Kendrick Lamar took a small break from headlining the TDE Championship Tour to receive his Pulitzer prize in New York City on Wednesday (May 30).
As we previously reported, Pulitzer Prizes revealed last month that the rapper would receive the honor for his DAMN. album, which was released in 2017. The organization's website said that the artist's LP was a "virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life."
After waiting a few short weeks, Lamar finally got his reward today. During the Pulitzer luncheon at Columbia University, the rapper was gifted a medal for his music. At the event, administrator Dana Canedy shook his hand and said, “We’re both making history.” During his acceptance speech, Lamar said: “It’s an honor. Been writing my whole life, so to get this type of recognition is beautiful.”
With this major achievement, Lamar has officially become the very first rapper to be bestowed with the honor. Veteran rap music greats have already congratulated the Cali rapper on this milestone. From Busta Rhymes, Common, LL Cool J and more; many have all given Lamar his well-deserved props.
Take a look at some video clips and photos of Lamar officially getting gifted with his Pulitzer medal below. In one of the shots, you can see that when the rapper walked up to the stage, he received a standing ovation from the event's guests.
Photo: Getty Images