Grammy 2025: Will Kendrick Lamar Win Best Rap Song for Not Like Us?

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 2nd, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, promises to be a night of both celebration and reflection. While the music industry’s biggest night will proceed as planned, the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires have prompted a shift in focus towards relief efforts. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Trevor Noah for the fifth consecutive time, the ceremony will air live on CBS and Paramount+, offering various streaming options for viewers. But amidst the star-studded performances and heartfelt tributes, one question looms large: Will Kendrick Lamar’s controversial “Not Like Us” secure the coveted Best Rap Song award?

A Contender Emerges from Controversy

“Not Like Us,” initially perceived as a diss track aimed at Drake, quickly transcended its contentious origins to become a summer anthem. The song’s meteoric rise, culminating in Lamar’s first solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a 14-week reign atop the Hot Rap Songs chart, solidified its cultural impact. However, the track’s initial combative nature sparked debate about its Grammy potential. Could a song rooted in conflict, with accusations of serious misconduct, compete against less controversial contenders?

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed confidence in the voting members’ ability to recognize greatness and relevance, suggesting “Not Like Us” stood a chance. This statement carries weight, given the Academy’s historical struggle to fully embrace hip-hop’s complexities.

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The Grammys and Hip-Hop’s Contentious History

The Grammys’ relationship with hip-hop has been fraught with tension, often failing to acknowledge the genre’s depth and artistic merit. While “Not Like Us” has reignited this conversation, it’s not the first diss track to garner Grammy attention. Drake’s “Back to Back” received a nomination for Best Rap Performance in 2016. Other arguably diss-laden tracks, like LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” and Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” have also earned recognition. However, these examples are few and far between, raising questions about the Academy’s willingness to embrace the diss track as a legitimate art form.

“Not Like Us”: From Diss Track to Anthem

Sean Momberger, co-producer of “Not Like Us,” argues that the song’s evolution from diss track to celebratory anthem sets it apart. He believes its positive energy and widespread appeal transcend its initial controversial context. This transformation, he contends, makes it a strong contender for Grammy recognition.

The Verdict Remains Unwritten

The ultimate fate of “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Grammy Awards remains to be seen. Its undeniable cultural impact and commercial success make it a strong contender, particularly for Best Rap Song. However, its controversial origins and the Grammys’ complex relationship with hip-hop add an element of unpredictability. Whether the Academy will fully embrace the song’s artistic merit and cultural significance remains an open question.

One thing is certain: the nomination and potential win of “Not Like Us” would be a significant moment for hip-hop, further solidifying its place within the broader musical landscape. The Grammys, often criticized for lagging behind cultural trends, have an opportunity to recognize a song that embodies the dynamism and evolving nature of contemporary hip-hop.