In a recent episode of the Rory & Mal podcast, the pair stirred controversy with their remarks on Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy nominations, leading to a swift rebuttal from Punch, a prominent figure at Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The discussion, which centered around the 2026 Grammy nominees for Best Rap Album, included candid opinions that some listeners interpreted as disdain for Lamar, who is often regarded as a “Grammy darling.”
Rory and Mal expressed their thoughts during a segment discussing the nominations, where Rory remarked on Lamar’s frequent accolades, while Mal suggested that if he had to remove an album from the list, it would be Lamar’s “GNX.” This comment, along with Mal’s assertion that he would be upset if Lamar won again and overshadowed The Clipse’s nominated album, “Let God Sort Him Out,” raised eyebrows among fans. Mal’s candidness about not wanting Lamar to sweep the awards sparked accusations of bias against the celebrated artist.
As the discussion unfolded, the nominees for Best Rap Album were revealed to include “GNX” alongside works from Glorilla, JID, Tyler, the Creator, and The Clipse. The podcast’s tone seemed to reflect a growing trend within media narratives that appear to critique Lamar’s success, a sentiment that Punch addressed on social media.
Punch took to Twitter to question the motives behind the negative sentiments directed at winners like Lamar, suggesting that there is a tendency for the public to root against those who consistently succeed. He highlighted the double standards often present in the industry, where individuals who have achieved significant success face undue criticism.
The exchange escalated on social media, with listeners calling out Mal and co-host Demaris for allegedly hating on Lamar. Demaris responded to criticisms by sharing her playlist to demonstrate her support for The Clipse, emphasizing that she was not dismissing Lamar’s artistry. Despite her attempts to clarify her position, some fans remained skeptical, questioning her motives and suggesting that her comments were performative.
The dynamic between Mal and Demaris has drawn attention, with many believing that her presence alongside Mal contributes to the perception that she condones his views. This has led to discussions about the responsibility of podcast hosts to challenge each other’s opinions, especially regarding a figure as significant as Kendrick Lamar.
As the Grammy Awards draw closer, the discourse surrounding Lamar’s nominations is expected to intensify. With public sentiments already divided, it’s clear that the conversation about success and perceived bias in the music industry will continue to evolve. Fans are left to ponder why figures like Kendrick, who consistently achieve acclaim, are often subject to criticism, and whether this trend will persist as the awards night approaches.
