Kendrick Lamar Breaks Grammy Record: Most Wins for a Rapper | VIBE

Kendrick Lamar has cemented his place in music history, becoming the most decorated rapper of all time with a total of 27 Grammy Awards. The milestone was achieved at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, surpassing Jay-Z’s previous record of 24 wins.

Lamar’s impressive haul on Sunday included wins for Best Rap Album for GNX, Best Rap Song for “TV Off,” Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther,” Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” and the coveted Record of the Year, also for “Luther,” his collaboration with SZA. The ascent has been relatively swift for the artist, who received his first Grammy nominations in 2015 with his breakthrough album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” and secured his first wins that same year for “I.”

“It is hip-hop as usual, man,” Lamar stated while accepting the award for Best Rap Album. “I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. It’s an honor to be here. … Hip-hop is going to always be right here. We are going to be in these suits, looking good, having our folks with us. We are going to be having the culture with us.”

The success of “Luther” was a significant theme of the evening. The song, a ballad sampled from both Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s rendition of “If This World Were Mine” (originally by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell), not only earned Lamar and SZA Record of the Year but also Best Melodic Rap Performance. The song’s origins were surprisingly humble; producer Sounwave revealed to Rolling Stone that it initially began as an interlude, consisting only of the sample and humming melodies. It wasn’t until Lamar found a specific melody that the track was recognized for its potential.

SZA also played a key role in the evening’s success, sharing in the Record of the Year win for “Luther.” She used her moment on stage to offer a message of hope, urging the audience “not to fall into despair” amidst current events, stating, “We’re not governed by the government. We’re governed by God.”

The presentation of the Record of the Year award was not without a minor hiccup. Cher, who presented the award, momentarily misread her card, initially announcing Luther Vandross as the winner. This prompted a lighthearted moment before the correct recipients, Lamar and SZA, were acknowledged.

Lamar’s total of five wins at this year’s ceremony propelled him past Kanye West, who previously held 24 Grammy Awards. He was the most-nominated artist at the 2026 Grammys, with a total of nine nominations. The rapid climb through the Grammy ranks is notable; in 2015, both Jay-Z and Kanye West had each won 21 Grammys, while Lamar was just beginning his journey.

Beyond Lamar’s record-breaking night, other artists also added to their Grammy totals. The late Chick Corea won his 29th Grammy for Best Jazz Performance, while John Williams secured his 27th win for Best Music Film. Engineer Serban Ghenea also added to his collection, winning his 24th Grammy as the mixer for Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” which was awarded Best Dance Pop Recording.

The 68th Grammy Awards also saw Bad Bunny make history as the first Spanish-language artist to win Album of the Year. Billie Eilish was also recognized, winning Song of the Year. The ceremony, while described as light on suspense, delivered in terms of performances, speeches and historical moments.

The night underscored the continued dominance of hip-hop and R&B, with Kendrick Lamar leading the charge. His 27 Grammy Awards not only represent a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the genre, solidifying its place at the forefront of the music industry. The story of “Luther,” from its humble beginnings as an interlude to its triumph as Record of the Year, serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring legacy of artists like Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye.