Kendrick Lamar, one of hip hop’s most acclaimed and influential figures, set a new record at the 2026 Grammy Awards by surpassing Jay-Z to become the most-awarded rapper in the ceremony’s history after winning Best Rap Album for GNX.
Kendrick Lamar had nine nominations going into the 2026 Grammy Awards, which is evidence of his continued supremacy in rap and modern music. When GMX won best album at the February 1st ceremony, the compton born lyricist achieved yet another career milestone and surpassed Jay-z to become the most awarded rapper in Grammy history.
The victory marked the end of yet another incredible year for the 38 years old rapper, whose impact still shapes hip-hop around the world. Lamar had already secured three Grammy victories earlier in the day before stepping onto the main stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for his historic acceptance.
During this speech, Lamar praised the tenacity and cultural influence of hip-hop while acknowledging his fellow candidates. He said, “I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. Every time I tell you this: hip hop is gonna always be right here. We gonna be in these suits, we gonna be looking good, we gonna be having our folks with us, we gonna be having the culture with us.”
He concluded by saying “I appreciate y’all. To God is the glory. Love y’all.”
