The Definitive List: How Many Grammys Does Kanye West (Ye) Actually Have?

As of today, December 13, 2025, the controversial and boundary-pushing artist known as Kanye West, or Ye, holds a staggering total of 24 Grammy Awards. This monumental figure solidifies his position as one of the most decorated artists in the history of the Recording Academy, placing him in a historic tie with fellow hip-hop legend Jay-Z for the most Grammys ever won by a rapper. The number 24 is the current, definitive total, a count that survived the 2025 awards cycle despite a high-profile nomination and a highly controversial red-carpet appearance.

The journey to 24 wins spans two decades of genre-defining music, from his debut on *The College Dropout* to his most recent work on *Donda*. While his musical accolades are undeniable, Ye’s relationship with the Grammys is famously tumultuous, marked by public outbursts, dramatic stage interruptions, and recent snubs that have kept his total from climbing even higher in the most recent years. His 2025 nomination, in particular, was the subject of intense scrutiny following the release of his joint album *VULTURES 1* with Ty Dolla $ign, under the moniker ¥$.

Kanye West: Biography & Grammy Profile Snapshot

Kanye West’s career is one of the most decorated and complex in modern music history. His success extends far beyond just rapping, encompassing production, fashion, and design, all of which have contributed to his massive influence and, at times, his intense public scrutiny. This snapshot provides a quick look at the artist's key biographical details and his record-breaking Grammy profile.

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• Full Name: Ye (formerly Kanye Omari West)
• Born: June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia
• Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Fashion Designer
• Years Active: 1996–present
• Total Grammy Wins: 24
• Total Grammy Nominations: 75
• First Grammy Win: 2005 (for *The College Dropout* and "Jesus Walks")
• Most Recent Grammy Win: 2022 (for "Jail" and "Hurricane" from *Donda*)
• Record Held: Tied with Jay-Z for the Most Grammys Won by a Hip-Hop Artist

The Road to 24: A Timeline of Kanye West's Major Grammy Wins

Kanye West's 24 Grammy wins are distributed across 12 different ceremonies, demonstrating a remarkable consistency and dominance in the rap and R&B categories for nearly two decades. His wins are not limited to performing; a significant portion of his awards recognize his genius as a producer and songwriter, highlighting his holistic impact on the industry. This list details some of his most pivotal wins that built his record.

The Early Dominance: The College Dropout Era (2005)

Ye made an immediate and massive impact at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in 2005, taking home three awards for his debut album, *The College Dropout*. This ceremony set the tone for his career, blending critical acclaim with commercial success.

• Best Rap Album: *The College Dropout*
• Best Rap Song: "Jesus Walks"
• Best R&B Song: "You Don't Know My Name" (as a songwriter for Alicia Keys)

The Mid-Career Peak: Late Registration & Graduation (2006-2008)

His follow-up albums continued the Grammy streak. *Late Registration* brought three more wins in 2006, including a major win for the colossal hit "Gold Digger." The album *Graduation* then earned him the most nominations of any artist in 2008 with eight total nods, securing four wins, including his second and third Best Rap Album awards.

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• 2006 (48th Grammys): Best Rap Album (*Late Registration*), Best Rap Solo Performance ("Gold Digger"), Best Rap Song ("Diamonds From Sierra Leone")
• 2008 (50th Grammys): Best Rap Album (*Graduation*), Best Rap Solo Performance ("Stronger"), Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Southside" with Common), Best Rap Song ("Good Life")

The Modern Era: Donda and The Tie with Jay-Z (2022)

After a shift toward more gospel and experimental music, Ye’s 2021 album *Donda* brought his final two wins to date at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022. These wins brought his total to 24, tying him with his long-time collaborator and rival, Jay-Z, for the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history.

• Best Melodic Rap Performance: "Hurricane" (featuring The Weeknd & Lil Baby)
• Best Rap Song: "Jail" (featuring Jay-Z)

The 2025 Grammy Cycle: Snubs, Controversies, and the VULTURES 1 Nomination

The 2025 Grammy Awards marked Ye's most recent interaction with the Recording Academy, an event that was less about wins and more about the cultural spectacle surrounding his appearance and the results of his nominations.

The ¥$ Album and the "Carnival" Nomination

Following the release of *VULTURES 1*, Ye's collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign under the moniker ¥$, the project received significant attention from the Recording Academy. The high-energy, chart-topping track "Carnival" secured a nomination for Best Rap Song. This nomination added to Ye's impressive career total of 75 Grammy nominations.

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However, the night ended without a win for Ye. The Best Rap Song award ultimately went to Kendrick Lamar for his viral hit "Not Like Us," a result that kept Ye’s total firmly at 24. This outcome highlighted the intense competition in the contemporary hip-hop landscape and the Academy’s preference for the critical success of Lamar's era-defining track.

The Red Carpet Controversy

Adding to the drama, Ye’s appearance at the 2025 Grammys with his partner, Bianca Censori, was one of the most talked-about moments of the night. The couple's controversial and highly revealing attire, which seemed to replicate the album cover of *VULTURES 1*, sparked a massive public and media reaction. While not directly related to the music awards, this spectacle is a continuation of Ye's career-long pattern of using the Grammy stage as a platform for provocative cultural statements.

More Than Just Wins: Kanye’s Controversial Grammy History

While 24 Grammy Awards is an achievement few artists ever reach, Ye’s legacy is equally defined by his fiery relationship with the institution. His candid and often explosive comments have become as much a part of Grammy lore as his music.

• The Taylor Swift Incident (2009): The most infamous moment occurred at the 2009 MTV VMAs, but it set the stage for his Grammy interactions. He later referenced this moment when he threatened to boycott the Grammys.
• The Beck Interruption (2015): After Beck won Album of the Year over Beyoncé, Ye briefly stormed the stage, echoing his past behavior, and later stated that Beck should "respect artistry" and give his award to Beyoncé.
• Peeing on an Award (2020): In a public protest against his record label and the music industry's contract practices, Ye filmed himself urinating on one of his Grammy Award trophies, a shocking act that underscored his contempt for the traditional system.
• The Ban (2022): Leading up to the 2022 ceremony, Ye was reportedly barred from performing due to his online behavior and comments, yet he still won two awards that night for his work on *Donda*.

In conclusion, Kanye West's total of 24 Grammy Awards remains unchanged following the 2025 ceremony. His record is a testament to his unparalleled talent and influence, but his ongoing, complex relationship with the Recording Academy ensures that every new album and every new nomination will be scrutinized through the lens of his legendary and controversial career.