Kendrick Lamar wins five Grammys, surpassing Jay-Z with 27, and cementing his status as one of hip-hop’s most important figures.
Kendrick Lamar was the biggest winner at the 2026 Grammy Awards, taking home five trophies and becoming the most-awarded rapper of all time with 27 total wins, surpassing Jay-Z’s previous record of 25. Lamar solidifies his position as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
The 38-year-old singer kicked off the ceremony with a win for Best Rap Album for GNX, setting the tone for a historic evening. Later, he wins Record of the Year for “Luther” with SZA, adding another important award to his record-breaking collection.
“I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music,” Lamar stated during his victory speech. He thanked his fellow nominees, including Tyler the Creator and Clipse, stating that hip hop would always be relevant. We’ll be in these suits. We’re going look good. We’ll have our family with us. “We’ll have the culture with us.” He ended with gratitude: “So I appreciate y’all, and God is the glory.” Love you all.”
Kendrick leads the nominations.
This year, Lamar led the way with nine nominations, followed by Lady Gaga and producers Cirkut and Jack Antonoff, who each garnered seven. Bad Bunny, Leon Thomas, and Sabrina Carpenter have six nominations each.
Earlier that night, Lamar also won.
Best Rap Performance: “Chains & Whips” (featuring Clipse, Pusha T, Malice, and Pharrell Williams).
Best Melodic Rap Performance in “Luther”
Best Rap Song for “TV Off”
His album, GNX, was nominated for Album of the Year, but Bad Bunny won with DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.
Kendrick’s Grammy Journey
Kendrick Lamar’s accomplishment at the 2026 Grammys adds to an already remarkable career. In 2025, he won several awards, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video for “Not Like Us.”That same year, he became the first solo rapper to lead the Super Bowl Halftime Show, with SZA serving as his special guest.
Lamar’s revolutionary albums, including as DAMN., To Pimp a Butterfly, and good kid, m.A.A.d city, have earned him several accolades. Each project has received critical recognition for its inventive production, lyrical depth, and cultural significance, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans alike.
A Historic Night in Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking 27 Grammy Awards represent a watershed moment for hip-hop, confirming the genre’s enduring supremacy and impact in mainstream music. His accomplishments showcase not just his talent, but also the collaborative spirit of the hip-hop community, as he frequently acknowledges and encourages fellow artists in his talks and performances.
As the 2026 Grammy Awards come to a close, Lamar’s impact is clear: he is not merely a multi-award-winning artist, but also a cultural icon who continues to influence the sound, style, and story of current rap music.
With 27 Grammys and counting, Kendrick Lamar sets the standard for hip-hop brilliance, pushing fans and musicians all around the world to push creative boundaries and embrace the power of real expression.
