Kendrick Lamar Breaks JAY-Z's Grammy Record with 27 Wins

The Compton rapper now holds the record for most Grammy Awards by a rapper.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kendrick Lamar has surpassed JAY-Z as the rapper with the most Grammy Award wins, taking home 27 trophies after the 2026 ceremony. His wins this year include Best Rap Album for GNX and Record of the Year for 'luther' featuring SZA. Lamar emphasized the importance of clean lyrics and thanked Luther Vandross' estate for sample clearance.

Why it matters

Kendrick Lamar's historic Grammy achievement cements his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His continued critical and commercial success highlights the evolution of hip-hop and the growing recognition of the art form within the mainstream music industry.

The details

Lamar picked up five Grammys in 2025 and led the 2026 nominations with nine nods. During the live ceremony, he won Best Rap Album for GNX, beating out albums by Tyler and Clipse. He also took home Record of the Year for 'luther,' which required clearance from the Luther Vandross estate to use the sample of 'If This World Were Mine' on the condition that Lamar's lyrics contained no profanity.

  • Lamar surpassed JAY-Z's previous record of 25 Grammy wins at the 2026 ceremony.
  • In 2025, Lamar won five Grammys, including for his song 'Not Like Us.'

The players

Kendrick Lamar

A critically acclaimed rapper from Compton, California who has now won a record 27 Grammy Awards, surpassing JAY-Z as the rapper with the most Grammy wins.

JAY-Z

A legendary rapper who previously held the record for most Grammy wins by a rapper with 25 awards.

Luther Vandross

A renowned R&B singer whose estate granted Kendrick Lamar clearance to sample his song 'If This World Were Mine' on the condition that Lamar's lyrics contained no profanity.

Cheryl Lynn

An R&B singer who co-wrote 'If This World Were Mine' with Luther Vandross.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Being able to put our vocals [on] it, it proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals. They granted us that. They said, 'No cursing, though. Can't curse on it.'”

— Kendrick Lamar (newsdirectory3.com)

The takeaway

Kendrick Lamar's historic Grammy achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time and highlights the growing recognition and evolution of hip-hop within the mainstream music industry.