Tommy Richman’s viral hit “Million Dollar Baby” aims for Grammy gold
Tommy Richman’s breakout track “Million Dollar Baby” has taken the music world by storm and is now set to compete in prestigious rap categories at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This phenomenal track, which became a TikTok sensation, reigned as the longest-running No. 1 song on Billboard’s R&B chart this year. Let’s dive deeper into its impressive journey and the exciting competition it faces.
A record-breaking chart journey
“Million Dollar Baby” enjoyed a monumental 22-week run at the top of Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart. The track was finally dethroned by The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s “Timeless” last week. Richman’s hit also dominated Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for three weeks and soared to the No. 2 position on the all-genre Hot 100 chart.
Grammy submissions and potential competition
The success story of “Million Dollar Baby” continues as it has been submitted for best rap song and best melodic rap performance at next year’s Grammy Awards. If nominated, Richman’s masterpiece will face stiff competition from industry heavyweights like:
- Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
- Future, Metro Boomin, and Lamar’s “Like That”
- Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hiss”
- 21 Savage’s “Redrum”
- GloRilla’s “Yeah Glo!”
- “Carnival” by Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign
The question on everyone’s mind is: Can Tommy Richman hold his own against such formidable names?
First-round voting and the road to nominations
Grammy’s first-round voting wrapped up on Tuesday. While we await the official nominations announcement on Nov. 8, fans are eagerly rooting for Richman. The final voting window will span from Dec. 12 through Jan. 3, leading up to the live award ceremony on Feb. 2, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. It’s an event that promises high-stake excitement for the music scene.
The unexpected controversy
Richman, only 24 years old, recently stirred the pot with a now-deleted tweet where he claimed he is “not a hip hop artist.” This statement went viral, drawing swift reactions across the music community. Notably, radio personality DJ Hed highlighted the potential implications for stations playing his tracks with comments like, “NO ONE is bigger than the culture.”
Richman later clarified his intent on social media, apologizing for the confusion and emphasizing, “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. What I meant to say is I’m not SOLELY a hip hop artist.” This transparency resonated with many fans, bolstering his genuine connection with his audience.
Beyond rap: Richman’s potential for broader recognition
While “Million Dollar Baby” remains a frontrunner in the rap categories, it has also been submitted as song of the year and record of the year. Richman himself is vying for the best new artist title, competing against talents like:
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Chappell Roan
- Shaboozey
- Benson Boone
- Teddy Swims
- Raye
- Megan Moroney
Moreover, Richman co-wrote Brent Faiyaz’s 82-second track “Best Time,” which is in the running for best R&B song. This demonstrates Richman’s versatility and deep involvement in the industry.
A promising future
Richman’s other singles, like “Devil is a Lie” and “Thought You Were the One,” have also gained significant traction, reaching the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart. His debut album, “Coyote,” released last month, missed the cut-off for this year’s Grammy eligibility, setting the stage for potential recognition at the 2026 show.
As we eagerly anticipate the Grammy nominations and Richman’s future endeavors, it’s clear that his refusal to be boxed into a single genre is what sets him apart. This bold and multifaceted approach underscores his talent and authenticity, promising an exciting career ahead.
Stay tuned for more music updates and insights. Join the conversation on social media and share your thoughts on Tommy Richman’s journey and his Grammy potential!