Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” claimed the prestigious Record of the Year award at the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking a major milestone in the rapper’s career. The win came after the song’s role in ending a summer-long musical feud with Canadian artist Drake, a beef that “Not Like Us” played a pivotal part in.
During his acceptance speech, Lamar expressed deep gratitude for his roots, acknowledging the communities that shaped him. “We gonna dedicate this one to the city,” he said, listing iconic neighborhoods such as Compton, Watts, Inglewood, and Hollywood. “This is my neck of the woods, have held me down since a young pup. Since I was in the studio, scrapping to write the best raps and all that.”
Lamar went on to thank his supporters in areas like the Palisades and Altadena, calling them a testament to the city’s strength and resilience. “I can’t give enough thanks to these places I rode around since high school. And 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,” he said.
Though Lamar had been nominated for Record of the Year three times before with tracks like “Humble,” “All the Stars,” and “The Heart Part 5,” it was “Not Like Us” that ultimately earned him the honor. Produced by DJ Mustard, the track has been widely praised for transcending its origins as a diss song and evolving into a cultural anthem.
Rolling Stone hailed “Not Like Us” as the “sharpest, funniest Lamar single in ages,” adding that it highlighted Lamar’s dual talents as both a fierce lyricist and a masterful entertainer. The track secured a spot on the magazine’s Best Songs of 2025 list, underscoring Lamar’s ability to combine wit, entertainment, and impeccable timing.
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