Stop what you’re doing and turn up “luther.” Because hip hop history just got rewritten by the Compton visionary himself. At the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Kendrick Lamar claimed a new throne by becoming the most awarded rapper in Grammy history, eclipsing the long standing record held by Jay-Z.

Entering the night with nine nominations and already a major figure in music awards lore, Kendrick added multiple trophies to his collection that pushed his career total past Jay-Z’s 25 wins. With victories including Best Rap Album for GNX, Best Rap Song for “TV Off,” Best Melodic Rap Performance for “luther” with SZA, and Best Rap Performance on “Chains & Whips,” he expanded his legacy with 27 Grammys and counting.

This achievement is big both culturally and statistically. Jay-Z’s record stood for decades as a benchmark of hip-hop excellence. Now Kendrick hasn’t just matched that legacy; he has pushed it forward. He joins the elite ranks of music’s most decorated artists, trailing only towering figures like Beyoncé on the all-time list and spotlighting rap’s evolution from outsider art to mainstream masterpiece.

What makes the moment truly iconic is how Kendrick carried it. In typical fashion, he used his acceptance to highlight the art form over self glorification. His career has always been rooted in lyrical depth, cultural commentary, and artistic risk. Winning in every major rap category this year didn’t just add trophies to the shelf. It elevated hip hop culture itself to its rightful place in the musical canon.

Kendrick’s evolution from good kid, m.A.A.d city to global hip hop philosopher, this feels like destiny rather than surprise. But make no mistake, this isn’t nostalgia. This is history. And wherever rap goes next, Kendrick just helped define it. If music awards were an Olympic sport, Kendrick Lamar just took gold for the culture.