The Elusive Grammy: A Dream for Many Rappers
The Grammy Awards are the pinnacle of success for many artists in the music industry. For some, it’s a lifelong pursuit, and while a few manage to grasp the coveted trophy, others remain empty-handed. This is especially true for rappers, as the genre is relatively new and often controversial. Despite their fame and respect in the industry, some iconic rappers have never won a Grammy. This year, however, rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Drake are nominated for major awards, and hip-hop fans are eager to see them triumph. Here are eight famous rappers who have never won a Grammy.
Ice Cube: A Legend Without a Grammy
Ice Cube is a legendary figure in hip-hop, and after a successful career as a rapper, he has gone on to have an equally successful career in Hollywood. Although these days, he might be better-known for his work in film, there was once a time when his skills on the microphone are what made him famous, but unfortunately, they never earned him a Grammy Award.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Snoop Dogg: The ‘Dogg Father’ Without a Grammy
Often referred to as the ‘Dogg Father’ of rap, Snoop Dogg has been an influential figure in hip-hop since the beginning of his career. Over the years, he has worked alongside some of the biggest artists in the game, and has even become one of them himself. Still, despite his success and undeniable skill, Snoop has never been able to go home with a Grammy.
(Getty Images)
Tupac: A Legend Gone Too Soon
It’s impossible to talk about rap music without mentioning Tupac. Widely considered one of the best to ever do it, Tupac’s career was cut short when he was tragically murdered in September of 1996. Even after his death, Pac continued to release music, and over the years he has received seven Grammy nominations. Unfortunately; however, none of those has resulted in an award.
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella)
Notorious B.I.G: Another Legend Without a Grammy
Like Tupac, Notorious B.I.G is often included in most people’s lists of top five rappers dead or alive. In fact, many of today’s rappers cite Biggie as one of their inspirations. Unlike Tupac; however, Biggie only released one album during his lifetime. After being fatally shot in 1997, Big’s career was also cut short. Despite earning four Grammy nominations, Notorious B.I.G was unable to garner a single one.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Nicki Minaj: Chart-Topping Success, but No Grammy
No matter how you feel about Nicki Minaj, there’s no way to deny the fact that she is killing the game. However, despite her chart-topping success, Nicki has received nearly a dozen Grammy nominations and no awards. All of that could change tonight though as Nicki could go from 0 Grammys to 3 once all of the awards are this year’s show are given.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for BET)
J. Cole: The Underrated Rapper Awaiting a Grammy
Often underrated, J. Cole is a relative newcomer to the game, and many feel that he hasn’t yet earned his stripes. However, his fans disagree and believe that the North Carolina native is just as deserving of a Grammy as anyone else. While he has yet to win one, with three nominations this year, all of that could change tonight.
(Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for ESPN)
Nas: A Hip-Hop Icon Without a Grammy
Nas is, hands-down, one of the most influential rappers to ever touch the mic. He’s been around — and been relevant — longer than most rappers, and there’s a good chance that he’s your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. Although he’s been close, Nasty Nas has never won a Grammy, but rest assured that it hasn’t affected his street cred one bit.
(Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for Hennessy)
Run DMC: A Legendary Group Finally Recognized
Tonight will be a special night for the legendary hip-hop group, Run DMC. Although the group has never won a Grammy Award after being nominated, tonight they will be given the Grammys lifetime achievement award, making them the first hip-hop act to ever earn the honor. While they may have gotten slighted during the peak of their career, it’s nice to see them finally getting the respect and appreciation they deserve.
(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Bud Light)
Lead (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Follow Us
