Kendrick Lamar Sets New Grammy Milestone
Kendrick Lamar achieves a historic milestone at the 2026 Grammy Awards, surpassing Jay-Z to become the most-awarded rapper in the ceremony’s 66-year history. Lamar secures five additional trophies, bringing his total to 26, one more than Jay-Z’s previous record of 25.
His latest victories include Record of the Year for “Luther” featuring SZA, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Melodic Rap Performance, and Best Rap Album for GNX. These wins follow his five Grammy successes in 2025, solidifying Lamar’s influence as a pivotal figure in contemporary music.
During his acceptance speech for Best Rap Album, Lamar reflects on the moment: “It is hip-hop as usual, man. 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. So I appreciate y’all. God is to glory. Love y’all.”
Lamar’s Journey from Compton to Global Icon
Born in 1987 in Compton, California, Lamar grows up in challenging circumstances, with his family relying on welfare and food stamps. He witnesses violence early, including his first murder at age five. Inspired by West Coast legends like Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, he begins releasing music in high school under the moniker K.Dot.
Lamar’s breakthrough arrives with his 2011 debut album Section.80, but good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012 catapults him to stardom. The album delivers cinematic narratives on life in Compton, addressing race, poverty, and personal struggles, earning praise from critics and fans alike.
Subsequent releases like To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) incorporate jazz, soul, and funk elements while exploring themes of depression, masculinity, and family trauma. In 2018, Lamar becomes the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for DAMN., recognized for its “virtuosic song collection… that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African American life.”
Timothy Welbeck, a professor of African American studies at Temple University, notes that good kid, m.A.A.d city demonstrates Lamar’s ability to create timeless quality and compelling storytelling accessible to diverse audiences.
Recent Highlights and Cultural Impact
Lamar’s 2024 diss track “Not Like Us,” aimed at Drake, dominates charts with its infectious bassline and rhythmic strings, becoming a West Coast anthem. Critics and fans declare it a victory in their high-profile feud, which involves pointed accusations.
Following his 2025 Grammys, Lamar headlines the Super Bowl halftime show, performing hits like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA,” and delivering a provocative version of “Not Like Us.” He then embarks on a world tour with SZA, generating over $350 million in revenue and selling more than 1.5 million tickets.
Lamar’s success highlights his rare balance of commercial viability and artistic depth, without relying on frequent releases.
Key 2026 Grammy Winners
Major Categories
- Album of the Year: Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MÁS FOTOS
- Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “luther”
- Song of the Year: Billie Eilish – “WILDFLOWER”
- Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
Pop and Rap Highlights
- Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga – MAYHEM
- Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young – “Messy”
- Best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Best Música Urbana Album: Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MÁS FOTOS
Other Notable Wins
- Best Country Album: Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken
- Best Rock Album: Turnstile – NEVER ENOUGH
- Best R&B Album: Leon Thomas – MUTT
- Best Latin Pop Album: Natalia Lafourcade – Cancionera
Bad Bunny claims three awards, including Album of the Year, while Lady Gaga adds three to her collection. The ceremony celebrates diverse genres, from global music to jazz and beyond.
