Dave Chappelle & Kevin Hart Go Head-To-Head For Their First Comedy Grammy Award

In an incredible career, Dave Chappelle does not possess a Grammy Award. This morning, along with the news of JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar leading nominations for the January 28 televised event, the legendary comedian was included in those up for an award.

Chappelle is nominated for “Best Comedy Album” thanks to his The Age Of Spin and Deep In The Heart Of Texas specials. Debuting in March of this year, the stand-up comedy segments are exclusive to Netflix, and part of a three-special deal the comedian signed. According to the Grammy nominations site, the voting body deems that an eligible “Comedy Album” must contain at least 51% of new material.

With the nod, Dave takes on Kevin Hart (What Now?), who is also a focal point of his 2017 act. Like Dave, Kevin has never won in this category. He also competes against Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, and Sarah Silverman. All five nominees are actors and heralded writers as well as comedians.

Chris Rock, who shared the stage with Chappelle recently (following an SNL collaboration) has won the category three times. In the last three years, winners include Patton Oswalt, Louis C.K., and Weird Al Yankovic, in reverse order. Louis C.K.’s award also came from a taped performance, Live At Madison Square Garden.

Earlier this month, Chappelle and Netflix confirmed the third 2017 special would premiere on December 31. It is titled Equanimity. He released a teaser for the stand-up release spoofing Stranger Things:

Dave Chappelle. The new stand-up special. New Year’s Eve. ????????????

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In August, Chappelle held a residency at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall celebrating 30 years of stand-up comedy. This month the Emmy Award-winning comedian also made a cameo in Talib Kweli’s latest music video, “Traveling Light.” That video also features Chappelle affiliate Q-Tip, an artist who expressed strong frustration against the Grammy voting bodies after A Tribe Called Quest’s final album was not included in any category’s nominations.

In July, months ahead of the Grammy nom’s, Chappelle and Kendrick Lamar documented a conversation about artistic integrity and success.