Hip-hop has a love-hate relationship with the Grammy Awards. More than 30 years ago, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince became the first rap acts to win a Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1989. They boycotted the event after learning their award acceptance would not be part of the ceremony which was filmed. Hip-hop has certainly had some flair with the Grammy Awards for decades. Especially when it comes to rap artists who have been snubbed their entire careers.
Make no mistake, the Grammys have done some things right. Some of rap's biggest artists have been recognized ten times. Kanye West now has 24 wins out of 75 nominations. Jay-Z also has an impressive 24 wins with a total of 88 nominations over a nearly 30-year career. Kendrick Lamar is 17-50 when it comes to taking home golden gramophones. Drake has been nominated 55 times and has a total of five wins.
However, the Grammys don't always understand the assignment (see the time in 2014 when Macklemore & Ryan Lewis the theft beat Kendrick Lamar's good boy, big city for Best Rap Album). There are other huge rappers who have yet to crack the code. Snoop Dogg, a West Coast legend and one of the most famous rappers of all time, has a massive body of work that includes his classic album, Doggystyle. The Grammys have yet to recognize his talents with an award in 16 times so far. Busta Rhymes is another like-minded artist to Snoop, with credentials to boot with no material to show after 12 total nominations. Nicki Minaj 0-12. These aren't the only worthy rappers who have been snubbed their entire careers.
Check out the list of rappers who have the most Grammy nominations but have never won an award below.
