Kendrick Lamar Makes Grammy History as Most-Awarded Rapper, Breaking Jay-Z’s Record
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar achieved a historic milestone by becoming the most-awarded rapper in the history of the Grammy Awards, surpassing the legendary Jay-Z and setting a new benchmark for excellence in hip-hop.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards — held on February 1, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles — saw Lamar not only take home multiple awards during the ceremony but also rewrite the record books for his genre.
A New All-Time Champion in Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar entered the night already among the most decorated artists in Grammy history, with a career total of 22 wins and a staggering 57 nominations. By the end of the evening, he had added several more trophies — bringing his total to an unprecedented 27 Grammy Awards. This achievement officially pushed him past Jay-Z’s long-standing record of 25 Grammy wins, making Kendrick the most-awarded rapper of all time.
Lamar’s dominance spanned both rap categories and major fields. Some of his key wins at the 2026 ceremony included:
- Best Rap Album for GNX
- Best Rap Song for “TV Off”
- Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther” (with SZA)
- Best Rap Performance for his feature on Clipse’s “Chains & Whips”
These victories were instrumental in securing his record-breaking status.
A Ceremony Full of Milestones
Beyond simply breaking Jay-Z’s record, Lamar’s night was a celebration of his sustained excellence and cultural impact. Not only did he collect trophies in core hip-hop categories, but his influence was felt across the event, reinforcing his status as one of the defining voices of his generation.
Entering the ceremony with nine nominations — the most for any artist that year — Lamar’s sweep reflected both critical acclaim and peer recognition across multiple fields. His success this night underscored a decade of artistic evolution and consistency.
What This Record Means
Surpassing Jay-Z — who long held the Grammy record for rappers with 25 wins — is more than a numerical achievement. It signals the Recording Academy’s long-term recognition of Lamar’s impact on hip-hop, storytelling, and the broader music landscape. It also positions him at the forefront of rap history, a title that reflects both technical mastery and cultural influence.
For fans and industry observers alike, this moment represents a major shift in hip-hop’s legacy narratives, with Kendrick Lamar now the benchmark against which future generations of rappers may be measured.
Final Thoughts
Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking night at the 2026 Grammy Awards is a reminder that innovation, lyricism, and artistic courage can stand the test of time. By becoming the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history, he not only honored his past work but also carved out a legacy that will inspire artists for years to come.