As quiet as its kept, 2022 was not a bad year for rap at all. Artists like Cordae, Saba, Smino and Westside Boogie continued to make strides in their careers. Newer acts like Lebra Jolie, Doechii, Lola Brooke, Maiya The Don and Billy B stepped up their work. Not to be forgotten, legends like Nas and Black Thought continued to show and prove why their among an elite group of MCs. With all that has happened over the last year and change, it’s pretty tough to pack all of the year’s best albums into a single category. Still, the Recording Academy attempted to do just that for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
After several rounds of voting and a number of hotly contested debates, the Recording Academy was able to carve out room for five nominees. Leading the way, Kendrick Lamar earned recognition for his deeply introspective LP, Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers. Alongside the Compton native, Pusha T also earned a nomination for his work on It’s Almost Dry. Rounding out the category, Future’s chart-topping project, I Never Liked You, Jack Harlow’s Come Home, The Kids Miss You and DJ Khaled’s God Did were all included in the category.
On Sunday, February 5, the Recording Academy bestowed “Best Rap Album” honors upon Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers. Rocking a Los Angeles Dodgers in his hometown, Lamar thanked his family, friends and supporters for pushing this LP.
Lamar’s night is not done. After accepting his third award, he is still up for the night’s biggest award, “Album of the Year.”
