The rap legend, 43, took to X (formerly Twitter) in the early hours following Sunday night’s star-studded ceremony to congratulate the nominees and winners… before dropping the mic on his own glaring absence.

‘Congrats to the nominees and winners. Wasnt included. As usual. I gotta work harder. As usual. One time for my slime Bill Beli,’ Weezy wrote in a post that’s now racked up millions of views, likes and heated debates.

The caption was accompanied by a moody selfie of Lil Wayne in the booth – dreads tied back, hoodie up, staring intently into the mic with that signature piercing gaze. The image, shared via WorldStarHipHop and other outlets, perfectly captures the New Orleans icon looking focused, frustrated and ready to grind all over again.

The ‘As usual’ repetition is what really stung for many fans – a clear nod to Lil Wayne’s long history of Grammy snubs despite his undisputed status as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

Wayne’s latest solo effort, Tha Carter VI, dropped in June 2025 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 108,000 equivalent units in its first week. But critics gave it mixed reviews, with some calling it a return to form while others felt it lacked the innovation of his classic Carter series.

Despite the solid commercial performance, the album failed to land a single nomination when the 2026 Grammy nods were announced late last year.

Adding salt to the wound? Wayne did appear as a featured artist on Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Sticky’ – a track nominated in the Best Rap Song category alongside heavy hitters like Kendrick Lamar’s ‘tv off’ (which ultimately won), GloRilla’s ‘TGIF’ and others. But even that high-profile feature didn’t translate to personal recognition for Weezy.

The ceremony itself was a hip-hop showcase in many ways: Kendrick Lamar dominated with wins for Best Rap Album (GNX), Best Rap Song (‘tv off’) and more, while Clipse took home Best Rap Performance and Doechii snagged Best Music Video. Kendrick’s ‘luther’ with SZA also claimed Record of the Year honours.

Yet Lil Wayne – the man with 5 Grammy wins from 26 nominations (his last victory coming way back in 2009 for ‘Lollipop’) – was nowhere to be seen on the winner’s list or even the nominee roll call for his solo work.

In true Wayne fashion, he didn’t throw a full tantrum or name names. Instead, he kept it motivational… with a side of sarcasm.

That shoutout to ‘my slime Bill Beli’? It’s a direct reference to former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, the NFL’s winningest head coach who’s faced his own share of perceived slights (including debates over Hall of Fame timing and legacy snubs). Wayne and Belichick have crossed paths before, with Weezy showing love to the coach in past interviews and social posts. Fans read the line as Wayne comparing his Grammy drought to Belichick’s supposed ‘overlooked’ status in sports history – a clever, self-deprecating jab that says, ‘Even the greats get slept on.’

Social media erupted immediately.

The Barbz (Nicki Minaj fans, who often crossover with Wayne’s Young Money crew) flooded in with support: ‘They sleep on legends! Tha Carter VI deserved Album of the Year vibes!’ one wrote.

Others were more critical: ‘Bro, Tha Carter VI wasn’t it – time to evolve, not complain,’ a fan replied bluntly.

Some pointed out the irony: ‘Wayne has 5 Grammys already, but yeah, the Academy loves to overlook hip-hop pioneers when it’s convenient.’

Defenders rushed to highlight Wayne’s legacy: 26 Grammy nods overall, millions in sales, countless No. 1s, and an influence that shaped entire generations – from Drake to modern trap stars.

‘Lil Wayne basically invented the modern mixtape era, Auto-Tune flows, punchline rap… and they still snub him? Make it make sense,’ one viral comment read.

Others theorised deeper industry beefs: Wayne’s long-standing ties to Cash Money/Young Money, past disputes with the Grammys (remember his 2011 boycott threats?), and the Academy’s alleged preference for newer, more ‘conscious’ or commercially dominant hip-hop acts like Kendrick.

Tha Carter VI’s mixed reception played a role too. Tracks like lead singles were praised for bars, but production was called dated by some reviewers. In a year stacked with Kendrick’s GNX, Tyler’s CHROMAKOPIA, Clipse reunions and rising stars like Doechii, the competition was fierce.

Wayne’s post-Grammy message feels like classic Weezy: humble on the surface (‘I gotta work harder’), but laced with that quiet confidence that he’s still the best rapper alive (a title he’s claimed for years).

He didn’t lash out at Kendrick’s sweep or question the winners – a restraint that many appreciated.

‘Classy response from a king who knows his worth,’ one supporter tweeted.

But the ‘As usual’ sticks. It’s Wayne’s way of saying this isn’t new – it’s a pattern. Since his last win in 2009, he’s been nominated sporadically but never sealed the deal on another trophy for his solo catalog.

Fans are now buzzing about what’s next: Will Wayne drop a response track? Announce Carter VII with a vengeance? Or channel this into another legendary mixtape run?

One thing’s for sure – the post has reignited debates about the Grammys’ hip-hop credibility. Critics have long accused the Academy of undervaluing rap’s pioneers while rewarding flash-in-the-pan moments or safer, crossover-friendly acts.

Wayne’s selfie – raw, unfiltered, mic in hand – says it all: He’s back in the lab, eyes on the prize, refusing to let another snub define him.

As one fan summed it up: ‘They can keep the statues. Weezy’s already got the crown.’

The internet agrees: whether snubbed or not, Lil Wayne remains one of the most discussed names the morning after the Grammys.

And if history is any indication, don’t count out the Martian bouncing back harder than ever.

Watch this space – because when Wayne says ‘I gotta work harder,’ the game better prepare.