Tommy Richman Submits Million Dollar Baby for Grammy Rap Categories After Saying He’s "Not a Hip Hop Artist"

 Tommy Richman’s viral TikTok hit Million Dollar Baby is set to compete in the rap categories at the 2025 Grammys, despite the artist’s controversial claim that he doesn’t consider himself a hip-hop artist. Just two weeks ago, Richman caused a stir with a now-deleted tweet declaring, “I’m not a hip hop artist,” which many saw as an odd statement given his success on R&B and R&B/Hip-Hop charts. His remarks quickly drew criticism from the hip-hop community, prompting Richman to clarify his comments while also facing backlash from industry figures like DJ Hed, who even suggested that hip-hop radio stations remove his songs from rotation.

    Richman’s Million Dollar Baby has been submitted for Best Rap Song and Best Melodic Rap Performance at the upcoming Grammys. The song, which topped Billboard’s R&B chart for 22 weeks, will now compete against some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including Kendrick Lamar, 21 Savage, and Megan Thee Stallion. However, the submission comes amid ongoing questions about how Richman’s remarks align with his decision to submit the track in rap categories.

One of the most notable responses came from DJ Hed, a prominent hip-hop radio personality. Hed sarcastically tweeted, “So every Hip-Hop station playing Million Dollar Baby or Devil is a Lie should stop today. Thanks for the heads up,” essentially questioning why hip-hop radio should continue supporting Richman if he doesn’t identify with the genre.

However, Hed’s response wasn’t a personal attack on Richman but rather a commentary on the competitive nature of radio play. Hed emphasized the importance of radio slots, particularly on hip-hop stations, which have limited capacity for emerging artists. “I now have two open slots. What should I play? From an artist proud to be hip hop,” Hed tweeted, highlighting that every song played on air takes up valuable space that could be used to give a platform to up-and-coming artists who are fully embracing the genre.

Hed’s call for stations to consider pulling Richman’s records from rotation wasn’t about punishing him but about respecting the ecosystem of hip-hop. In the world of radio, where slots are limited, removing Million Dollar Baby would make room for newer artists struggling to get the same exposure Richman has enjoyed.

In response to the backlash, Richman quickly attempted to walk back his initial comments. “I’ll say again, I’m thankful for everything. I’m saying I don’t wanna be boxed in. I grew up on hip hop. But I’m a singer,” he tweeted, later adding, “I meant to say I’m not solely a hip hop artist.” While the clarification was intended to smooth things over, many in the hip-hop community remained skeptical, seeing the remarks as distancing himself from the genre that had supported his rise.

DJ Hed responded to Richman’s clarification, maintaining that there was no ill intent on his part but emphasizing that Richman didn’t fully grasp the nuances of the industry he was entering. “There are nuances that can be perceived when statements are made. I don’t believe you have malicious intent, but I do believe there is much to be learned about the system that you have entered,” Hed tweeted, reiterating the complexities of navigating success in a culture as influential as hip-hop.

Adding further fuel to the controversy, veteran rapper and media personality Joe Budden also weighed in on the situation. On a recent episode of his podcast, Budden didn’t hold back, bluntly expressing his hope that Richman would lose in every category he submitted for at the Grammys. “I hope that Tommy Richman loses every category,” Budden said, arguing that awarding Richman in the rap categories would be a slap in the face to artists like Kendrick Lamar, who are deeply rooted in the genre.

Budden expressed concern that the Grammy board might favor Richman’s commercial success and viral appeal over artists more authentically tied to hip-hop culture. “If he wins in rap, I’ma feel like they’re playing in our face and trying to slight us,” Budden continued, capturing the frustration of many within the culture who feel that the genre is too often co-opted by outsiders who don’t fully appreciate its significance.

As Grammy nominations loom, all eyes are on whether Million Dollar Baby will secure a place in the rap categories. Richman is also in the running for Best New Artist and could score a nomination for Best R&B Song for his work on Brent Faiyaz’s Best Time.

But as the final voting period approaches, the controversy surrounding Richman’s comments serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate about genre fluidity, cultural ownership, and who gets to claim space in hip-hop. For some, Richman’s submissions in the rap categories represent the blurring lines of modern music, while for others, it raises uncomfortable questions about respect for the culture and what it means to truly be part of the hip-hop community.

Richman’s Grammy submissions, paired with his comments distancing himself from hip-hop, have sparked a broader conversation about identity and genre in today’s music industry. With the Grammys just around the corner, the question remains whether the awards will recognize an artist who, despite his success, has openly hesitated to claim his place within the genre that helped elevate him.