Kendrick Lamar proved that nobody’s really “like him,” at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards that took place last night in Los Angeles. In fact, he secured a triumphant night for the West Coast. Kendrick Lamar’s famous diss track, “Not Like Us,” not only served as a cultural moment in rap’s most heated rivalry but also earned him five golden nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The sweep solidified Lamar’s status as one of the genre’s most influential figures and left little doubt as to who won 2024’s biggest rap battle.
Lamar’s historic win for “Not Like Us” marked the first time a diss track claimed Record of the Year, a feat that underscores the song’s impact beyond hip-hop circles. The track, widely regarded as the final nail in the coffin of his highly publicized feud with Drake, was an anthem of West Coast pride that resonated far beyond Los Angeles. Though Drake himself remained absent from the Grammys, the night’s results sent a clear message: the Recording Academy stood firmly behind Lamar.
The Grammys Recognized Black Artists
The Compton native’s victories didn’t stop there. He swept the rap categories, securing Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video for “Not Like Us.” If there were any doubts about Lamar’s position at the top of hip-hop’s hierarchy, they were put to rest last night.
Beyond Kendrick’s individual triumphs, the night was also a huge moment for Black artists across genres. Beyoncé, long overdue for Album of the Year, finally claimed the prestigious award for Cowboy Carter, her boundary-pushing foray into country music. With “Not Like Us” making history and Beyoncé’s win marking a long-awaited recognition, the Grammys felt like a course correction after years of controversy surrounding its treatment of Black artists.
Kendrick’s acceptance speeches carried the weight of his legacy. With each award, he acknowledged the cultural significance of West Coast hip-hop and the responsibility of pushing the art form forward. His words reflected not just his personal triumph but also the resilience and dominance of his coast.
As the dust settles on Grammy night, one thing is certain—Kendrick Lamar didn’t just win; he made history. And for hip-hop, and particularly the West Coast, it was a night to remember.
