The 67th Annual Grammy Awards was a historic night for Kendrick Lamar, as his hit single Not Like Us dominated the ceremony, winning all five categories in which it was nominated. Despite being surrounded by controversy, the song’s impact on the music industry and culture was undeniable.
Coming into the 2025 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 2, Kendrick Lamar had already amassed 17 career Grammy wins. The Compton legend significantly added to his tally as Not Like Us secured victories in Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Best Music Video, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
The pre-show premiere ceremony saw the song’s producer, Mustard, accepting golden gramophones for Not Like Us in the categories of Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video on Kendrick’s behalf. The wins further cemented the track’s legacy as an anthem for Los Angeles and a defining moment in hip-hop.
As the main ceremony unfolded, excitement grew when pop icon Miley Cyrus took the stage to announce Not Like Us as the Record of the Year. Breaking his absence from the cameras all evening, Kendrick Lamar finally stepped onto the stage, joined by Mustard, to accept the prestigious award.
In his acceptance speech, Kendrick paid tribute to his late aunt Sharon, honored West Coast legend Dr. Dre, and dedicated the victory to his home city of Los Angeles.
“We’re going to dedicate this one to the city,” Kendrick declared. “Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, the Valley, Pacoima, I.E., San Bernardino—all that. These are the places that raised me, that held me down when I was coming up. This award is for them.”
He also took a moment to address the wildfire relief efforts affecting various parts of California, offering words of encouragement to his fellow Californians.
“Most importantly, to the people and families out in the Palisades and Altadena—this is a true testament that we’re going to continue to restore this city. We’re going to keep rocking.”
The Grammy night climaxed when Diana Ross revealed that Kendrick had also secured the coveted Song of the Year award. With his second acceptance speech in a matter of minutes, he once again celebrated his hometown, his family, and the power of hip-hop.
“This is what it’s about, man, because at the end of the day, nothing is more powerful than rap music,” Kendrick stated passionately. “I don’t care what it is—rap is the culture that will always stay here and live forever.”
In his closing remarks, he encouraged up-and-coming artists to respect the art form and stay true to their craft.
“To the young artists out there, like my man Punch always says, I just hope you respect the art form. That’s all. Respect the art form, and it will get you where you need to go. Alright, salute. I appreciate you all. I love you all.”
A Defining Moment for Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy sweep not only solidified his dominance in the rap industry but also underscored the genre’s power and cultural influence. As Not Like Us continues to resonate with fans worldwide, this moment will go down as another landmark in Kendrick Lamar’s legendary career.