Kendrick Lamar Breaks JAY-Z’s Grammy Record with 27 Wins | 2026 Grammys Recap

Kendrick Lamar cemented his legacy at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, surpassing Jay-Z to grow the most-awarded rapper in history with a total of 27 Grammy wins. The Compton artist’s accolades at the February 1st ceremony included Best Rap Album for GNX and the coveted Record of the Year for his collaboration with SZA, “luther.”

A New Peak for K. Dot

Prior to Sunday’s awards show, Jay-Z held the record for most Grammy wins by a rapper with 25 awards. Lamar’s recent success, building on five wins at the 2025 Grammys for his song “Not Like Us,” propelled him past Hov and into the history books. The critical and commercial reception of his 2024 album, GNX, positioned him strongly for a record-breaking night. He led the 2026 Grammy nominations with nine nods, alongside Clipse, Doechii and Tyler, The Creator, who each received five nominations.

Lamar’s winning streak began even before the televised ceremony, with three awards presented earlier in the evening. He secured Best Rap Performance for his guest verse on Clipse’s “Chains & Whips,” Best Melodic Rap Performance for “luther” featuring SZA, and Best Rap Song for “tv off.” These wins set the stage for a monumental night.

“luther” and the Pursuit of Greatness

The highlight of the evening came when GNX was named Best Rap Album, triumphing over albums like Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA and Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out. However, it was “luther” that ultimately earned Lamar the Record of the Year award, beating out tracks from Bad Bunny (“DtMF”), Doechii (“Anxiety”), and Lady Gaga (“Abracadabra”).

The song, a tribute to the late Luther Vandross, samples Vandross’ 1982 recording of “If This World Were Mine.” Lamar revealed a unique condition placed upon the sample’s clearance by the Vandross estate: the lyrics had to remain clean. “Being able to put our vocals [on] it, it proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals,” Lamar said, acknowledging Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. “They granted us that. They said, ‘No cursing, though. Can’t curse on it.’” This detail underscores the respect and reverence Lamar holds for the musical legacy he sampled.

Beyond the Wins: Bad Bunny’s Historic Night

Although Lamar’s achievements dominated the headlines, the 2026 Grammys also marked a significant milestone for Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar took home the Album of the Year award for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, becoming the first artist to win the award with a Spanish-language album. Bad Bunny’s emotional acceptance speech, dedicated to his homeland and those who pursue their dreams abroad, resonated deeply with audiences. CNN reported on the emotional moment, highlighting the significance of his win.

A Collaborative Effort

The success of “luther” was a collaborative effort, with Jack Antonoff receiving significant recognition as a co-producer and co-engineer. Guinness World Records notes that this win made Antonoff the first producer to win the “Big Four” Grammy categories – Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist (across different years). The winning team also included Sounwave, Ruchaun Aker, Kamasi Washington, and SZA, all of whom were present on stage to accept the award alongside Kendrick Lamar and Cher, who presented the award. Mens Journal reported on a humorous moment during the presentation when Cher mistakenly announced Luther Vandross as the winner.

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?

Following the Grammy triumph, Kendrick Lamar’s immediate plans remain focused on touring in support of GNX. Dates and locations are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, building on the momentum generated by the album’s critical acclaim and Grammy success. The tour will likely showcase the album’s complex themes and innovative production, solidifying Lamar’s position as a leading voice in contemporary music. Industry observers are also watching to see how Lamar will leverage his increased profile and influence in future projects, potentially exploring new creative avenues, and collaborations.