to voice their opinions. Some have raised questions about whether or not the Grammy committee is truly representative of the genre’s evolving landscape. Others argue that if Lamar’s work continues to resonate and garner attention, he has every right to be recognized for it.
The conversation surrounding the Grammy nominations has ignited a heated debate within the hip-hop community. While some believe Lamar’s nominations are well-deserved, others feel that fresh talent should also be given the spotlight.
In the end, the Grammy Awards remain a polarizing topic within the music industry, with opinions divided on what constitutes a deserving nomination. As the ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on Kendrick Lamar and his competitors to see not only who takes home the coveted awards but also how the conversation around representation and recognition in hip hop continues to evolve.
The debate surrounding the 2026 Grammy nominations highlights a crucial moment in the industry where artists and fans alike are advocating for a more inclusive and equitable recognition of talent across the genre. Whether Kendrick Lamar will continue his streak of Grammy success or if new champions will emerge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the discussions surrounding these awards are far from over.
