Song of the year 2025 belonged to Kendrick Lamar‘s historic diss track “Not Like Us.” The track made Grammy history in February 2025 by sweeping all five major nominations at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. This unprecedented achievement marked a turning point in hip-hop recognition at music’s biggest stage.
🔥 Quick Facts
- 5 Grammy Awards won at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025
- Made history as the first and only diss track to win major Grammy Awards
- Won Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video
- Kendrick’s career total now stands at 22 Grammy Awards after the sweep
The Five-Award Sweep That Changed Grammy History
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“Not Like Us” achieved something no other diss track had accomplished before at the Grammy Awards. The track swept all five categories it was nominated for during the February 2, 2025 ceremony. Song of the Year and Record of the Year were the marquee wins, placing Kendrick’s Drake diss among the most celebrated songs of the year across all genres.
The sweep was historic not just for Kendrick but for the entire hip-hop and rap music landscape. For the first time ever, a track specifically designed as a diss record was recognized at the highest levels of the music industry. Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song completed the perfect five-win night.
What Made “Not Like Us” Stand Out as Song of the Year
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The track, released during a highly publicized feud with Drake, resonated with listeners and industry professionals alike. Kendrick’s production was sharp, his lyrics surgical, and the cultural moment surrounding the Drake feud added weight to the song’s release. The nomination came despite controversy around whether a diss track should compete in major categories.
“Not Like Us” proved the skeptics wrong by winning its awards decisively. The song dominated streaming platforms, topped charts, and maintained cultural relevance long after its July 4, 2024 release. Director Dave Free and Kendrick collaborated on a visually compelling music video that became iconic in its own right, ultimately winning the Best Music Video award.
Grammy Track Achievements and Recognition
| Grammy Category | Award Result |
| Song of the Year | 🏆 WON |
| Record of the Year | 🏆 WON |
| Best Rap Performance | 🏆 WON |
| Best Rap Song | 🏆 WON |
| Best Music Video | 🏆 WON |
Kendrick’s Celebrated Super Bowl LIX Halftime Performance
Following his Grammy triumph, Kendrick Lamar delivered the 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans. The 12-minute performance featured “Not Like Us” prominently, where the rapper continued celebrating his Grammy wins over Drake. He was joined by frequent collaborator SZA for a segment performing “Luther.”
The halftime set included hits like “HUMBLE,” “DNA,” and tracks from his latest album. The performance drew massive viewership and generated significant social media discussion, reinforcing Kendrick’s dominant position in hip-hop. After the Super Bowl broadcast, “Not Like Us” climbed back to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, demonstrating its enduring commercial strength.
Future Recognition: 2026 Grammy Nominations and Legacy?
As of late 2025, Kendrick Lamar has already secured nine nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, the most of any artist that year. His album GNX earned multiple nominations including Album of the Year, suggesting the Recording Academy continues to recognize his artistic excellence. The success of “Not Like Us” opened doors for future diss tracks and hip-hop records at the Grammys.
Kendrick’s historic achievement with “Not Like Us” represents a watershed moment in Grammy history. A diss track winning major awards validates hip-hop’s storytelling power and competitive elements as legitimate art forms deserving of music’s highest honors. The 2026 Grammys will show whether this shift in recognition continues for other hip-hop records. Will another diss track follow in “Not Like Us'” footsteps? Only the music industry voting bloc will decide.
Sources
- Grammy.com – Official Grammy Awards coverage of the 67th ceremony
- Billboard – Music industry news and rankings
- Rolling Stone – Celebrity and music journalism
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.