Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” sweeps Grammy nominations
Kendrick Lamar has solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in music with his stunning performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The rapper not only took home five Grammy wins for his hit single “Not Like Us,” but he’s also poised to headline the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans next weekend. With a string of successes, including his latest album GNX and collaborations with fellow artist SZA, Lamar’s influence in both the music industry and pop culture is undeniable.
Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy Sweep
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, winning five prestigious awards for his song “Not Like Us.” The track, which initially started as a diss toward rapper Drake, has since turned into one of the most successful songs of 2024. Lamar’s awards included Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video, solidifying his role as one of the biggest stars in hip-hop and beyond.
Moreover, “Not Like Us” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for weeks and received massive streaming numbers across various platforms. It’s clear that Lamar has tapped into a sound and a message that resonates with a global audience. The song’s powerful message and high energy made it an instant fan favorite and a critical darling.
As if winning all five Grammy nominations for Not Like Us wasn’t enough, Lamar also received two additional nominations for his feature on Future’s “Like That.” His contributions to the track earned him spots in the Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance categories.
Kendrick Lamar & Mustard accept the Song of the Year award for 'Not Like Us' at the 2025 #GRAMMYs
"Nothing more powerful than rap music. I don't care what it is. We are the culture." pic.twitter.com/5cgzHECLAz
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) February 3, 2025
The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Drama
The path to “Not Like Us” being such a major success wasn’t entirely smooth, however. Initially, the track was seen as part of the ongoing back-and-forth between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The two artists had been engaging in a public feud throughout 2024, which included multiple diss tracks aimed at one another. “Not Like Us” was Kendrick’s way of making a statement, but what started as a personal rivalry quickly turned into a broader cultural conversation about hip-hop’s dominance in the mainstream.
In December 2024, Drake filed a lawsuit against Lamar and Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming that the massive streaming numbers for “Not Like Us” were artificially inflated through the use of bots. It’s not the first time such allegations have been made in the music industry, but with Drake’s connection to UMG as one of its biggest stars, the lawsuit added fuel to the fire.
Despite the tension, the legal drama came to an unexpected conclusion when Drake withdrew the lawsuit in January 2025, just weeks before the Grammy Awards. Whether this was due to a change of heart, a lack of evidence, or the immense public scrutiny, we may never know. But it’s clear that the feud didn’t dampen the success of “Not Like Us” or Kendrick Lamar’s standing in the industry.
Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance
Looking ahead, Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans next weekend. The Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most-watched music events in the world, and Lamar is expected to bring his A-game to the stage. This marks a significant milestone in his career, cementing his place as one of the most powerful performers of his generation.
Therefore, Lamar’s performance will likely feature a mix of his greatest hits, including tracks from his latest album, GNX, which was released in December 2024. GNX has already achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and cementing Kendrick’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist. The album features several collaborations, including two standout tracks with SZA, another artist who’s had an impressive year.
Furthermore, the addition of SZA to the Super Bowl Halftime Show adds an exciting dynamic to the performance. The pair’s chemistry is undeniable, and their collaborations on GNX have been some of the album’s most popular songs. Fans can expect an unforgettable show that blends Lamar’s powerful lyricism with SZA’s ethereal vocals, creating a mix that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
Kendrick Lamar’s Impact on the Music Industry
Kendrick Lamar’s influence on the music industry goes far beyond his chart-topping singles and Grammy wins. His work has redefined what it means to be a conscious rapper in the modern era, tackling social and political issues with a level of sophistication and artistry that has earned him the respect of critics and fans alike.
His 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly was a critical success, hailed for its deep commentary on race, identity, and power in America. In 2017, Lamar’s DAMN. album won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making him the first non-jazz or classical artist to win the prestigious honor. That album was a seismic shift in the industry, showing that hip-hop could be both popular and intellectually challenging.
GNX, his latest project, is a continuation of Lamar’s innovative approach to rap. The album mixes genres, incorporates complex storytelling, and features collaborations with artists across a variety of musical landscapes. It’s clear that Kendrick is no longer just a hip-hop artist; he’s a global cultural force.
The Growing Legacy of Kendrick Lamar
As Lamar’s career continues to flourish, his influence extends beyond just his music. He’s become a beacon for artists looking to make a statement and break boundaries in an industry that often prizes commercial success over artistic merit. Lamar’s journey from Compton, California, to the Grammys and now the Super Bowl stage is a testament to his dedication and vision.
In addition to his musical achievements, Lamar has become a sought-after public speaker, offering insights on everything from race relations to the power of creativity in shaping the world. He’s an artist who knows the power of his platform, and he uses it to challenge, provoke, and inspire.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA: A Dynamic Duo
The collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and SZA is one of the most exciting aspects of Lamar’s current era. Their partnership on GNX has sparked a new wave of interest in both artists, and their combined talent promises to make the Super Bowl Halftime Show a moment to remember. Their collaboration dates back to Lamar’s 2017 album DAMN., where SZA appeared on the track “All the Stars.”
In 2025, with two standout collaborations on GNX, their connection has only grown stronger. Whether performing together at the Super Bowl or on their own projects, the dynamic between Lamar and SZA adds a layer of depth and emotional resonance to their music that fans can’t get enough of.
What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?
Kendrick Lamar’s rise to the top is far from over. After his string of successes in 2024 and 2025, it’s clear that Lamar is far more than just a hip-hop icon. He’s a global cultural leader whose influence extends well beyond music. Whether it’s his Grammy wins, his upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, or his work as an advocate for social change, Kendrick Lamar shows no signs of slowing down.
Fans are eager to see what he does next. Will he continue to push boundaries in both his music and his activism? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar is here to stay, and his legacy will continue to shape the future of music for years to come.
Kendrick Lamar’s dominance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, coupled with his upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, only reinforces his place as one of the greatest artists of our time. With a deep, thought-provoking catalog of music and an ability to captivate audiences across multiple platforms, Lamar continues to raise the bar for what it means to be a modern-day artist. As he heads into another major performance and looks toward future projects, the world will continue to watch, listen, and be inspired by his groundbreaking contributions to music and culture.
