In an electrifying night at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar reaffirmed his status as one of hip-hop’s greatest forces, dominating the event with his 2024 hit “Not Like Us.” The Compton rapper took home five major awards, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Best Rap Performance.
But this was more than just another awards show victory. It marked a defining moment in hip-hop history—one that not only cemented Lamar’s legacy but also put a definitive end to his long-standing feud with Drake.
A Historic Night for Kendrick Lamar
As Lamar took the stage in a head-to-toe denim outfit—a playful jab at his Toronto-born rival—fans erupted in cheers. The Grammys stage transformed into a rap battleground’s victory parade, with industry heavyweights like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift seen nodding along to Lamar’s scathing track that took aim at Drake in a battle that captured the world’s attention.
While many expected Lamar to revel in his triumph, he took a different approach. Rather than gloating, he used his moment in the spotlight to pay homage to California hip-hop culture and his hometown of Compton.
“We gonna dedicate this one to the city—Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, out to the Valley, the IE, San Bernadino,” Lamar declared during his Record of the Year acceptance speech. “This is my neck of the woods that held me down since I was a young pup… most importantly, the people and the families out in the Palisades and Altadena. This is the true testament that we can continue to restore the city. We gonna keep rocking.”
The speech was deeply personal, reflecting not only his artistic journey but also the resilience of Los Angeles, a city still recovering from recent wildfires.
The Impact of ‘Not Like Us’ on Hip-Hop
When Lamar released “Not Like Us” on May 4, 2024, it was instantly analyzed, dissected, and debated across social media. The track, widely seen as a response to Drake’s attack in “Family Matters,” racked up 96 million streams in its first week and later crossed a billion Spotify plays in record time.
It wasn’t just another diss track—it was a cultural statement. Lamar’s lyrics pointed to allegations and critiques of Drake, questioning his credibility, character, and influence in hip-hop. Fans quickly turned the song’s chorus into a defiant anthem against conformity, setting social media ablaze with discussions and remixes.
For Lamar, this wasn’t just another hit—it was a legacy move. The success of “Not Like Us” made it the most awarded diss record in hip-hop history, surpassing even Drake’s infamous 2015 Meek Mill takedown, “Back to Back.”
A Feud Finally Put to Rest?
The beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake had been simmering for years, marked by subliminal jabs and escalating lyrical attacks. But following Lamar’s victory lap at the Grammys, many in the industry believe the feud is officially over.
Even as the competition between the two has defined much of modern hip-hop’s biggest battles, Lamar chose unity in his acceptance speech instead of further stoking the rivalry. The message was clear: the West Coast MC had won—and he had nothing left to prove.
This moment of closure was emphasized by how effortlessly Lamar pivoted away from the battle narrative, instead choosing to focus on hip-hop’s future and its young artists.
“At the end of the day, ain’t nothing more powerful than rap music. We are the culture. It’s gonna stay. And to the young artists, I just hope you respect the art form. It’s gonna get you where you need to go,” Lamar stated as he wrapped up his night.
What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?
With the Grammys sweep now in the books, the big question for fans is: What comes next for Kendrick Lamar?
Rumors are already swirling about his next project, with speculation that he could be gearing up for one of the biggest tours of his career following the momentum of 2024’s success.
Additionally, insiders claim Lamar has been in talks for major collaborations, both within hip-hop and beyond—possibly hinting at a surprise feature on the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show.
One thing is for sure: Kendrick Lamar has once again proven why he remains one of the most respected and impactful artists of his generation. With or without the feud, his ability to blend artistry, social commentary, and commercial success sets him apart in a league of his own.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Grammy Awards won’t just be remembered for Lamar’s wins—they’ll be a defining chapter in hip-hop history. From the clash of titans between Kendrick and Drake to the massive cultural relevance of “Not Like Us,” this year’s Grammys solidified Lamar’s place as a true torchbearer for the genre.
Yet, even as he walks away victorious, it’s clear that Lamar’s focus isn’t just on winning battles. His legacy is far greater than rap beefs—it’s about pushing the culture forward.
And if the past year is any indication, his reign is far from over.
Source: Hollywood Reporter