Rap icon Lil Wayne has reacted to the 2026 Grammy Awards, congratulating winners and nominees while expressing frustration over his absence from this year’s nominations.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday night, the Tha Carter rapper suggested that being overlooked has become a familiar experience for him, drawing a comparison between himself and legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick. Despite Belichick’s historic success with the New England Patriots, the coach failed to secure induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
“Congrats to the nominees and winners. Wasn’t included. As usual. I gotta work harder. As usual. One time for my slime Bill Beli,” Lil Wayne wrote.
Lil Wayne released his fourteenth solo studio album, Tha Carter VI, in 2025. The project debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart with 108,000 album-equivalent units in its first week but received mixed reviews from music critics.
Although Wayne did not take home any awards, hip-hop had a strong showing at the ceremony. Kendrick Lamar emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home Best Rap Album for GNX, Best Rap Song for “tv off,” and Best Melodic Rap Performance for “luther,” which also won Record of the Year. Clipse won Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” while Doechii secured Best Music Video for “Anxiety.”
Wayne was not alone in voicing dissatisfaction with the Grammys. Nicki Minaj also took issue with remarks made by host Trevor Noah during the broadcast. While addressing celebrities in attendance, Noah joked that Minaj was absent because she was “still at the White House with Donald Trump, discussing very important issues.”
Minaj responded on X shortly after, posting a strongly worded message condemning the comment and defending herself.
The reactions highlight ongoing tensions between some artists and the Recording Academy, as debates over recognition, representation, and respect continue to surround the Grammy Awards.
