At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Kendrick Lamar cemented his place as one of hip-hop’s most decorated artists by breaking the long-standing Grammy record previously held by Jay-Z a milestone that reverberated across the music industry and global culture.
Lamar, 38, entered the February 1 ceremony with a leading nine nominations and walked away with five major wins, bringing his total career Grammy count to 27, eclipsing Jay-Z’s previous mark of 25.
Among his victories were Record of the Year for “Luther” (with SZA), Best Rap Album for GNX, Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips” (with Clipse and others), Best Rap Song for “TV Off,” and Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther.” These wins not only underscored his versatility but also highlighted his dominance across multiple categories at the Grammys.
“Luther,” Lamar’s collaboration with SZA, also marked another milestone. In winning Record of the Year, he became the first rapper to win that award in consecutive years and only the second rapper to capture it twice a reflection of his broad cultural influence beyond hip-hop.
Lamar’s ascent to the top of the Grammy charts is the result of a career built on critical acclaim, storytelling prowess and cultural resonance. Since his first Grammy wins in the early 2010s, Lamar has been a defining voice of his generation — blending complex lyricism with social commentary and musical innovation.
GNX, his latest project, was particularly successful. The album was widely praised for its production, lyrical depth and artistic cohesion, and its recognition at the Grammys sealed Lamar’s reputation as a leading force in rap and music at large.
Lamar’s achievements now place him ahead of legendary figures not only in rap but in hip-hop’s history. His 27 awards make him the most decorated rapper in Grammy history, surpassing Jay-Z — who had held the record for years as a symbol of achievement and influence in the genre.
The news sparked widespread celebration across the music world, with fans and fellow artists taking to social media to congratulate Lamar on his historic run. Conversations online highlighted his consistency and artistic growth from early albums like Good Kid, M.A.A.D City to his more recent work.
Analysts say Lamar’s record now places him in rarefied company alongside some of the most awarded artists across genres, and his continuing influence positions him as a central figure in contemporary music culture.