Kendrick Lamar Breaks Jay-Z’s Grammys Record, Becomes Most-Awarded Rapper in History

Kendrick Lamar made history at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, becoming the most-awarded rapper of all time. The 38-year-old artist now holds 27 Grammy wins, surpassing Jay-Z’s previous record of 25.

Winning Big With GNX

Lamar’s groundbreaking album GNX earned him Best Rap Album at the start of the ceremony. Later in the evening, he added Record of the Year for Luther, his collaboration with SZA, further cementing his dominance in hip-hop.

Acceptance Speech Highlights

In his acceptance speech, Lamar reflected on his journey and praised his peers. “I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. It’s an honor to be here,” he said. He acknowledged fellow nominees Tyler, the Creator and Clipse, calling them “brothers” and emphasizing the unity within hip-hop. “Hip hop is gonna always be right here. We gonna be in these suits. We gonna be looking good. We gonna be having our folks with us. We gonna be having the culture with us.”

Leading the Pack in Nominations

This year, Lamar led the Grammys with nine nominations. Lady Gaga, along with producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut, followed with seven. Bad Bunny, Leon Thomas, and Sabrina Carpenter each earned six nominations.

Multiple Wins Throughout the Night

Earlier in the ceremony, Lamar picked up Best Rap Performance for Chains & Whips, a collaboration with Clipse, Pusha T, Malice, and Pharrell Williams. He also won Best Melodic Rap Performance for Luther and Best Rap Song for tv off. His total could rise further if GNX secures Album of the Year.

Building on a Legendary Career

Lamar’s record-breaking night follows his historic 2025 run, when he won five Grammys for Not Like Us. That same year, he became the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, performing alongside SZA.

A Legacy of Excellence

With 27 Grammys, Kendrick Lamar has etched his name into music history. His artistry, lyrical depth, and cultural impact continue to shape the future of hip-hop, ensuring his place among the greatest performers of all time.