Kendrick Lamar is the first non-classical or jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for music. Lamar won for his album "DAMN". The 30-year-old songwriter rapped about the reality of being black in the USA. Songs like "The Blacker the Berry" became well known after the police shootings of black people in America. Pulitzer said the album was a masterly song collection about "the modern African-American life". Lamar has not commented yet on his award.

The Pulitzer Prize for music started in 1943. Kendrick Lamar is the first rapper and the best selling musician to win it. Classical musicians usually win. Pulitzer said: "The best work was awarded a Pulitzer Prize....It shines a light on hip-hop in a completely different way." Sky News said Lamar won: "for his deep lyrical content...and his profound mix of hip hop, spoken word, jazz, soul, funk, poetry and African sounds."