Kendrick Lamar becomes the most awarded rapper in Grammy history, surpasses Jay-Z with 27 career wins

Kendrick Lamar added another milestone to his career at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1. The rapper now holds 27 Grammy wins, moving past Jay-Z’s long-standing total of 25 and setting a new benchmark for a rap artist.

The Not Like Us rapper entered the 2026 Grammy Awards as the most-nominated artist of the year, with nine nominations. Behind him were Lady Gaga, producer Cirkut and songwriter Jack Antonoff with seven each. Bad Bunny, Leon Thomas and Sabrina Carpenter earned six nominations each.

Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay Z’s long-standing Grammy record

Lamar’s wins did not come from a single category. Early in the night, Lamar picked up Best Rap Album for GNX. Later, he returned to the stage after winning Record of the Year for Luther, a track featuring SZA.

Lamar collected multiple trophies across the rap field.

Best Rap Album - GNX

Best Rap Performance - Chains & Whips

(with Clipse, Pusha T, Malice, and Pharrell Williams)

Best Melodic Rap Performance - Luther

Best Rap Song – ‘tv off

GNX was also in the running for Album of the Year, but the award went to Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.

During his acceptance speech, Lamar kept his remarks short. He said he was “not good at talking about” himself and preferred to express things through his music. He also acknowledged fellow nominees, calling them ‘brothers’ and pointed towards hip-hop’s continued presence at the ceremony.

A year of major recognition for Kendrick Lamar

The 2026 show followed another high-profile year. In 2025, Lamar won across top categories for Not Like Us, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. That same year, he headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show - the first solo rapper to do so - with SZA and DJ Mustard, Serena Williams and Samuel L. Jackson appeared as special guests.

With 27 career Grammy trophies, Lamar now leads all rappers in the awards tally. The shift moves him ahead of Jay-Z, whose total had remained the benchmark in rap categories for years. For now, the numbers stand - and the record has a new name attached to it.