Kendrick Lamar has cemented his legacy at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, officially becoming the most awarded hip-hop artist in the history of the Recording Academy, per hip-hopvibe.com.
The Compton-born lyricist entered the night with nine nominations and swiftly converted them into four wins, including the prestigious Best Rap Album for his chart-topping 2024 release, GNX. This milestone victory pushes his career total past the previous record, solidifying his position as the genre’s most decorated figure.
His evening began with a sweep of the rap categories. He secured Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther,” his acclaimed collaboration with SZA, and Best Rap Song for “TV Off.” His contribution to the Clipse track “Chains & Whips” also earned him a trophy for Best Rap Performance.
The win for GNX serves as the centrepiece of his current campaign. Since debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the album has been hailed by critics for its thematic depth and cohesive production, standing out in a highly competitive year for the genre.
Lamar’s historic night follows a year of unprecedented visibility. His partnership with SZA has proven particularly formidable; the duo not only dominated the charts but also delivered a landmark performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in early 2025.
The momentum from their subsequent Grand National Tour ensured GNX remained at the forefront of the cultural conversation leading into the awards season.
While hip-hop is often defined by rapid shifts in trends, Lamar’s success is rooted in consistency. By prioritising conceptual albums over viral singles, he has maintained institutional support and critical acclaim across two decades.
