Here’s What Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Says About Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Potentially Getting a Nod

TMZ stopped Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. as he was leaving LAX and asked him if Grammy voters would consider nominating Kendrick Lamar‘s Drake diss track “Not Like Us.”

Mason, who officially became CEO in 2021, said it’s all up to the members. “Obviously it’s a hot record,” he said. “It’s amazing artistry, great writing. The talent on that record is incredible. And you got artists that have been nominated before, and Kendrick obviously has been successful with the organization, so I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t be.”

He added: “It’s all about the quality of the record. It’s about the members. If the members like it, it’ll be nominated.”

TMZ then brought up the song’s subject matter, but that didn’t seem to faze the Grammys head honcho. “I think the voting members of the academy appreciate greatness,” Mason said. “They appreciate what’s hot, what’s going on. That’s a relevant record that’s impacting on so many levels. So much creativity and talent. I like to believe that the academy members recognize that and vote appropriately.”

“Not Like Us” wouldn’t be the first rap diss record to be nominated for a Grammy. Drake was on the other side of the dissing in 2016 when his Meek Mill diss “Back to Back” was nominated for best rap performance. LL Cool J won his first of two Grammys in 1992 when his Kool Moe Dee diss “Mama Said Knock You Out” was voted best rap solo performance.

Watch the full clip of Harvey Mason Jr.’s chat with TMZ below.