By Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

The outspoken Chicago rapper has never been shy about his Grammy ambitions. In 2005, when his “Late Registration” was up for album of the year, he told MTV News, “If I don't win album of the year, I'm gonna really have a problem with that.” He didn’t win.

But West has a fair share of Grammys – six spread among his first two albums. They’re all, however, confined to the rap categories. His latest album, “Graduation,” is another critical and commercial success. Expect it to dominate the rap field.

Yet the Recording Academy has shied away from awarding West one of its top trophies. But without any other artists having near the critical and commercial success this year as West, the top categories should be his to lose. Just don’t be surprised if the Grammys continue to play it safe.