Kendrick Lamar has made history at the 2025 Grammy Awards by winning the coveted Song of the Year award for his diss track “Not Like Us,” which directly targets fellow rapper Drake. Hosted at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, this year's ceremony showcased not only Lamar's triumph but also celebrated the resilience of artists and the city itself following devastating wildfires.
“Not Like Us” faced tough competition, including Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em,” Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” and Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight.” During his acceptance speech, presented by the legendary Diana Ross, Lamar expressed both surprise and gratitude. “Come on, man, Diana Ross? I’m star struck,” he said, continuing to dedicate the win to his hometown of Compton and his family. “This is what it’s about because at the end of the day, nothing is more powerful than rap music,” Lamar declared, emphasizing the cultural significance of the genre. He highlighted the importance of respecting the art form as it plays a significant role in personal and artistic growth.
Lamar’s wins didn’t stop at Song of the Year. He also swept other categories, including Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video—all for the same track. This accomplishment not only cements his status within the industry but also marks “Not Like Us” as likely the first-ever diss song to win at this level, particularly Song of the Year.
Among the night's many highlights, the audience witnessed emotional acceptance speeches and performances—particularly from artists who have expressed their stances on issues affecting the music community. Chappell Roan took home the Best New Artist award and called out for greater support and livable wages for artists, declaring, “Labels, we got you but do you got us?”
The evening also honored the city of Los Angeles, which has been grappling with the aftermath of destructive wildfires. The show opened with tributes to first responders, and texts noted the need to lift up those affected by the natural disaster. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. declared, “We are going to recognize the resilience of our community.” Outside of the emotional threads running throughout, especially poignant was the spotlight shone on artists’ well-being as several performances underscored the show's intention to celebrate and aid the victims.
Kendrick's earlier interactions with Drake have added dimensions to this win, with their beef being ignited through several diss tracks exchanged over the past year. Following their notorious rivalry, Lamar's lyrical onslaught through “Not Like Us” and the rapid-fire tracks surrounding their feud culminated with this Grammy triumph, echoing across the music industry. This win emphasizes not just shock and awe over Lamar's artistry but actual acknowledgment of his craft, sending waves throughout the rap community.
The 2025 Grammy Awards provided moments of joy, surprises, and ample reasons for celebration among artists who passionately weave through their craft under intense pressures. Earlier winners included First Lady Jill Biden’s ceremony representation via her support for the arts, alongside touching tributes from within the industry. Not surprisingly, Kendrick’s immense success became the talk of the evening, with attendees buzzing over his unique ability to intertwine personal stories with the broader topics of social issues and community strength.
Interestingly, the dynamic between Lamar and Drake remains fueled by Lamar’s unexpected yet intentional decisions to collaborate with Drake’s former partner, SZA, who will also join him on the road after his upcoming Super Bowl performance. Observers are left intrigued about how this rivalry might evolve and whether there will be more lyrical exchanges brewing.
With Lamar’s impactful presence among the awards and his historic triumphs, fans eagerly await his next moves following this monumental ceremony. The long wait had concluded yet again with Kendrick Lamar taking center stage and being celebrated for his undeniable contributions to the hip-hop genre. This year’s Grammy night wasn’t merely about the accolades but also served as reflection on the collaborations, struggles, and stories shared within the music industry.
The night echoed the realities of contemporary artists, blending the glamour of award-winning and acknowledging the distance yet bridgeable gaps between hearts and artistry. Lamar’s resounding victory not only immortalizes him within Grammy lore but also sends ripples of hope to countless aspiring musicians striving for their place, their voice, and the respect due to every art form.