Kendrick Lamar becomes most decorated rapper in Grammy history

Kendrick Lamar reaches 27 Grammy wins after taking Record of the Year and Best Rap Album at 2026 ceremony

Kendrick Lamar has become the most decorated rapper in the history of the Grammy Awards after a dominant night at the 2026 ceremony. The musician secured five trophies, taking his career total to 27 and moving past Jay-Z to claim the record outright.

Lamar won best rap album and record of the year for Luther featuring SZA, as well as best melodic rap performance for the same track.

He also collected best rap song for tv off and best rap performance for Clipse’s Chains & Whips, which marked the duo’s first Grammy victory.

The Compton artist entered the evening as the most nominated performer and left with the largest haul. His wins further extended a run that has made him one of the most recognised figures in modern music.

Another highlight of the night saw Pharrell accept the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award following a presentation by Q-Tip.

During his speech he reflected on the influence of A Tribe Called Quest and praised Dr. Dre, while congratulating Clipse and thanking those who believe in the “power of Black music.”

“I never stopped loving this job. I never stopped being a student,” Pharrell said. “Never stop working. I love what I do and if you do what you love every day you’ll get paid for free.”

Ms Lauryn Hill returned to the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999 to honour D’Angelo, opening with Nothing Even Matters. She was joined by Lucky Daye, Raphael Saadiq, Anthony Hamilton, Leon Thomas, Bilal and Jon Batiste.

Hill also paid tribute to the late Roberta Flack alongside John Legend, Chaka Khan and others, performing Killing Me Softly with His Song with Wyclef Jean.

Tyler, The Creator delivered performances from Chromakopia, which won best album cover. First-time Grammy winners included Kehlani, Leon Thomas and Durand Bernarr.

The Recording Academy confirmed that the 2027 Grammy Awards will air on ABC.