Lil Wayne took the stage at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 11, 2024, delivering a performance that highlighted his distinctive artistry. Yet amid the applause, a note of frustration lingered as he addressed a conspicuous absence from the Grammy nominations. The evening was both a celebration of music and a moment of reflection for the seasoned artist, Wayne.
Despite releasing Tha Carter VI last June, Wayne’s fourteenth studio album received no nods from the Recording Academy. Following the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday night, he took to social media to express a mix of admiration for fellow nominees and disappointment in his own omission. His post drew an unusual comparison to NFL coach Bill Belichick.
“Congrats to the nominees and winners. Wasn’t included, as usual. I gotta work harder, as usual. One time for my slime Bill Beli,” Wayne wrote. Referencing Belichick—celebrated for his accomplishments yet overlooked in his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility—Wayne captured a familiar sense of being passed over despite consistent achievement.
Tha Carter VI debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with 108,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. Critics offered a range of reactions, sparking industry conversations about Wayne’s lasting influence and the weight of recognition within hip-hop. There’s no denying the impact Wayne continues to have on the rap landscape.
Celebrating Hip-Hop Achievements
While Wayne did not take home an award, the ceremony recognized several notable contributions to the genre. Kendrick Lamar won Best Rap Album for GNX and also claimed Best Rap Song for “tv off” and Best Melodic Rap Performance for “luther,” which contributed to the Record of the Year honor. Clipse earned Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” and Doecii was awarded Best Music Video for “Anxiety.” These Grammy moments served as reminders of Wayne’s own significant achievements in hip-hop.
The night also featured moments of debate. Nicki Minaj publicly addressed Trevor Noah’s comedic jabs regarding her political affiliations. On X (formerly Twitter), she framed her response in spiritual terms: “As they do their ritual tonight, God almighty will reveal himself to them. The ritual will backfire on them. God will not be mocked.” Her remarks highlighted the intersection of faith, celebrity, and public scrutiny during high-profile events, a space Wayne himself is certainly familiar with.
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