Kendrick Lamar Is Now the Most GRAMMY-Awarded Rapper in History, Breaking JAY-Z’s All-Time Record

Kendrick Lamar may have entered the 2026 GRAMMYs as the night’s most-nominated act, but before its mid-way point he had already become the ceremony’s most-decorated rapper of all time.

At the show’s onset, Lamar was a 22-time GRAMMY winner – already making him one of the most-awarded rappers in the 68-year history of the award show.

By the end of the pre-show, however, Kendrick captured Best Rap Performance (for ‘Chains & Whips‘ with Clipse), Best Melodic Rap Performance (for ‘Luther‘ with SZA), and Best Rap Song (for ‘TV Off’) trophies – a trio of victories that tied him with JAY-Z for most all-time wins among emcees (25 each).

With the capture of the Best Rap Album category for his ‘GNX‘ project during the main ceremony, however, he surpassed JAY’s longtime record to become the sole owner of the title.

At writing, Lamar’s career GRAMMY count sits at 27 – making him the most-decorated Black male musical performer since the show’s inception in 1959.

Leaving JAY and Stevie Wonder in his rearview, only Beyonce (35) can boast more wins among performers. Among all acts including producers, composers, and more, Kendrick trails Beyonce (35), Sir Georg Solti (31), Quincy Jones (28), and Chick Corea (28).

See the full list of 2026 winners here.