Kendrick Lamar has become the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy Awards history after securing four wins at the 68th annual ceremony.
The rapper won best rap album for GNX, best rap song for TV Off, melodic rap performance for Luther and rap performance for his feature on Clipse’s Chains & Whips, bringing his total to 26 Grammys.
He has overtaken Jay-Z, who holds 25 Grammys, and Kanye West, who has 24.
Grammys 2025: Kendrick Lamar breaks hip-hop record with four wins
“It is hip-hop as usual, man. I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. It’s an honour to be here. … Hip-hop is going to always be right here. We are going to be in these suits looking good, having our folks with us. We are going to be having the culture with us. So I appreciate y’all. God is to glory. Love y’all,” Lamar said, accepting the award.
The count could increase, with categories including song of the year, record of the year and album of the year yet to be announced. Lamar was nominated for nine Grammys this year.
He entered the night with 22 Grammy wins and 57 nominations, making him the third-most awarded rapper before Sunday’s ceremony. He won three awards before the live telecast on CBS.
Last year, Lamar’s single Not Like Us – a diss track targeted at Drake – swept its categories, winning five Grammys. He has won the award for best rap album three times, for 2016’s To Pimp a Butterfly, 2018’s DAMN. and 2023’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
His 2012 breakthrough, good kid, m.A.A.d city, lost to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ The Heist, which drew backlash and a text from Macklemore that admitted: You got robbed.
