Each year, the Recording Academy reminds us that greatness doesn’t just evolve; the needle keeps moving. The artists shaping this year’s nominations have mastered the balance between artistry and impact, influence and innovation.
From global icons to fresh visionaries, these projects define what excellence sounds like when talent meets purpose.
The Gentlemen’s Soundtrack curates the standouts, records that move the culture forward while staying grounded in craft. These are the sounds of legacy in motion, creativity without compromise, and the rhythm of a generation redefining sophistication on their own terms.
Leon Thomas: YES IT IS
Leon Thomas’ Mutt is a compelling and genre-spanning exploration of today’s R&B, rooted in soulful tradition yet boldly forward-looking. His vocal delivery carries both vulnerability and confidence, weaving together influences with ease.
The album’s nomination for Album of the Year signals recognition beyond genre boundaries, an impressive feat for an R&B artist. It’s a smart soundtrack pick for the modern gentleman who embraces both heritage and innovation.
Thomas reminds us that style isn’t just what you wear, but how you sound and move.
Kendrick Lamar: Heart Pt. 6
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is more than an album; it’s a continuation of a decade-long masterclass in evolution.
Leading this year’s Grammys with nine nominations, Lamar made history once again, becoming the first solo artist in any genre to have five consecutive studio albums nominated for Album of the Year.
GNX is the sound of an artist completely in command of his craft, bridging experimental production, cinematic storytelling, and social reflection into one seamless statement.
The project topped global charts and garnered critical acclaim, earning him the title of one of the most ambitious works of his career. With a huge sweep with Not Like Us at the 2025 Grammys, GNX is the frontrunner to have a big night in 2026.
Destin Conrad: Mr E.
Destin Conrad’s Love on Digital mixes smooth vocals, modern production, nostalgic references, and an affectionate nod to the streaming era in which we live. His nomination in the Progressive R&B category validates his forward-thinking approach to contemporary soul.
This is polished yet personal, ideal for a gentleman winding down or setting a refined mood. With Conrad, the soundtrack becomes as much about ambiance as about vocal performance.
Clipse, Pusha T & Malice: All Things Considered
Nearly two decades after their debut, Clipse have returned with a body of work that feels both timeless and urgent. Let God Sort ’Em Out delivers the lyrical precision and cinematic production that defined their legacy, but with the weight of lived experience behind every verse.
The album’s Grammy nominations mark not just a comeback, but a reaffirmation of craftsmanship in an era of quick hits.
Tyler, the Creator: Darling I
CHROMAKOPIA sees Tyler, the Creator stretching his creative muscles again, bold color, daring textures, playful arrangements.
The nomination for Album of the Year confirms his place as a figure who shapes style as much as sound. For the gentleman who values originality and isn’t afraid to stand out, Tyler offers both. This soundtrack choice is about being sharp and unexpected.
Kaytranada: Don’t Forget About Us
Kaytranada continues his reign as the architect of modern groove. SPACE INVADER feels like a late-night pulse transmitted straight from the future, slick, hypnotic, and effortlessly cool, while his remix of Mariah Carey’s Don’t Forget About Us proves his magic touch can elevate even pop royalty.
Two nominations this year solidify what the dance world already knows: Kaytranada doesn’t just make records, he sets moods. His production lives at the intersection of style and movement, the place where a gentleman’s confidence meets the rhythm of the night.
Durand Bernarr: Overqualified
Durand Bernarr’s Bloom is lush, soulful, and deeply personal, an introspective journey with vocal finesse and tasteful production.
His Overqualified showcases confidence and smooth grooves. For a gentleman soundtrack, Bernarr offers elegance and authenticity, inviting reflection without sacrificing style. He’s the late-night conversation in musical form.
Chris Brown: It Depends
Chris Brown’s It Depends melds emotion and melody; his vocals are smooth, the composition polished yet heartfelt.
A nomination for Best R&B Song acknowledges both commercial appeal and artistic strength. With the dance challenge associated, Brown is definitely a frontrunner to win.
PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake: Somebody Loves Me
When PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake link up, the vibe is never accidental; it’s immaculate. Somebody Loves Me hit streaming charts, debuting in Spotify’s Global Top 10 and cementing itself as one of the smoothest collaborations of the year.
The nomination for Best Rap Song feels like a victory lap for two artists who’ve mastered the art of making introspection sound luxurious.
JID: Glory
JID has built a reputation as one of rap’s most technically gifted storytellers, and God Does Like Ugly proves his pen is still undefeated. The project soared onto the charts and flooded social media with lyrical breakdowns, proof that real bars still break through.
His nomination for Best Rap Album feels like recognition for an artist who’s turned precision into poetry. JID’s flow dances between grit and grace, the kind of duality that defines a true artist.
Shaboozey: Good News
Shaboozey keeps redefining what country music can sound like in 2026. Good News mixes heartfelt storytelling with fresh production, creating a sound that feels classic yet current.
The song’s success across streaming platforms marks a well-deserved milestone for one of the year’s most talked-about artists. His collaboration with Jelly Roll on Amen shows his versatility and how he stands out on any track he’s on.
Check out The Gentlemen’s Soundtrack below.
