Kendrick Lamar: Crowned King – A Historic Night at the 68th Grammy Awards
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards just wrapped up, and while there were many memorable moments, one artist undeniably stole the show and rewrote the history books: Kendrick Lamar.
Kung Fu Kenny didn’t just win; he dominated, walking away from the night as the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history with an astounding 27 wins, officially surpassing Jay-Z’s previous record of 25. It was a victory lap that cemented his status as a living legend.
A Grammy Sweep and a Historic Record
Lamar’s late 2024 album, GNX, was a force to be reckoned with, earning him the coveted Best Rap Album award – his fourth win in this prestigious category. But the accolades didn’t stop there. He also swept the major rap categories, taking home:
- Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips” (featuring Clipse)
- Best Rap Song for “TV Off”
- Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther”
Perhaps the most talked-about win of the night was for Record of the Year with “Luther,” featuring the incredible SZA. In a moment of classic Grammy charm, Cher famously (and accidentally) announced the winner as “Luther Vandross” before correcting herself to the ecstatic duo. It was a truly iconic moment for a truly iconic song.
Beyond the individual wins, Kendrick also made history by becoming the first artist ever to have five consecutive studio albums nominated for Album of the Year (Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, and now GNX). While Bad Bunny ultimately took home the top prize for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Kendrick’s consistent critical acclaim and impact on the album landscape are undeniable.
The “Luther” Confusion (And Why It’s Iconic)
The highlight of the night wasn’t just the win, but the announcement. When Cher took the stage to announce Record of the Year, she accidentally called out the late great “Luther Vandross” instead of the actual winning track, “Luther” (feat. SZA).
While the internet immediately turned it into a meme, the moment was pure magic. It’s rare for a rap-heavy track to take home one of the “Big Four” general field awards, proving that Kendrick’s appeal is now universal.
More Than Just Trophies: The Culture
As Kendrick himself powerfully stated while accepting Best Rap Album, “Hip-hop is going to always be right here. We are going to be in these suits looking good… we are going to be having the culture with us.”
His wins aren’t just about individual trophies; they’re a testament to the enduring power and artistic integrity of hip-hop. Kendrick Lamar continues to push boundaries, challenge norms, and deliver groundbreaking work that resonates globally.
The crown isn’t just staying in Compton; it’s being cemented in history. Congratulations to Kendrick Lamar on a truly monumental night!