Kendrick Lamar & Beyoncé Make History at the 2025 Grammys with Groundbreaking Wins
The 2025 Grammy Awards saw Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé continue to solidify their places in music history, each securing major wins that further elevate their legacies. The event, held on Sunday night (February 2), marked a monumental occasion for both artists, as they earned unprecedented achievements and broke long-standing records.
Kendrick Lamar’s Record-Breaking Night
Kendrick Lamar made waves at the 2025 Grammys, where his diss track “Not Like Us” won an astounding five awards, including the highly coveted Record of the Year and Song of the Year. This hit song — which gained cultural significance following his intense feud with Drake last summer — also earned wins in Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video.
In an unprecedented move, “Not Like Us” became the first diss track to win a Grammy, and it set a new record as the most awarded rap song in Grammy history. Kendrick is only the second rapper to win both Record of the Year and Song of the Year, joining Childish Gambino, who achieved the same feat in 2019. His victory on the biggest night of music was a testament to his skill, artistry, and influence on the culture.
Beyoncé’s Historic Triumph
Meanwhile, Beyoncé claimed the Album of the Year trophy for her critically acclaimed album Cowboy Carter, marking a milestone in her career. This win was particularly significant for Beyoncé, as it was a Grammy that had long eluded her, much to the frustration of her loyal fans. With this achievement, Beyoncé became the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since Lauryn Hill in 1999. Her win also placed her ahead as the most decorated artist in Grammy history, now with an incredible 35 Grammys.
In addition to Album of the Year, Beyoncé won in two other categories — Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance — for her groundbreaking work on Cowboy Carter and the hit single “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus.
Her victory also had a ripple effect, as JAY-Z (her husband) saw his career total jump to 25 Grammys, thanks to his songwriting contribution to Cowboy Carter, specifically on the track “Jolene”. This Grammy win allowed him to surpass Kanye West, breaking a tie and becoming the rapper with the most Grammy Awards.
Doechii and Rapsody’s Historic Wins
The night also saw Doechii and Rapsody make history. Doechii’s mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal won Best Rap Album, defeating more commercially successful efforts from industry giants like Future, Metro Boomin, Eminem, and J. Cole. Rapsody also earned her first Grammy, winning Best Melodic Rap Performance for her collaboration with Erykah Badu on “3:AM”.
Kendrick Lamar’s Dedication and Beyoncé’s Gratitude
During his acceptance speech for Song of the Year, Kendrick Lamar gave a heartfelt shoutout to his early influences from the West Coast rap scene, including Glasses Malone and Jay Rock. He expressed his deep appreciation for the power of rap music, emphasizing its cultural impact and timeless nature. Kendrick also dedicated his Record of the Year win to his late auntie and the people of Los Angeles, who were affected by the devastating wildfires earlier in the year.
Beyoncé, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude and humility, saying she felt “very full and very honored” after finally winning Album of the Year. She dedicated her victory to Miss Martell, a pioneering Black female country singer, and expressed her hope for continued progress in opening doors for women and artists of color in music.
With these historic wins, Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé continue to shape the future of music, breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence. Their Grammy victories are a testament to their immense talent, influence, and the cultural significance they bring to the music industry.
