7 Takeaways From the 2026 Grammy Nominations

"When he won Best Rap Album, for Igor, at the 2020 Grammy Awards, Tyler, the Creator had some choice words for the Recording Academy. "It sucks that whenever we-and I mean guys that look like me-do anything that's genre-bending or that's anything, they always put it in a rap or urban category," he told a Rolling Stone reporter after accepting the trophy. ""When I hear that, I think 'why can't we just be in pop?' Half of me feels like the rap nomination was a backhanded compliment.""

"Five years later and Tyler's wish has finally come true-kind of. In addition to several nods-including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album-for 2024's Chromakopia, he's up for Best Alternative Music Album, for Don't Tap the Glass, his homage to the dance styles of the 1980s. It's an odd fit for a record that has far more in common with Beyoncé's Renaissance than it does, say, Wet Leg, and does seem to reflect a limited imagination on the part of Grammy voters."

The 2026 Grammy nominations place Kendrick Lamar at the forefront, with Lady Gaga and producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut close behind. Nominees include newcomers such as Best New Artist candidates Addison Rae and Leon Thomas alongside established names like Tyler, the Creator and Turnstile. Tyler previously criticized genre pigeonholing and now receives nominations spanning rap, album of the year, and alternative categories for distinct projects. Don't Tap the Glass is entered as Best Alternative despite clear dance influences. Turnstile earned nominations for separate songs across rock and alternative categories, underscoring persistent confusion over genre labeling.

Read at Pitchfork