Kendrick Lamar Makes History at the 2025 Grammys with Five Wins for His Diss Track ‘Not Like Us’
The 2025 Grammy Awards, held on February 2nd at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will go down in history as a night that cemented Kendrick Lamar’s place as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.
With his powerful diss track “Not Like Us,” Lamar took home five Grammy Awards, including two of the most prestigious honors: "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year".
His groundbreaking wins not only shattered records but also highlighted rap’s evolving role in the mainstream music industry.
Kendrick Lamar Dominates the 2025 Grammy Awards
Lamar’s five wins at the 2025 Grammys marked a monumental moment in music history. His diss track, "Not Like Us", earned him recognition in major categories, further cementing his influence and undeniable talent.
In addition to "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year", Lamar also triumphed in "Best Rap Song", "Best Rap Performance", and "Best Music Video".
These wins make "Not Like Us" the "most awarded rap song" in Grammy history, showcasing Lamar's skill in breaking through the boundaries of the genre.
While many artists in the past have received accolades, Kendrick Lamar's multiple wins in these categories signal a shift in how hip-hop is valued in major award shows.
His dominance at the 2025 Grammys is a clear indicator that rap music, especially tracks with deep lyrical content, cultural significance, and powerful performances, are being given the recognition they truly deserve.
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Lamar’s sweep makes him one of the "top 15 most awarded artists in Grammy history", with an impressive career total of 22 Grammy Awards.
His latest victory underscores his incredible journey from being a rising talent to becoming a legend in the music industry.
A Historic Achievement for Hip-Hop
Lamar’s victory with "Not Like Us" also marked a major milestone for rap music. Not only did it win major categories, but it also became the second rap song in Grammy history to win "Record of the Year".
The first rap track to achieve this feat was Childish Gambino’s "This Is America" in 2019. Lamar's win in this prestigious category further highlights the growing recognition of hip-hop’s cultural and artistic importance.
For years, rap music struggled to break through in the higher echelons of the Grammy Awards. Historically, mainstream pop and rock music dominated the major categories.
Kendrick Lamar’s win with "Not Like Us" signals an important cultural shift: hip-hop is no longer an underdog genre but a dominant force that is capable of competing with the best of the best in the global music scene.
The Cultural Impact of ‘Not Like Us’
“Not Like Us” not only resonated with fans but also sparked major conversations in the hip-hop world. The diss track aimed directly at Drake became a viral sensation, fueling a firestorm of debates and reactions from fans, critics, and fellow artists.
It’s important to note that diss tracks, a staple of the rap genre, have historically been used as tools for competition and to assert dominance in the industry. Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us" took this traditional concept and elevated it, making it a global phenomenon.
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Kendrick Lamar's Historical Five Grammy Wins:
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar made history by winning five prestigious Grammy Awards for his track "Not Like Us". His wins include:- Record of the Year – "Not Like Us"
- Song of the Year – "Not Like Us"
- Best Rap Song – "Not Like Us"
- Best Rap Performance – "Not Like Us"
- Best Music Video – "Not Like Us"
Kendrick Lamar's ‘Not Like Us’ Becomes Most Awarded Rap Song at the Grammys:
‘Not Like Us’ by Kendrick Lamar just won 5 Grammy Awards 🏆
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) February 3, 2025
• Song of the Year
• Record of the Year
• Best Rap Song
• Best Rap Performance
• Best Music Video
He won every category he was nominated for, making history at the Grammys. pic.twitter.com/Ty9OHWKWCI
These wins have made "Not Like Us" the most awarded rap song in Grammy history, marking a defining moment in Lamar’s career and a significant achievement for rap music.
Kendrick Lamar’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
While accepting "Record of the Year", Kendrick Lamar took a moment to reflect on his roots, acknowledging his upbringing in Compton, California. He thanked his family, friends, collaborators, and fans for their unwavering support.
One special shout-out during his speech was directed toward "DJ Mustard", the producer behind "Not Like Us". Lamar credited Mustard for crafting the production that brought the song’s message to life, giving credit where it was due for creating such an impactful track.
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“At the end of the day, nothing is more powerful than rap music. We are the culture... respect the art form.”
Kendrick Lamar's speech for winning Record of the Year at the Grammys with “Not Like Us”
The Drake and Kendrick Lamar Feud: A New Chapter
While Kendrick Lamar celebrated his monumental achievements at the Grammys, his long-standing feud with Drake became a hot topic in the aftermath of his victories.
Although Drake wasn’t nominated for any Grammy Awards, his name quickly trended on social media in connection with Lamar’s sweeping wins.
The feud between the two artists has been one of the most talked-about rivalries in the music industry.
The release of "Not Like Us" only reignited tensions, with fans and industry insiders alike debating who came out on top in their ongoing musical battle. It’s important to note that "Not Like Us" isn’t just a diss track—it's a cultural statement that has elevated the stakes in this ongoing rivalry.
On top of the drama surrounding their feud, Drake’s legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG) has only added fuel to the fire.
The lawsuit filed in January 2025 accused UMG of artificially inflating the success of "Not Like Us" by allegedly paying influencers and radio stations to boost its streaming numbers. This legal dispute, while ongoing, has created additional buzz around the song and the two artists.
Kendrick Lamar’s Ever-Expanding Legacy
As Kendrick Lamar continues to break records and collect awards, his legacy is only growing stronger.
His ability to mix thought-provoking lyrics with mainstream success is unparalleled. His work challenges societal norms, confronts cultural issues, and pushes the boundaries of what hip-hop can achieve.
Lamar’s contributions to rap music go far beyond his technical abilities as an artist. He is a storyteller, a cultural critic, and a visionary.
His work resonates deeply with fans and continues to inspire future generations of artists. With his continued success, Kendrick Lamar has ensured that hip-hop will remain a dominant force in music for years to come.
Kendrick Lamar's Unstoppable Legacy
As Kendrick Lamar moves forward in his career, the 2025 Grammy wins will serve as a launching pad for even greater accomplishments.With his unmatched ability to craft timeless music that speaks to both the heart and the mind, Kendrick Lamar’s influence on rap and hip-hop is undeniable. His victory at the 2025 Grammys is just one chapter in what promises to be a long and illustrious career.
Kendrick Lamar’s remarkable sweep at the 2025 Grammys has solidified his status as a trailblazer in the rap and hip-hop community. With five wins for his diss track "Not Like Us", he has made history and left an indelible mark on the industry.