The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, was more than a celebration of musical achievement, it was a testament to the enduring impact of Black artists and creators on the global soundscape. Against the backdrop of Black History Month, this year’s ceremony brought historic wins, culturally resonant performances, and powerful statements of resilience that highlighted Black excellence at every turn.
At the heart of the night was Kendrick Lamar, who emerged as the most awarded artist with five Grammys, reinforcing his standing as one of music’s most influential voices. His work continued to redefine the boundaries of hip-hop and storytelling. With “luther,” a collaboration with SZA, Lamar won Record of the Year, marking a second consecutive win in this prestigious category. Lamar also won awards for Best Rap Album (GNX), Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Melodic Rap Performance (with SZA).
These wins not only honor his artistic genius but celebrate hip-hop’s central role in shaping contemporary music and cultural dialogue.
SZA’s soulful presence on “luther” helped drive one of the night’s most talked-about achievements. Beyond her shared Record of the Year win with Lamar, SZA received multiple nominations that underscore her continued artistic evolution and widespread influence.
The evening also spotlighted Black artists across a wide musical spectrum, for instance, Kehlani took home Best R&B Performance for “Folded” and Best R&B Song, marking some of her first Grammy victories and affirming her place as a leading voice in R&B.
Leon Thomas was recognized for Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Album (Mutt), showcasing a blend of classic soul and innovative sound.
Doechii nabbed Best Music Video for “Anxiety”, while Clipse won Best Rap Performance, both moments highlighting artists with deep roots in Black musical traditions.
A standout moment of heartfelt representation came from Durand Bernarr, who won Best Progressive R&B Album for Bloom. His acceptance speech, delivered with joy, vulnerability, and community love, became one of the night’s most inspiring, especially during Black History Month, as he uplifted queer Black artistry and encouraged community care.
While the Grammys celebrated this year’s achievements, the ceremony also honored the broader legacy of Black music makers. Legend-level figures like Pharrell Williams were recognized through special honors like the Global Impact Award, acknowledging lifetime contributions that have shaped the industry.
Just days before the ceremony, Brandy was the recipient of the 2026 Black Icon Award at the fourth annual Black Music Collective Recording Academy Honors where she was awarded by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. for over 30 years of “artistry, innovation and service that has shaped the industry and inspired generations around the world.”
The honor was accompanied by a star-studded tribute featuring performances of FLO, Coco Jones, Kehlani singing ‘The Boy Is Mine,’ ‘Full Moon,’ and ‘I Wanna Be Down’, and Raven Symone performing a dance tribute of “Sitting On Top Of The World.
From hip-hop and R&B to soul-infused performances and groundbreaking visuals, last night’s Grammy Awards placed Black artistry center stage. These victories are not just accolades, they are celebrations of cultural creativity, resilience, and storytelling that continue to define and inspire the world of music.
As we commemorate Black History Month, these moments remind us why Black music remains at the heartbeat of global culture: bold, innovative, and timeless.
Take some time to look at all the Black Grammy Winners from the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Major Category Winners
Kendrick Lamar — Record of the Year (“luther” with SZA)
Kendrick Lamar — Best Rap Album (GNX)
Kendrick Lamar — Best Rap Song (“TV Off”)
Kendrick Lamar — Best Melodic Rap Performance (“luther” with SZA)
Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T & Malice — Best Rap Performance (“Chains & Whips”)
SZA — Record of the Year (“luther” with Kendrick Lamar)
R&B & Soul Winners
Kehlani — Best R&B Performance (“Folded”)
Kehlani — Best R&B Song (“Folded”)
Leon Thomas — Best R&B Album (Mutt)
Leon Thomas — Best Traditional R&B Performance (“Vibes Don’t Lie”)
Durand Bernarr — Best Progressive R&B Album (Bloom)
Other Genre & Cultural Winners
Doechii — Best Music Video (“Anxiety”)
Tyla — Best African Music Performance (“Push 2 Start”)
Shaboozey & Jelly Roll - Best Country Duo (“Amen”)
Buddy Guy - Tradition Blues (“Ain’t Done WIth The Blues”)
Olivia Dean - Best New Artist
FKA Twigs - Best Dance/Electric Album (“Eusexua”)
Tyler The Creator - Best Album Cover (“Chromakopia”)
Samara Joy - Best Jazz Vocal Album (“For Portrait”)
Jon Baptiste - American Album (“Big Money”)
CeCe Winans & Shirley Caesar - Best Gospel Performance (“Come Jesus Come”)
Darrel Walls & PJ Morton - Best Gospel Album (“Heart Of Mine”)
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande - Pop Duo (“Defying Gravity”)