Kendrick Lamar Makes History with “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Grammy Awards

In a defining moment for hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar has cemented his legacy with a historic sweep at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where his explosive diss track “Not Like Us” took home five major awards — including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The victory marks a turning point for both Kendrick’s career and the broader recognition of diss tracks as powerful cultural artifacts rather than niche moments of beef.

Originally aimed at longtime rival Drake, “Not Like Us” sparked a massive wave of conversation across the hip-hop community. But no one expected it to evolve into a critical darling, let alone dominate the Grammys — an institution long criticized for its often tepid relationship with rap.

Kendrick also picked up Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video, bringing his total Grammy tally to 20 — a milestone that places him in the ranks of genre-defining legends like Jay-Z and Ye (Kanye West).

A Symbolic Statement

Walking onto the Grammy stage wearing a Canadian tuxedo — an all-denim outfit many saw as a tongue-in-cheek nod to Drake’s home country — Kendrick’s acceptance speech was both poetic and piercing.

“This one’s for Compton, for Los Angeles, for every voice that gets overlooked,” he said. “Music is expression, not politics. I made this for us.”

The moment was met with thunderous applause and viral commentary online, with many praising Kendrick for his unfiltered honesty and artistry.

A Diss Track that Transcended Its Roots

“Not Like Us” began as a scathing lyrical takedown, but quickly took on a life of its own. The track broke streaming records within days of release and dominated the Billboard Global 200 for multiple weeks. Its music video, filled with metaphor and West Coast symbolism, became an instant classic.

The public fascination with the feud added fuel to the track’s popularity — but it was Kendrick’s delivery, intricate wordplay, and cultural resonance that carried it into Grammy territory.

Music critics have hailed the song as “a masterclass in battle rap elevated to high art,” and fans around the world have responded in kind. Filipino rappers like Waiian and kiyo praised Lamar for his “bravery in lyrical honesty” and called the Grammy wins a victory for “every artist who dares to speak truth.”

Cultural Shockwaves and Global Reach

Beyond the awards and accolades, Kendrick’s impact is being felt globally. Merchandise inspired by the track — including graphic tees and vinyl editions — is flying off shelves. Social media is flooded with fan remixes, lyrical breakdowns, and even academic commentary on the song’s deeper themes.

Even more significantly, the Grammy wins mark a shift in how mainstream institutions acknowledge the artistic merit of confrontational rap. Diss tracks — once relegated to the underground — are now being studied, celebrated, and elevated.

What’s Next?

With a 20th Grammy now under his belt, speculation is swirling about Kendrick’s next project. Will he drop a follow-up album that dives deeper into the themes of “Not Like Us”? Or will he pivot into new territory, having proved his point in the most public way possible?

One thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar isn’t just part of the culture — he’s shaping it.

Image: Kendrick-lamar-1360479601 by Merlijn Hoek is licensed under CC BY 3.0