Kendrick Lamar’s historic night at the 2026 Grammy Awards marked a defining moment in hip-hop history. The Compton-born rapper dominated the ceremony, securing victories in every major rap category and achieving a milestone that elevated him above his peers. With wins for Best Rap Album for his project GNX, Best Rap Song for “tv off,” Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” Best Melodic Rap Performance for “luther,” and the prestigious Record of the Year for “luther,” Lamar swept the rap field. This sweep not only underscored his artistic dominance but also propelled him past JAY-Z to become the rapper with the most Grammy wins of all time, reaching a career total of 27 awards.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, and hosted by Trevor Noah, featured a star-studded lineup of performers and presenters. Lamar entered the night as the leading nominee with nine nods, reflecting the widespread acclaim for his recent work. His victories came amid a competitive landscape in hip-hop, where artists like Clipse, GloRilla, JID, and Tyler, the Creator also vied for recognition in rap categories. Yet Lamar’s haul stood out, blending technical prowess, cultural impact, and crossover appeal.
GNX, Lamar’s 2024 album, served as the centerpiece of his success. Winning Best Rap Album marked his fourth victory in the category, following previous triumphs for To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. The project showcased Lamar’s signature introspection, sharp lyricism, and innovative production. Tracks from GNX demonstrated his ability to evolve while staying rooted in conscious rap traditions. The album’s critical and commercial reception positioned it as a strong contender, and its Grammy win solidified its place as a landmark release in his discography.
“tv off” earned Best Rap Song, highlighting Lamar’s songwriting excellence. The track, featuring Lefty Gunplay, combined hard-hitting verses with infectious energy. Songwriters including Jack Antonoff, Larry Jayy, Dijon McFarlane, Sean Momberger, Mark Anthony Spears, and Kamasi Washington shared the honor, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the win. This category recognizes the composition and lyrics, and “tv off” stood out for its clever wordplay and thematic depth.
In Best Rap Performance, Lamar claimed the award for his feature on “Chains & Whips” by Clipse, alongside Pusha T, Malice, and Pharrell Williams. As a featured artist, Lamar delivered a blistering verse that complemented the track’s gritty production. This win highlighted his versatility, proving he excels both as a lead artist and collaborator. The category celebrates the overall performance, and Lamar’s contribution elevated the song to Grammy status.
Best Melodic Rap Performance went to “luther,” Lamar’s collaboration with SZA. The track fused melodic elements with rap delivery, showcasing Lamar’s growing comfort in blending singing and rapping. Named in tribute to the late Luther Vandross, the song carried emotional weight and smooth harmonies. This victory emphasized the evolution of rap, where melody increasingly plays a key role alongside traditional bars.
The crowning achievement came with Record of the Year for “luther.” One of the “Big Four” Grammys—alongside Album, Song, and Best New Artist—this award recognizes the best overall recording, considering production, performance, and impact. Winning it marked a rare feat for a rapper, and Lamar’s second such honor (following previous wins) cemented his crossover influence. The collaboration with SZA added vocal dynamism, while the production captured a timeless quality that resonated widely.
These five wins pushed Lamar’s career Grammy tally to 27, surpassing JAY-Z’s 25 and Kanye West’s 24. JAY-Z, a hip-hop titan and entrepreneur, long held the record for most wins by a rapper. Lamar’s ascent reflects not just quantity but consistent excellence across more than a decade. Starting with his first Grammys in 2014 for “i” in Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, Lamar has built a legacy of groundbreaking albums and socially conscious storytelling.
The significance of this milestone extends beyond numbers. Lamar has often represented hip-hop’s artistic peak, challenging industry norms and pushing boundaries. His Pulitzer Prize for DAMN. in 2018 already set him apart as the first non-classical or jazz artist to win that honor. Now, dominating the Grammys—the music industry’s most prominent platform—further validates his status. Fans and critics alike view this as confirmation of his place in the pantheon of greats, often sparking debates about the “GOAT” title in rap.
The 2026 Grammys night unfolded with memorable moments. Lamar’s acceptance speeches conveyed humility and gratitude, acknowledging collaborators and influences. The ceremony highlighted hip-hop’s growing mainstream acceptance, with rap categories receiving prominent airtime. While GNX did not win Album of the Year (which went to another act), its rap dominance and the Record of the Year win for “luther” ensured Lamar’s presence loomed large.
This achievement arrives at a pivotal time for Lamar. Following high-profile events in recent years, including cultural moments that amplified his voice, the Grammys provided a celebratory capstone. His ability to sweep rap categories while earning a general field award like Record of the Year demonstrates broad appeal. It also underscores how rap has matured into a dominant force in music, capable of competing—and winning—at the highest levels.
Looking ahead, Lamar’s record may stand for years, given his deliberate release schedule and focus on quality. Younger artists aspire to similar heights, but few match his combination of critical acclaim, commercial success, and awards dominance. At 38, he continues redefining what a rapper can achieve, blending artistry with impact.
In sweeping the rap categories and claiming the all-time wins record, Kendrick Lamar delivered a performance for the history books at the 2026 Grammys. His victories for GNX, “tv off,” “Chains & Whips,” and “luther” (twice) celebrate not just one night but a career of excellence. As the most decorated rapper in Grammy history, Lamar’s legacy grows, inspiring generations while proving hip-hop’s enduring power on the global stage.
