Old vs. new school: The best rap album debate at the Grammys

Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby have blazed the Billboard charts, but Grammy voters gave the young hip-hop stars the cold shoulder in the best rap album category, instead, surprisingly nominating the genre’s more matured voices like Nas and Jay Electronica.

Some were baffled by the academy’s decision to push through some lesserknown projects in the category instead of the popular chart-topping albums that have dominated streaming services with record numbers. Several hip-hop artists weighed in and called out the Grammys, including Drake, Killer Mike and 50

Cent, who said the awards show is “out of touch.”

In addition to Nas’ “King’s Disease” and Jay Electronica’s “A Written Testimony,” this year’s best rap album nominees include Freddie Gibbs & the Alchemist’s “Alfredo,” “The Allegory” by Royce da 5’9” and D Smoke’s “Black Habits.” The rappers are 35-and-up with Nas — who has never won a Grammy — being the oldest at 47.

Each of the nominated albums were reviewed as solid pieces of work, but some rap enthusiasts saw a clear divide between the seasoned rappers and the new generation of twenty-something hip-hop performers — sometimes referred to as “mumble rappers” who focus more on quick word play with heavy bass melodies instead of lyricism.

Despite the criticism, Royce da 5’9” believes the Grammys are heading in the right direction under the leadership of Harvey Mason jr., the academy’s interim president and CEO. Last year, the producer-songwriter took on the role with aspirations to diversify the academy’s staff, membership and outreach to the music community.

Royce da 5’9” said he believes the best rap album nominees perfectly reflects the genre, though he added that Lil Baby and Roddy Ricch’s albums should compete for the Grammys’ top prize — album of the year — instead of best rap album.

“I think if they break it down like that, that would be great,” the 43-year-old said. “Everybody in the rap album category, I (support) them.”

Freddie Gibbs thinks there should be no reason to complain. The rapper said he’s waited to become Grammy-nominated after years of believing he was overlooked as an artist who made waves in the underground scene.

The Grammys will air from Los Angeles on March 14.

Associated Press Grammy voters gave the young hip-hop star Lil Baby, right, the cold shoulder in the best rap album category, instead, nominating the genre’s more matured voices like Nas.