Kendrick Lamar Wins Record of the Year at 2025 GRAMMYs, Dedicates Emotional Victory to Los Angeles

On a night when music legends and newcomers alike gathered to celebrate the industry’s brightest stars, Kendrick Lamar once again solidified his place as a voice of the people, claiming Record of the Year at the 2025 GRAMMYs for his electrifying track “Not Like Us.” The song, a sharp and poignant diss track that topped the charts in 2024, became an unofficial anthem for Los Angeles, a city currently grappling with the aftermath of devastating wildfires.

Taking the stage at the Crypto.com Arena, Lamar was visibly moved as he accepted the golden gramophone, dedicating the win to his hometown and the surrounding neighborhoods that shaped his identity and music. “We gon’ dedicate this one to the city,” Lamar declared, as the audience erupted in applause. He went on to name Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Palisades, and Altadena, illustrating the breadth of his connection to Greater Los Angeles.

“I can’t give enough thanks to these places that I rolled around since high school,” Lamar said. “And most importantly, to the people and families who continue to push through adversity. This is a true testament that we will continue to restore this city.”

A Win for L.A. Amidst Wildfires and Hardship

The 2025 GRAMMYs were not just about music—they were about community and recovery. This year’s telecast had been reimagined to raise funds for MusiCares Fire Relief, a dedicated campaign supporting those affected by the devastating wildfires that have displaced thousands in Los Angeles and beyond. Throughout the night, performers and presenters reminded the audience of the importance of resilience, a theme Lamar wove into his acceptance speech.

As one of L.A.’s most celebrated musical icons, Lamar’s dedication of “Not Like Us” to the city carried emotional weight. The track resonated throughout the region last year, capturing the frustration, grit, and determination that are deeply ingrained in Los Angeles culture. The anthem’s success was fueled not only by Lamar’s signature lyrical prowess but by DJ Mustard’s production, which added a high-energy, confrontational sound to the track’s message.

The song also served as the peak of a public feud between Lamar and Drake, making its success both a musical and cultural milestone. Earlier in the night, “Not Like Us” earned three GRAMMY Awards for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video, further cementing its place as a standout in Lamar’s career.

An Emotional Tribute to Family

Lamar’s triumph was bittersweet, as he shared the news of his aunt’s passing just a day before the ceremony. “She probably watching from up there,” Lamar said, his voice thick with emotion. “Make sure y’all got y’all best smiles on, make her feel good.”

His tribute to his late aunt added a deeply personal element to the night, showing the raw emotion and humanity behind the superstar’s success. As a rapper who has often drawn inspiration from his family and community, this moment was a poignant reminder of the duality in his work—personal grief intertwined with public triumph.

A Competitive Night and a Well-Deserved Win

Lamar’s win came in a category stacked with heavyweights, including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, the Beatles, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan. Last year’s winner, Miley Cyrus, presented the award, further highlighting the significance of Lamar’s victory on a night when the competition was fierce.

Lamar is no stranger to GRAMMY recognition, with 57 nominations and multiple wins over the course of his career, including Best Rap Album for To Pimp a Butterfly and Best Rap Song for “Alright.” However, his victory for Record of the Year marks a milestone in his career, as it is often considered one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

The Legacy of “Not Like Us”

More than just a diss track, “Not Like Us” transcended its initial narrative to become an anthem of resilience, community pride, and cultural commentary. In a city battling the physical and emotional scars of environmental and socioeconomic crises, Lamar’s music provided both an outlet for frustration and a call to action.

The song’s lyrics take aim at those who exploit culture without truly understanding it, reflecting Lamar’s ongoing commentary on authenticity, identity, and respect within the industry. But it was his delivery—raw, unapologetic, and deeply tied to his West Coast roots—that made the track resonate far beyond its diss origins.

A Future of Restoration and Hope

As Lamar left the stage, he left the audience with a powerful message of restoration and hope for Los Angeles. “This is just the beginning. We have work to do, and music will always be part of that restoration,” he said. His words reflected the collective sentiment of the evening: that recovery, whether from personal loss or community-wide devastation, is possible when communities stand together.

For Los Angeles, Lamar’s win wasn’t just a celebration of musical excellence—it was a reminder that even in difficult times, the city’s resilience will shine through. Kendrick Lamar isn’t just a voice for Compton—he’s a voice for L.A. and all it represents.

Stay tuned to USBC Media for more stories on how Black excellence and creativity continue to push boundaries and inspire communities.