Home Entertainment Kendrick Lamar Reigns at The Grammys With “Not Like Us,” Solidifying His...

Kendrick Lamar Reigns at The Grammys With “Not Like Us,” Solidifying His Legacy As West Coast King

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Los Angeles, CA—-Kendrick Lamar, the groundbreaking artist from Compton whose work has continually reshaped the landscape of hip-hop, further solidified his dominance in the genre at the 2025 Grammys. With his monumental 2024 track “Not Like Us,” Lamar took home five prestigious awards, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Best Rap Performance. His victory was not just a reflection of his musical mastery but also a testament to his unparalleled ability to merge artistry, commercial success, and cultural relevance.

As Lamar stepped onto the stage to accept his Grammy for Record of the Year for “Not Like Us,” the audience, including the likes of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, couldn’t help but groove to the fiery lyrics blaring from the speakers. While the song sparked controversy among some listeners, it’s crucial to note that Kendrick’s decision to include the now-iconic refrain “A minorrrrr” came only after Drake made a series of hurtful accusations about Lamar’s partner and children in his track “Family Matters.” Lamar’s sweep at the Grammys marked a powerful conclusion to the longstanding rivalry between him and Drake. Released on May 4, 2024, the song debuted to massive success, amassing 96 million streams in its first week and surpassing a billion Spotify streams within three months. It soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon.

In the aftermath of the song’s release, fans delved into Lamar’s intricate lyrics, uncovering his sharp criticisms of Drake’s character. He called out the Toronto rapper’s alleged misdeeds, questionable ethics, and cultural appropriation, all while cleverly taking aim at his associates. The chorus, which champions standing firm in one’s artistry, cultural roots, and moral compass, struck a chord with listeners everywhere. What began as a bold statement in a rap feud has now become a defining anthem of resilience and authenticity in hip-hop.

The success of “Not Like Us” further cemented its place in the annals of hip-hop history, making it the most awarded battle track of all time. Ironically, Lamar’s Grammy-winning performance of “Alright” in 2016 saw him best Drake’s diss track “Back to Back” in the Best Rap Performance category. Despite his dominance at the 2025 Grammys, Lamar remained grounded during his acceptance speeches. Sporting a Canadian tuxedo—denim-on-denim as a playful nod to his Toronto-based rival—Lamar chose to focus on his roots rather than engage in any drama. In his acceptance speech for Record of the Year, he took the opportunity to celebrate the communities that shaped him.

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“This one’s for the city—Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, out to the Valley, the IE, San Bernardino—this is my home, my foundation,” Lamar shared with the crowd. “From the studio battles I faced as a young artist, to records like these, this city has had my back. We’re here to restore it and keep the culture alive.”

This moment served as a poignant reminder of the rebuilding efforts Los Angeles was undertaking just weeks after devastating wildfires, underscoring Lamar’s deep love and loyalty to his city. This affection also shone through in the music video for “Not Like Us,” where the West Coast’s influence was unmistakable. As his streak of wins continued, Lamar concluded the night by dedicating his Song of the Year Grammy to his partner and the influential West Coast figures who paved the way for him.

“Whitney’s in the video Crip-walking,” Lamar said with pride, addressing his collaborators. “We’re dedicating this to the legends—G. Malone, Problem, Bad Lucc, K-Boy, Daylyt, Mykestro—these are the ones who inspired me to become the MC I am today. Schoolboy, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, they all shaped me. Hip-hop is the heartbeat of our culture, and I want to remind the young artists: respect the art. It will take you far.”

Lamar’s words encapsulate the essence of his enduring influence. In an industry dominated by fleeting trends and algorithms, Lamar’s steadfast authenticity and unwavering dedication to preserving the roots of hip-hop have earned him a devoted following. His Grammy wins are a reaffirmation of his position as a torchbearer for the culture—an artist whose artistry continues to elevate the genre while staying true to its origins.