Kendrick Lamar Dominates The 67th Grammy Awards With 5 Wins
The west coast native rapper wins the nominees for Record of The Year and Song of The Year.
Words by Damian Nicholas | 2 Minute Read
MONICA SCHIPPERS / GETTY IMAGES
In a night celebrating musical excellence, Kendrick Lamar emerged as the standout performer at the 67th Grammy Awards, claiming five prestigious trophies, including two in the coveted "Big Four" categories. This remarkable achievement further solidifies Lamar's status as one of the most praised artists in the history of the Grammys, where he has amassed an impressive 57 nominations and now 22 wins throughout his illustrious career.
We’re gonna dedicate this one to the city, Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, out to the Valley, Pecoima, IE, San Bernardino, all that… This is my neck of the woods that held me down since a young pup… since I was in the studio scrapping to write the best raps and all that… to do records like these, so I can’t give enough thanks, you know, to these places that I rolled around since high school. And most importantly, the people and the families out in the Palisades and Altadena. This is a true testament that we can continue to restore this city. And we’re gonna keep rockin
– Kendrick Lamar. American Rap Artist. pgLang, Top Dawg Entertainment.
MATT YORK / AP PHOTO
Lamar's latest recognition comes on the heels of a resurgent year marked by his all-out feud with fellow rap powerhouse Drake, reigniting a long-standing rivalry that has captivated fans and critics alike. In the lead-up to the Grammys, Lamar's Grammy-nominated diss track, “Not Like Us,” generated significant buzz, with critics declaring him the victor in this latest chapter of their ongoing battle. This momentum was further bolstered by an electrifying performance at “The Pop Out” concert in Los Angeles on Juneteenth, showcasing Lamar’s commanding stage presence and lyrical prowess.
As the night unfolded, Lamar didn't shy away from taking subtle jabs at Drake, drawing attention with his distinctive fashion choices, including a playful nod to the "Canadian tuxedo" worn by Drake. But Lamar’s triumphs extend beyond the Grammy stage. Come February, the NFL announced that he would headline the much-anticipated halftime show at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, a move that has fans speculating about an imminent tour with his former Top Dawg Entertainment labelmate, SZA. Additionally, in a surprise release, Lamar dropped his sixth studio album, “GNX,” featuring standout tracks such as “Wacced Out Murals,” “Squabble Up,” and “TV Off,” further solidifying his artistic range and commitment to innovation.
JOHNNY NUNEZ / GETTY IMAGES FOR THE RECORDING ACADEMY
At the Grammy Awards, Lamar's dominance was reflected in his haul. Out of seven nominations spanning five categories, he claimed victories in every category associated with his hit track “Not Like Us,” which triumphed over another nominated song, “Like That,” featuring Future and hip-hop producer Metro Boomin.
The awards Lamar took home included
Record of the Year: “Not Like Us”
Song of the Year: “Not Like Us”
Best Music Video: “Not Like Us”
Best Rap Song: “Not Like Us”
Best Rap Performance: “Not Like Us”
Despite strong showings, “Like That” left the night empty-handed, underscoring the fierce competition present in today’s music landscape. As Kendrick Lamar continues to break barriers and redefine the genre, his five Grammy wins reaffirm not only his artistic brilliance but also his relevance in an ever-evolving musical environment. The coming weeks promise to be both monumental and exciting for fans, as they witness a legendary artist poised to make even more headlines.
Kendrick Lamar: GNX
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX reaffirms his place as a virtuoso of lyrical depth and social commentary. The album pulsates with an energy that’s both frenetic and contemplative, tipping its hat to the complexities of contemporary existence. Tracks like “Reincarnated” and “Heart pt.6” showcase Kendrick's unparalleled storytelling prowess. Lamar continues to push boundaries, earning his status as not just a rapper, but a cultural beacon.
Released: November 22, 2024Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
Feb 07, 2025
Source New York TImes
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