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Image Courtesy: Needle Drop
Kendrick Lamar has made a lasting impact on music history. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, the Compton-born rapper shattered records to become the most-awarded rapper of all time, surpassing Jay-Z's long-held milestone. With many awards across rap and general categories, Lamar's historic night not only acknowledged his artistic talent but also underlined his lasting influence on hip-hop and global music culture.
Historic Night at the 2026 Grammys: Lamar Breaks the Record
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on 1st February, 2026, Kendrick Lamar broke Jay-Z's long-standing record and became the most awarded rapper in Grammy history. Entering the night with 22 wins and 57 nominations in his career, Lamar came into the ceremony with nine nominations and delivered one of the most impressive performances in the event's history. At the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, he collected multiple trophies throughout the evening—sweeping key rap categories and adding coveted general field awards to his tally.
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Image Courtesy: Harper's Bazaar
By the end of the night, Lamar's overall Grammy count hit 27—overtaking Jay-Z's 25 wins and leaving Kanye West, with 24, in third place among rapper honourees. This unprecedented achievement further cements Lamar's effect on hip-hop and music at large, crowning him as one of the most decorated artists of his time.
Record-Breaking Wins and Major Categories
Kendrick Lamar's spectacular night includes a number of awards across both rap-specific and broader categories. He won Best Rap Album for his critically acclaimed project 'GNX,' beating out notable competitors in a crowded field. Lamar also secured Best Rap Song for 'TV Off,' Best Melodic Rap Performance for 'Luther,' and Best Rap Performance for his contribution to Clipse's 'Chains & Whips.'
Beyond the rap categories, Lamar's collaboration with SZA on 'Luther' won Record of the Year, demonstrating his adaptability and acceptance in a variety of musical genres.
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Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
His career Grammy count reached an unprecedented level for any rapper when these awards were added to his already impressive collection. Prior to this ceremony, Lamar had already built a strong Grammy legacy, including major wins for 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' 'DAMN.,' and his breakout recent hits like 'Not Like Us,' which previously dominated big award categories such as Record and Song of the Year.
Celebration, Speech and Legacy
As Kendrick Lamar entered the stage to accept his trophies, his words conveyed both gratitude and reverence for hip-hop culture. He discussed his path and the genre that influenced him during his Best Rap Album acceptance, stating, "It is hip-hop as usual...I express it through the music. It's an honor to be here...Hip-hop is going to always be right here...God is to glory. Love y'all." In addition to highlighting his own accomplishment, his comments paid homage to the culture and the collaborators who helped him.
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Image Courtesy: HotNewHipHop
Lamar also acknowledged his fellow nominees, such as Tyler, the Creator and Clipse, for their contributions and artistry. The festivities on the evening continued Lamar's already incredible run. In 2025, he became the first solo rap headliner at the Super Bowl Halftime Show and his song 'Not Like Us' won a major Grammy. With this record-breaking milestone at the 2026 Grammys, Kendrick Lamar's influence and legacy in music history are stronger than ever.
