Despite being one of music’s most—if not the most—prestigious award ceremonies, the Grammys has made quite a few missteps in its attempt to reward rap's finest. Ever since the birth of the Best Rap Performance category in 1989, many of hip-hop's most revered MCs have been snubbed. Whether some artists experienced losses to unfitted candidates (Notorious B.I.G.'s "Hypnotize" loss to Will Smith's "Men In Black") or were just straight up omitted from particular categories (Public Enemy, Ice Cube), the Grammys can't seem to get it right.

With the Grammy Awards around the corner, XXL looks back at 47 deserving rappers who have been overlooked by the academy, including artists like Nas and Kendrick Lamar.

See Rappers on the 2018 Grammy Awards Red Carpet

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