[1] Honors in several categories are presented at the ceremony annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to "honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry, without regard to album sales or chart position".

[2] In 1995, the Academy announced the addition of the award category Best Rap Album.

[4] Award recipients often include the producers, engineers, and/or mixers associated with the nominated work in addition to the recording artists.

Lauryn Hill was the first female artist to win in this category, when she won in 1997 with the Fugees.

The duo Outkast and rapper Tyler, The Creator have both received the award twice.