They’re actually serious.
The 2025 Best Rap Album nods are out. In contrast to previous years, I was generally pleased with this years group. Before I go on, I present to you the nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards in February.
The 2025 Grammy Awards – Best Rap Album
- “We Don’t Trust You” – Future and Metro Boomin
- “Alligator Bites Never Heal” – Doechii
- “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace)” – Eminem
- “Might Delete Later” – J. Cole
- “The Auditorium Vol. 1.” – Common and Pete Rock
I often times wonder about the criteria, qualifications, and/or politics involved with choosing these lists. Surely, they didn’t fall short of reminding me (this time) of why I stopped watching the Grammy awards in the early 1990s. This years list has an Affirmative Action feel. It seems as though it has a charitable lean towards the 808 sound. All nominees except We Don’t Trust You are lyrical and have a somewhat fresh sound on the production. Just when you thought that hip hop was trending towards rap lyricism, the 2025 Grammy Awards says, “slow your roll.”
I Don’t Trust This
The spring of 2024 release, We Don’t Trust You, is heavily laden with the typical subwoofer-favored beats. It’s the signature sound of producer, Metro Boomin. Future came with, well, his cadence. He came with content reminiscent of 2012 Future. It simply didn’t sound like evolution to me. The album, We Don’t Trust You, has it’s time and place. I’m certain it has it’s fans; why else would it be nominated for Best Rap Album?
Of the five albums, this one felt like the token album. It’s as though those involved with the nominations, felt bad that the competition’s effort was too insightful and creative. I see it like this; if you’re going to call the category, Best Rap album, at least include an impressive display of lyricism. I think that (like many years before) several quality rap albums were snubbed for this category.
After listening to each of the 2025 Best Rap Album contenders, I believe that Eminem may take it. He’s the most popular artist of the group. I’m personally rooting for Common and Pete Rock. Tell me in the comments, which is your pick for the 2025 Best Rap Album.
