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Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," a chart-topping diss track aimed at Drake, secured the prestigious Record of the Year award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025. The victory marks a significant milestone for Lamar, making this his first-ever win in one of the coveted Big Four categories.
While accepting the award, Lamar took a heartfelt moment to honor his late aunt, who had passed away just a day before the ceremony. "She's probably watching up there, so y'all better smile to make her feel right," Lamar told the audience, visibly moved. He went on to dedicate the win to Los Angeles, a city grappling with the aftermath of devastating wildfires.
"This one goes out to Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, out to the Valley," Lamar declared passionately. "These are the places that made me who I am. Most importantly, to the people and families from the Palisades and Altadena — this win is a testament to our resilience."
The competition for Record of the Year was fierce, with notable contenders such as Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em," Billie Eilish's "Birds of a Feather," and Taylor Swift's collaboration with Post Malone on "Fortnight." The Beatles' AI-assisted track "Now and Then" also posed a formidable challenge, blending John Lennon's archival vocals with modern production techniques.
Beyond winning Record of the Year, Lamar's "Not Like Us" also claimed awards for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video earlier in the evening. The critically acclaimed track was a commercial triumph, spending weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart and fueling ongoing discussions about Lamar's creative dominance.
Recording Academy president Harvey Mason Jr. praised Lamar's achievement, stating, "Kendrick has always pushed boundaries in music. His ability to blend social commentary with lyrical prowess is unmatched. 'Not Like Us' stands as a defining moment in hip-hop."
As Lamar gears up for his highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show performance, fans are left wondering whether "Not Like Us" will be part of his setlist. If his Juneteenth performance last year, where he performed the track six times consecutively, is any indication, audiences may be in for a treat.
With 21 Grammy Awards now under his belt, Kendrick Lamar continues to solidify his place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music. His latest triumph not only underscores his artistry but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to a city that remains close to his heart.
