Kendrick Lamar Is Gonna Sweep

Kendrick’s hit “Not Like Us” is a frontrunner in several major categories, including Record of the Year. The track is up against fierce contenders like Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” and Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone.

It’s also nominated for Song of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. Lamar even secured additional nods in the latter two categories for his contributions to Metro Boomin and Future’s “Like That.”

Eminem himself is in the running for Best Rap Performance with his track “Houdini,” a standout from his latest project, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce). He faces stiff competition from Cardi B’s “Enough (Miami),” Doechii’s “NISSAN ALTIMA,” Common and Pete Rock’s “When the Sun Shines Again,” and GloRilla’s “Yeah Glo!” Eminem is also eyeing the Best Rap Album award for Coup De Grâce, a project that has sparked significant buzz.

In a twist of irony, Eminem name-checked Kendrick more than once on Coup De Grâce, notably on tracks like “Lucifer” and the album opener, “Renaissance.” On the latter, he critiques critics while referencing Lamar:

“‘Kendrick’s album was cool, but it didn’t have any bangers’/ ‘Wayne’s album or Ye’s, couldn’t tell you which one was lamer,’” he raps, adding, “You nerdy pricks would find somethin’ wrong with 36 Chambers/ It’s what they do to the greats/ Pick apart a Picasso and make excuses to hate.”

The mutual respect between the two artists runs deep. Eminem previously invited Lamar to join him on stage at the 2022 Super Bowl LVI halftime show, where Kendrick delivered a powerful performance of “m.A.A.d city.” In a full-circle moment, Lamar is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show for the first time in February 2025.

With Grammy buzz at an all-time high, both Eminem and Kendrick Lamar remain at the forefront of hip-hop, proving their enduring influence on the genre.