American rap superstar Kendrick Lamar has made history at the 68th Grammy Awards, surpassing a long-standing record for the most Grammy wins by a rapper. With four victories at this year’s ceremony, Lamar now holds a total of 26 Grammy Awards, eclipsing the previous record of 25 held by fellow rapper Jay-Z. The event commenced early Monday morning Bangladesh time at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United States.
Breaking the Record
Lamar’s historic achievement was secured through a combination of wins during the Grammy Premiere — the pre-telecast segment — and the main broadcast. During the Premiere, he took home three awards:
Best Rap Performance
Best Melodic Rap Performance
Best Rap Song
Later, during the main televised ceremony, Lamar won the award for Best Rap Album for his 2024 project GNX, bringing his total haul for the evening to four awards and cementing his record-breaking milestone.
Comparison with Jay-Z
Jay-Z had long held the distinction of being the most awarded rapper in Grammy history, with 25 wins over his career. Kendrick Lamar’s recent triumphs have now placed him at the top of this list.
| Rapper | Previous Total Grammys | Wins at 68th Grammys | New Total Grammys |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jay-Z | 25 | — | 25 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 22 | 4 | 26 |
Leading in Nominations
This year, Kendrick Lamar also led the field in nominations, securing nine nods across major categories. Over the course of his career, he has now amassed 66 Grammy nominations, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential and successful contemporary rappers in the industry.
Industry Impact
Lamar’s achievement not only reflects his enduring artistic excellence but also marks a significant moment in the history of hip-hop, demonstrating the genre’s growing recognition within mainstream music awards. His success at the 68th Grammys underscores a career defined by innovation, lyrical depth, and cultural impact, solidifying his legacy alongside the genre’s all-time greats.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter