Kendrick Lamar Stuns at the 2025 Grammys with Record of the Year Win for "Not Like Us"

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards delivered electrifying performances, emotional victories, and historic moments on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. One of the biggest shocks of the night came when Kendrick Lamar took home Record of the Year for his explosive rap anthem, "Not Like Us."

The 37-year-old rapper, who is also set to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl, took the stage alongside Mustard, the producer behind the track, to accept the prestigious award. In his heartfelt speech, Lamar paid tribute to his hometown of Compton, California, and acknowledged the community that shaped his artistry.

"This is my neck of the woods that’s held me down since I was a young pup. Since I was in the studio scrapping to write the best raps and all that—records like these. I can’t give enough thanks to these places that I rolled around since high school," Lamar expressed, reflecting on his journey from local talent to global icon.

He continued, giving a shoutout to communities in Palisades and Altadena, emphasizing the importance of uplifting and restoring the city. "This is a true testament that we’re going to continue to restore this city. We gonna keep rocking."

A Competitive Record of the Year Category

Lamar's victory came in a highly competitive field of nominees that included:

• "Now and Then" – The Beatles
• "Texas Hold ‘Em" – Beyoncé
• "Espresso" – Sabrina Carpenter
• "360" – Charli XCX
• "Birds of a Feather" – Billie Eilish
• "Good Luck, Babe!" – Chappell Roan
• "Fortnight" – Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone

Each song carried significant cultural weight, but Lamar’s "Not Like Us" stood out not only as a viral hit but also as a diss track aimed at fellow rapper Drake. The song ignited rap’s most intense rivalry in years, featuring scathing lyrics that accused Drake of predatory behavior.

"Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles," Lamar raps in one of the song's most incendiary lines, directly referencing Drake’s 2021 album, Certified Lover Boy. He continues the attack with:

"And your homeboy need subpoena, that predator move in flocks / That name gotta be registered and placed on neighborhood watch."

Lamar first performed the track five consecutive times during his L.A. Juneteenth concert in 2024, cementing its status as a West Coast anthem and rallying cry. The track also referenced AI-generated voices of Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur, calling out Drake’s alleged use of artificial intelligence in music.

Beyoncé Makes History, Doechii Breaks Barriers & More Grammy Highlights

The night was filled with historic wins and powerful moments, including:

Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year: After years of anticipation, Beyoncé finally secured the Album of the Year Grammy for "Cowboy Carter," marking her first-ever win in this category.

Doechii Becomes Third Woman to Win Best Rap Album: Rising rap star Doechii won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, making history as only the third woman to win the award. She delivered an emotional speech dedicated to Black girls, encouraging them to embrace their power.

Chappell Roan Named Best New Artist: The pop newcomer captured the industry's attention, taking home Best New Artist and delivering a heartfelt speech about artist independence.

Tributes and Unforgettable Performances: The night also featured breathtaking performances from Shakira, Charli XCX, Doechii, and more, along with a special tribute to Quincy Jones, led by Will Smith. The Grammys also honored Los Angeles firefighters and local businesses affected by recent wildfires, with fundraising efforts for relief.

Kendrick Lamar's Grammy Legacy Continues

With this latest win, Kendrick Lamar further cements his place in hip-hop history. He now holds 19 Grammy Awards and 57 nominations throughout his career. At the 2025 Grammys, he was also nominated for Best Music Video, Best Rap Song, and Song of the Year.

With his Super Bowl halftime performance on the horizon, Lamar’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

The 2025 Grammys proved to be a night of culture-shifting moments, historic wins, and unforgettable performances—setting the stage for another thrilling year in music.

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