Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” emerged as the biggest rap hit at the 67th Grammy Awards, sweeping all five categories it was nominated for, including “Song of the Year,” “Best Rap Song,” and “Best Music Video.” The track, widely regarded as the definitive response in Lamar’s long-running feud with Drake, solidified his dominance in the hip-hop scene.
“Not Like Us” made history by becoming only the second hip-hop song to win “Record of the Year,” following Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” in 2019. However, rather than focusing on the milestone, Lamar used his acceptance speech to honour his hometown of Los Angeles, which had recently been devastated by wildfires.
“We’re gonna dedicate this one to the city,” he said. “Compton, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, out to the valley… This is my neck of the woods that held me down since a young pup.”
The impact of the wildfires was a central theme throughout the Grammy ceremony, which doubled as a fundraiser, generating over $7 million (£5.7 million) for affected communities. Host Trevor Noah acknowledged the uncertainty leading up to the event, saying, “Just a few weeks ago, we weren’t sure that this show would even happen.” He praised the efforts of firefighters, noting that “despite all the devastation, the spirit of the city has emerged.”
In recognition of their bravery, firefighters were invited to attend the awards and walked the red carpet, taking selfies with some of the biggest stars in music.
The show opened with a powerful performance by local band “Dawes,” who had lost their homes in the fires. They performed Randy Newman’s “I Love LA,” setting a tone of resilience and unity for the evening.
Lamar’s Grammy sweep and dedication to his city underscored the night’s larger message: a celebration of music, strength, and community in the face of hardship.
Melissa Enoch
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