59^th Annual Grammy nomination predictions: Drake (Views) should be a surefire lock for a nomination.  

The Grammy nominations aren’t far away.  In this latest edition of Predicting Grammy Nominations, we examine the five potential nominees for Best Rap Album.  The top of the ballot should be familiar: Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West.  Chance the Rapper should also be in. Who grabs the fifth and final spot? Could there be six nominees – it’s happened previously? Here’s The Musical Hype’s best guess at who might be nominated for the Grammy for Best Rap Album.

Drake, Views

Views was by no means the best rap album of 2016.  Regardless, it’s difficult to ignore its commercial and streaming success.  Take Care remains his only Grammy win to date.  That might change this year.  Don’t count Views out.

Kendrick Lamar, untitled unmastered

Had untitled unmastered been a standard, studio album, Kendrick Lamar would be the clear frontrunner.  This album of unreleased songs should be nominated, regardless of the fact that it isn’t good Kid m.A.A.d. City or To Pimp A Butterfly.  Still, good Kid m.A.A.d City lost Best Rap album to The Heist (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis). We’ll leave it there.

Kanye West, The Life of Pablo 

Despite winning 21 Grammys, West’s last win came in 2012.  To date, West has won four Grammys for rap album: The College Dropout, Late Registration, Graduation, and most recently, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.  The rollout for The Life of Pablo was wild, as was the album itself. This could hurt this likely nominee when it comes to being victorious. Still, no one has been more successful in the rap categories than Mr. West.

Chance the Rapper, Coloring Book 

Like The Life of Pablo, Coloring Book wasn’t released traditionally.  This streaming only mixtape is a gem, nonetheless.  The question is, when this project is nominated, does it have a chance to win given the lack of ability to purchase it? It should test its critical darling status.

ScHoolboy Q, Blank Face LP  

The fifth nominee is a toss-up.  ScHoolboy Q should be in contention. Oxymoron was nominated a couple of years back.

 Other Possibilities:  

Logic, The Incredible True Story

If it were a personal choice for the fifth nominated album for Best Rap Album, this would be my choice.  Logic is underrated, but he’s also still an up-and-comer.

YG, Still Brazy

This album received a lot of critical love. It has a chance of sneaking in.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made

It’s hard to tell how this album will be examined as far as earning a nomination.  Macklemore & Ryan Lewis beat Kendrick Lamar years back with The Heist.  This Unruly Mess I’ve Made just didn’t have the same impact…

G-Eazy, When It’s Dark Out

G-Eazy had a breakout year.  Could When It’s Dark Out earn him a nod? Maybe, maybe not.

Kevin Gates, Islah

Kevin Gates also had a breakout year. However, his bad behavior may not help his case…

Photo Credit: Cash Money