Kendrick Lamar has made history, becoming the first ever rapper (or non-classical/jazz musician) to win a Pulitzer Prize.
The prize was awarded to Lamar for his 2017 album DAMN, which the Pulitzer board called “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.”
He may have got jibbed at The Grammys, but Kendrick Lamar has scored himself a goddamn Pulitzer Prize instead.
Since 1943, The Pulitzer for music has been awarded almost exclusively to contemporary classical music.
Dana Canedy, the administrator of the prizes, told the New York Times: “It shines a light on hip-hop in a completely different way. This is a big moment for hip-hop music and a big moment for the Pulitzers.”
For the prize, Lamar beat out a string quartet work and a “five-movement cantata for chamber choir, electric guitar and percussion,” and will be taking home $US15,000 for his troubles.
Lamar will be descending upon Australian shores this July, as a headliner for Splendour In The Grass, alongside Lorde, Vampire Weekend, Chvrches, Gang Of Youths, and heaps more.
Via New York Times.
