Kendrick Lamar in 2026: The Most-Awarded Rapper in Grammy History Plots His Next Move

Kendrick Lamar has not released a solo album since November 2024, and he is still the most talked-about name in hip-hop. In February 2026 he became the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history. This month, a Republican campaign video that copied his Super Bowl show drew national criticism. In December, a federal appeals court will hear Drake's attempt to revive his lawsuit over "Not Like Us."

Who is Kendrick Lamar?

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. He broke through with good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), then released To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) and DAMN. (2017). In 2018, DAMN. won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, the first winner from outside classical music and jazz. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022) closed his run with Top Dawg Entertainment.

In 2020 he co-founded pgLang, a creative company, with longtime collaborator Dave Free. Lamar shares two children with his fiancée, Whitney Alford. Rapper Baby Keem is his cousin.

Kendrick Lamar's record-breaking Grammys

At the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, Lamar won five awards:

• Record of the Year for "Luther" with SZA
• Best Melodic Rap Performance for "Luther"
• Best Rap Album for GNX
• Best Rap Song for "TV Off"
• Best Rap Performance for Clipse's "Chains & Whips," which he features on

That took his career total to 27 Grammys, passing Jay-Z's 25. Viewers also got an unscripted moment when presenter Cher announced Record of the Year as Luther Vandross before correcting herself.

The win followed a similar night in 2025, when "Not Like Us" won all five of its categories, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

GNX, the Super Bowl and a record tour

Lamar released GNX without warning on November 22, 2024. "Squabble Up" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Luther" spent 13 weeks at No. 1, the longest run of his career.

On February 9, 2025, he headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans with guests SZA, Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams. It drew 133.5 million viewers, the most for any halftime show, and won the Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction, his second Emmy.

His Grand National Tour with SZA, which began in April 2025, grossed $256.4 million from 23 North American shows. Billboard Boxscore ranks it the highest-grossing co-headlining tour on record, ahead of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's On the Run II.

Kendrick Lamar's latest news

The AI video row. On October 13, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn's campaign for governor reposted an AI-generated video showing her in Lamar's place during his "Not Like Us" halftime performance. Her Democratic opponent, Jerri Green, criticized it, and Blackburn has declined to apologize. Lamar has not commented.

The Drake appeal. Drake's defamation suit names Universal Music Group, not Lamar. Judge Jeannette Vargas dismissed it on October 9, 2025, ruling that the lyrics were opinion and not statements of fact. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will hear arguments on December 4, 2026. Drake's May 2026 album Iceman includes new shots at Lamar.

New music. Lamar has not put out a solo single this year, but he has turned up as a guest. He appears on "Good Flirts" from Baby Keem's Ca$ino and on "How to Pray" with Amber Mark, from producer Dahi's debut album Black Boy (Alternative), released August 28. Dahi produced "Money Trees" and worked on DAMN.

The movie. Lamar and Dave Free are producing a live-action musical comedy with South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for Paramount, reportedly titled Whitney Springs. It follows a Black reenactor at a plantation museum, with original songs by Lamar. The film was moved from July 4, 2025, to March 20, 2026, and then taken off the schedule. On September 9, Parker and Stone said they take "full responsibility" for the delay. There is no new release date.

Is a new Kendrick Lamar album coming?

Not officially. Neither Lamar nor pgLang has announced a follow-up to GNX, and a viral rumor this spring about a May release had no source behind it. His recent albums have arrived with little or no warning, so his official channels are the place to watch.

What to watch next

• December 4: Second Circuit arguments in Drake's case against UMG.
• Paramount: any new date for the Parker and Stone film.
• A new album: no date, but Lamar has a habit of releasing music unannounced.

Kendrick Lamar FAQ

How old is Kendrick Lamar?

He is 39. He was born on June 17, 1987.

How many Grammys has Kendrick Lamar won?

27, the most of any rapper.

What is Kendrick Lamar's latest album?

GNX, released on November 22, 2024.

Is Kendrick Lamar releasing a new album in 2026?

No album has been announced as of October 20, 2026.