On Wednesday afternoon (May 30), Kendrick Lamar made history when he became the first hip-hop act to win a Pulitzer Prize in music for his acclaimed 2017 album DAMN. Lamar — who notched four Grammys, including best rap album, this year for DAMN. — was on-hand at New York City’s Columbia University to receive the distinguished honor.
President of Columbia University, Lee C. Bollinger, showered Lamar’s hip-hop opus with an abundance or praise, dubbing the project a “virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.”
Though Lamar didn’t comment or do interviews at the university regarding his latest feat, he did speak on the Pulitzer’s Facebook live video and highlighted his experience at the luncheon. “It’s an honor … I’ve been writing my whole life, so to get this type of recognition — it’s beautiful.”
Photos from the private event did find their way online. Take a look at Lamar celebrating his latest achievement below.
Most excitement at Pulitzer ceremony is for Kendrick Lamar’s entrance pic.twitter.com/wOQUQBfj2E
— Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) May 30, 2018
.@kendricklamar is in the building. “We’re both making history,” #Pulitzer Administrator @DanaCanedy told the Pulitzer music award-winner as he entered today’s prize luncheon. pic.twitter.com/Tg3cMQiLOH
— The Pulitzer Prizes (@PulitzerPrizes) May 30, 2018