Although Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are up for seven awards at this year's GRAMMYs, it apparently almost didn't happen.

According to an unnamed source speaking to the AP, the rap committee of the Recording Academy tried to argue that Macklemore's music shouldn't qualify as rap and therefore shouldn't be allowed to compete in the hip-hop categories "because of their success on mainstream radio and their appeal in the pop world."

"Because of the controversy with them as a rap group, it became something the entire GRAMMY committee discussed," the person revealed. Ultimately, the overarching GRAMMY committee vetoed the petitions against the duo.

The source adds that "when you're trying to protect categories and someone has become popular, it should be judged as much ... Where does their music exist? Who are their fans?"

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are currently nominated for Song of the Year with "Same Love," featuring Mary Lambert. No rap/hip-hop act has ever won in that category.