Kendrick Lamar Could Shatter Multiple Records at the 2026 Grammys

Kendrick Lamar’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. After dominating the 2025 Grammy Awards with several wins—including major recognition for his viral single “Not Like Us”—the Compton rapper is already on track to make even more history at next year’s ceremony.

Following his headline-making lyrical battle with Drake last year, Kendrick emerged victorious in the eyes of many, dropping tracks like “Euphoria” and the now-iconic “Not Like Us.” He later surprised fans with the unannounced release of his album GNX in November, which has only fueled speculation that 2026 could be another landmark year for him.

According to Billboard, Kendrick could become the first solo male rapper to ever win Album of the Year at the Grammys. That prestigious honor has only gone to a few rap artists before—Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, 1999) and Outkast (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, 2003).

If Kendrick walks away with three more wins, he’ll tie Jay-Z for the most Grammy wins by a rapper with 25. Four wins would push him ahead, unless Jay-Z also adds to his total. Even more groundbreaking—if Kendrick wins Song or Record of the Year, he would become just the fourth artist in history to win back-to-back Record of the Year awards, and only the second to do the same with Song of the Year.

Kendrick already holds the record for most Best Rap Performance wins with eight, so any additional wins would simply extend his lead.

Even a nomination for Album of the Year would be historic. Kendrick would become the first rapper with five nominations in the category as a lead artist, the first Black male artist to achieve that feat, and the first solo artist ever to have five consecutive solo albums nominated for Album of the Year.

After claiming five Grammys this past February for “Not Like Us,” it’s clear: Kendrick Lamar is not just dominating the charts—he’s redefining Grammy history.

Source: Hotnewhiphop
Image: Pulitzer Prizes 2018 award ceremony - Kendrick Lamar by Fuzheado is licensed under CC BY 4.0