Kendrick Lamar Is the First Rap Artist To Win Pulitzer

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The prestigious Pulitzer Prize Music Award is always given to either classical or sometimes jazz artists. But this year, the award was given to young rap artist, Kendrick Lamar. Lamar received the award for his 2017 album entitled, “DAMN”. This is the first time the award has been given to a rapper, and the first time a #1 album has been awarded this honor. The decision to award this chart-topping album and artist was unanimous amongst the Pulitzer board jurors.

Lamar’s album was his fourth and most politically charged. His willingness to speak up in his music on behalf of issues dealing with race, politics and what youth face today has drawn a lot of attention to the album. This award  brings attention to hip hop in a way that other music awards can’t. It presents hip hop as a true contender amongst genres that have historically held more clout, such as classical and jazz.