This Day in History: , Kendrick Lamar Becomes the<br />First Rapper to Win the Pulitzer Prize.<br />April 16, 2018.<br />Lamar was awarded the <br />Pulitzer Prize for Music for his <br />extraordinary 2017 album, 'DAMN.'.<br />It was the first time the <br />prestigious award had been granted <br />to a genre outside of classical music or jazz.<br />According to the Pulitzer Prize administrator, <br />the decision to recognize <br />Lamar's work was unanimous.<br />['DAMN' is] a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life, Pulitzer Prize <br />Awarding Committee.<br />Lamar grew up during the 1990s <br />in Compton, CA, surrounded by the <br />influence of artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.<br />His previous album efforts<br />became known for their social commentary.<br />A fellow nominee called Lamar <br />“one of the greatest living American composers, for sure.”
