Kendrick Lamar achieved a monumental milestone at the Grammy Awards 2026, delivering a performance that will be etched in music history. The acclaimed rapper broke a record many believed would remain untouched for years, officially surpassing Jay-Z's tally of Grammy wins.
Jay-Z's Long-Standing Record Finally Falls
For an extended period, Jay-Z held the distinction of having the most Grammy awards among hip-hop artists, with 25 prestigious wins. Numerous fans and industry experts speculated that this remarkable achievement might stand unchallenged for the foreseeable future. However, Kendrick Lamar's exceptional talent and consistent excellence ultimately led to this historic breakthrough during the 2026 ceremony.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the significant update, noting that the "Luther" rapper now possesses 26 Grammy awards, officially moving ahead of Jay-Z's 25. This clarification established a definitive record-breaking moment that resonated throughout the entertainment world.
Kendrick's Early Dominance Before the Main Show
Remarkably, Kendrick Lamar secured three Grammy victories even before the televised ceremony commenced. These initial triumphs occurred during the non-televised Grammys premiere ceremony, setting an impressive tone for the evening.
He earned the award for Best Rap Performance for his featured work on "Chains & Whips," followed by Best Melodic Rap Performance for "Luther" in collaboration with SZA. Additionally, he claimed Best Rap Song for "tv off," establishing a substantial lead before the main broadcast began.
Best Rap Album Marks First Televised Victory
When the primary ceremony went live, Kendrick's inaugural televised win arrived with Best Rap Album for his 2024 record GNX. This honor also represented the first Grammy presented during the broadcast portion of the event, highlighting his prominence throughout the night.
Prior to the ceremony, Kendrick entered with considerable momentum, receiving nine nominations that positioned him as the most-nominated artist of the evening. The update further revealed his career total of 66 Grammy nominations, a staggering number that underscores his enduring impact and dedication to musical excellence over many years.
Social Media Erupts with Celebratory Reactions
Online platforms immediately overflowed with enthusiastic responses to Kendrick's historic accomplishment. Twitter became a hub of celebratory comments, humorous observations, and genuine excitement from fans worldwide.
One user humorously remarked, "26 awards and nobody plays his music yayyy," while another referenced fellow artist Drake with, "I know Drake is punching the air rn." A devoted fan declared, "Well deserved kdotThe greatest rapper of all time....." capturing the sentiment of many admirers.
Another enthusiastic supporter exclaimed, "HOLY SHITTTTTTTT ! Ah I'm living in a historical moment! Yess King Kendrick ." highlighting the emotional significance of this achievement. Additional praise focused on his personal character, with one comment noting, "Best musician in the industry. Doesn't abuse drugs or alcohol. He's a Christian who writes in lyrics about Christianity and God. He doesn't cause problems." Another simply added, "Awards won on clean sheets. Well deserved."
Host Trevor Noah's Final Appearance and Memorable Moments
Trevor Noah hosted the Grammy ceremony for the sixth and final time, delivering memorable commentary that sparked considerable online discussion. His remarks concerning Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump generated widespread reactions across social media platforms, adding another layer of entertainment to the prestigious event.
This historic Grammy night not only celebrated Kendrick Lamar's extraordinary achievements but also highlighted the evolving landscape of musical recognition and cultural impact within the global entertainment industry.
