Grammy Awards 2026 Recap: Black Excellence Dominates Music’s Biggest Night
Kendrick Lamar Breaks the Grammy Record for Most Wins by a Hip Hop Artist
By: Joshua Martin
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards wrapped another star studded night of celebration on February 1st, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Hosted by Trevor Noah, the ceremony honored outstanding recordings and performances across numerous musical genres. With African American artists capturing some of the night’s biggest moments and continuing to shape the cultural soundscape.
Leading the field once again was Kendrick Lamar, who walked away with five Grammys. Including Record of the Year for “Luther” (with SZA) and Best Rap Album for GNX. Lamar’s wins reinforced his reign as one of hip hop’s most revered voices, commanding both commercial and critical acclaim.
A standout tribute moment during the Grammy weekend celebrations came as The Fugees reunited with Lauryn Hill and others for a moving performance of Roberta Flack’s and D'Angelo's greatest hits. The performance honored both Flack’s timeless legacy and D'Angelo's continued cultural impact through iconic covers. Hill’s vocals, paired with Wyclef Jean, drew a standing ovation as the audience sang along, bridging generations of music lovers.
“Their music taught us how to feel, how to love and how to be honest in our art. We carry them with us every time we step on stage.”
The performance stood as one of the evening’s most powerful moments, reminding viewers of their legacies that continue to inspire today’s artists.
The night also saw notable recognition for Tyla, who won Best African Music Performance for “Push 2 Start,” showcasing the global footprint of Black music that transcends genres and borders.
Another major highlight of the night came when rising R&B star Leon Thomas earned his first Grammy win, marking a milestone in his transition from songwriter and producer to performer.
“I’ve spent years helping others tell their stories, so to finally have mine heard like this means everything.”
The win signaled a breakout moment for Thomas, whose blend of musicianship and storytelling continues to position him as one of R&B’s most exciting young voices.
The 2026 Grammys not only celebrated hit records and stand out performances but also reaffirmed the enduring influence of Black artistry at the very pinnacle of the music industry.
Check out the entire list of winners below:
https://www.grammy.com/news/2026-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com