The 2025 Grammy Awards are quickly approaching, and all eyes are on Kendrick Lamar as he dominates the rap field with seven nominations for his tracks “Not Like Us” and “Like That.”
However, is his potential sweep of the rap categories truly a sure thing? While Lamar is undoubtedly the frontrunner in several key categories, the competition is fierce, and there are a few challengers who could disrupt his path to victory.
Best Rap Album: Doechii’s Rising Star
In the Best Rap Album category, Lamar faces stiff competition from Doechii, whose album Alligator Bites Never Heal has gained considerable momentum throughout the year.
The TDE artist has earned widespread praise for her unique blend of hip-hop and experimental sounds, and her campaign, which included high-profile performances and a breakthrough single, positions her as a strong contender.
While Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers remains a favorite, Doechii’s rise could make this category more unpredictable.
Best Rap Song: Lamar’s Anthem
“Not Like Us” has been a dominant force in 2024, topping the charts and becoming a cultural anthem. This song is poised to win Best Rap Song as it has not only performed well commercially but also gained widespread acclaim for its lyrical content.
Despite the drama surrounding Drake’s lawsuit over the song, Lamar’s track remains the frontrunner in this category. However, Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” also stands a chance, particularly given its commercial success and the ongoing feud with Drake.
Best Rap Performance: Lamar’s Dominance
In Best Rap Performance, Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is again the heavy favorite. However, competition from GloRilla with “Yeah Glo!” and Doechii with “Nissan Altima” could present a challenge. Both artists have seen significant support from fans and critics alike, and this category’s stacked lineup could lead to some surprises.
Still, Lamar’s cultural influence and the track’s staying power make him the most likely winner here.
Best Melodic Rap Performance: A Tight Race
The Best Melodic Rap Performance category is one of the hardest to call. While Beyoncé and Shaboozey’s “Spaghettii” is a strong contender, Rapsody’s “3:AM” with Erykah Badu also has a solid shot, thanks to the powerful collaboration and Rapsody’s growing support within the industry.
With multiple nominations across the rap field, Lamar’s influence could help him sweep this category as well, but Beyoncé’s star power may give her the edge.
Is a Sweep Likely?
While Kendrick Lamar is undoubtedly the favorite in many categories, the competition in the rap field is fiercer than ever. Doechii, Future, and GloRilla all have strong campaigns, and with several categories being highly competitive, Lamar’s potential sweep isn’t entirely guaranteed.
However, his track record and dominance in the industry make him the most likely winner in many of these categories, though surprises are always possible at the Grammys.
