Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ dominates Grammys with multiple wins

The viral diss track secures record of the year, song of the year, and more.

Kendrick Lamar, winner of Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” poses in the press room at the 67th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on February 2, 2025. Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

By Sarah Oktaviany and Hayu Andini

Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us became the defining anthem of 2024, and on Sunday night, it cemented its legacy by sweeping multiple categories at the 67th Grammy Awards. The viral diss track, which targeted fellow rapper Drake, soared to the top of the Billboard charts and ultimately secured Lamar the upper hand in their high-profile feud.

With its pulsating beat and razor-sharp lyrics, Not Like Us won five Grammy nominations, including record of the year, song of the year, best rap song, best rap performance, and best music video. By the end of the night, Lamar walked away with major victories, adding to his already illustrious collection of awards.

Grammy wins solidify Lamar’s dominance

During the Grammys Premiere Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Not Like Us claimed the awards for best rap song, best rap performance, and best music video. Later in the evening, it clinched two of the biggest prizes of the night—record of the year and song of the year.

Lamar faced tough competition in both categories. The Beatles’ AI-generated track Now and Then was a strong contender, while pop megastars Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Sabrina Carpenter all vied for the top prize. Other nominees included Texas Hold ’Em by Beyoncé, Espresso by Carpenter, Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan, and 360 by Charli XCX. Despite the stiff competition, Lamar’s cultural impact and lyrical prowess carried Not Like Us to victory.

As Lamar took the stage to accept record of the year, the entire crowd erupted in a chorus of the song’s signature “A minor” chant, further proving its cultural significance.

The impact of ‘Not Like Us’ and Lamar’s rap supremacy

Lamar’s dominance extended beyond the general categories, as Not Like Us triumphed in the rap categories as well. The song beat out several heavyweights for best rap song, including Future and Metro Boomin’s Like That—a track that also fueled Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake. Other nominees included GloRilla, Rapsody with Hit-Boy, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign (¥$), and Rich the Kid with Playboi Carti.

For best rap performance, Lamar faced legendary competition, including Eminem (Houdini), Common with Pete Rock and Posdnuos (When the Sun Shines Again), Cardi B (Enough (Miami)), and rising stars GloRilla and Doechii (Yeah Glo! and Nissan Altima). However, Lamar’s unmatched delivery and lyrical precision secured him the win.

Additionally, Lamar’s Not Like Us took home the Grammy for best music video, a visual shot in his hometown of Compton. The category featured a mix of high-profile nominees, including Eminem (Houdini), A$AP Rocky (Tailor Swif), Taylor Swift (Fortnight), and Charli XCX (360).

A historic night and what’s next for Kendrick Lamar

Before Sunday’s ceremony, Lamar already had 17 Grammy wins to his name. His latest victories bring his total to 22, further solidifying his position as one of hip-hop’s most decorated artists.

With his Grammy triumphs behind him, Lamar is now gearing up for another major moment—his performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in just a week. While it remains uncertain if Not Like Us will be part of his setlist, his Juneteenth concert at the Kia Forum may offer a clue. During that performance, he played the track six times in a row to roaring approval from the crowd, signaling its deep resonance with fans.

Lamar’s Grammy sweep, combined with his upcoming Super Bowl appearance, underscores his dominance in the music industry. Not Like Us may have started as a diss track, but it has since evolved into a cultural phenomenon—one that will be remembered long after awards season.