Kendrick Lamar Sets Grammy Record
Compton's Kendrick Lamar has broken Jay-Z's record to become the most decorated rapper in Grammy history. He took home four awards, including Best Rap Album for “Gnx,” solidifying his status as a cultural and musical icon.
With a commanding 27 career Grammy wins, Kendrick Lamar now stands alone as the most-awarded rapper in history, eclipsing both Jay-Z (25) and Kanye West (24). This new record places him among the most decorated musicians across all genres. His latest haul at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards included five trophies. Lamar took home Best Rap Album for *Gnx*, Record of the Year and Best Melodic Rap Performance for "luther," Best Rap Song for "TV Off," and Best Rap Performance for "Chains & Whips." The award-winning album *Gnx* was released as a surprise on November 22, 2024. It's Lamar's sixth studio album and his first since departing from his longtime label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The project was released through his own multidisciplinary company, PGLang, founded with creative partner Dave Free, and distributed by Interscope Records. This venture marks a new era of artistic and business independence for Lamar. Sonically, *Gnx* is a collaborative powerhouse. Production was primarily handled by longtime partner Sounwave and pop super-producer Jack Antonoff, with additional contributions from notable figures like Mustard, Terrace Martin, and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington. The album's title is a direct nod to the rare 1987 Buick Grand National Experimental, a high-performance car that holds personal significance for Lamar. The record has been praised by critics for its confident and triumphant tone. The standout single "luther" features a prominent collaboration with SZA and is built around a sample of the 1982 duet "If This World Were Mine" by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. This single alone earned two of the night's most prestigious awards.
