A few weeks back it was announced that Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for his critically acclaimed album DAMN. In a ceremony at New York City’s Columbia University, Kendrick became the first hip hop artist to win a Pulitzer, which measures excellence in journalism and music.
Administrator Dana Canedy had this to say about the award:
“We are very proud of this selection. It means that the jury and the board judging system worked as it’s supposed to. The best work was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. 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.”
Kendrick didn’t speak during his acceptance, but later in his Variety cover story he spoke about the award:
“It’s an honor. I’ve been writing my whole life, so to get this type of recognition. It’s beautiful.”
Watch the full clip below and you can download DAMN. now on Apple Music/Google Play.
THE PULITZER: Rap artist Kendrick Lamar officially received the Pulitzer Prize in music for his album ‘DAMN’. Pulitzer Administrator Dana Canedy called the album “a virtuosic song collection–capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.” https://t.co/2is5VmPETq pic.twitter.com/bFXegYMr2d
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) May 30, 2018