Kendrick Lamar Shines at 2025 Grammys, Wins Record of the Year for “Not Like Us”

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, were filled with powerhouse performances, emotional moments, and groundbreaking wins. The highlight of the evening came when Kendrick Lamar captured the Record of the Year award for his dynamic hit “Not Like Us”, marking one of the most surprising and celebrated victories of the night.

The 37-year-old rapper, who is also slated to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl, took the stage with Mustard, the producer of “Not Like Us,” to accept the coveted Record of the Year trophy. In an emotional address, Kendrick Lamar paid homage to his roots in Compton, California, expressing deep gratitude to the community that molded him as both an artist and a man.

“This one’s for my hometown — the same streets that supported me when I was just a kid trying to craft my sound in the studio,” Lamar said. “From those early days, writing bars and chasing dreams, to moments like this — I owe it all to the neighborhoods that raised me.”

He went on to acknowledge Palisades and Altadena, reaffirming his commitment to giving back to his city. “This is proof that we’re going to keep rebuilding, keep shining, and keep pushing the culture forward,” Lamar declared, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

A Fierce Battle for Record of the Year

Kendrick Lamar’s win came after facing stiff competition in one of the most talked-about Record of the Year lineups in recent memory. The category featured:

• “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

While every nominee brought something powerful and distinct to the table, Lamar’s “Not Like Us” stood apart—not just for its chart-topping success, but for its cultural impact. The song reignited hip-hop’s fiercest rivalry in years, taking aim at fellow rapper Drake with searing verses that accused him of inappropriate behavior.

In one of the track’s most controversial lines, Lamar raps:

“Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles,”

— a direct jab at Drake’s 2021 album Certified Lover Boy. He continues:

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

The diss track became a defining cultural moment, especially after Lamar performed it five times in a row during his Juneteenth 2024 concert in Los Angeles, transforming it into both a West Coast anthem and a statement of dominance. The track also sparked debate by referencing AI-generated voices of Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur—an apparent dig at Drake’s alleged use of artificial intelligence in music production.

Other Standout Moments from the 2025 Grammys

Beyoncé Makes History – After years of near misses, Beyoncé finally clinched the coveted Album of the Year trophy for Cowboy Carter, marking her first-ever win in the category and further cementing her legacy as one of music’s greatest icons.

Doechii Breaks Barriers – Rising rap star Doechii took home Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, becoming only the third woman ever to win the award. In an emotional speech, she dedicated her victory to young Black girls, urging them to “own your power and your voice.”

Chappell Roan Named Best New Artist – The breakout pop sensation Chappell Roan won Best New Artist, celebrating the value of authenticity and creative independence in a heartfelt speech that drew a standing ovation.

Unforgettable Tributes and Performances – The night delivered unforgettable moments, including high-energy sets from Shakira, Charli XCX, and Doechii, alongside a soul-stirring tribute to Quincy Jones led by Will Smith. The Grammys also honored Los Angeles firefighters and local small businesses impacted by recent wildfires, launching a special fundraising campaign for recovery efforts — a moving reminder of music’s power to heal and unite.

Kendrick Lamar Extends His Grammy Legacy

With his latest triumph, Kendrick Lamar has further solidified his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most influential and decorated artists. The Compton-born rapper now boasts 19 Grammy Awards and 57 nominations over the course of his career — a testament to his lyrical brilliance, cultural impact, and consistency.

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Lamar was not only honored with Record of the Year but also earned nominations for Best Music Video, Best Rap Song, and Song of the Year, underscoring his dominance across multiple categories.

As anticipation builds for his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar’s creative momentum and cultural influence continue to soar.

The 2025 Grammys will be remembered as a celebration of groundbreaking artistry — a night defined by bold performances, historic victories, and moments that redefined the sound and spirit of contemporary music.

References