Splendour 2018 Headliner Kendrick Lamar Becomes First Rapper Ever To Win Pulitzer Prize

Kendrick Lamar made history yesterday becoming the first non-classical or jazz musician to take home a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album, DAMN.

As reported by The New York Times, the decision to award Lamar the prize was unanimous for the board's judges.

"The time was right. We are very proud of this selection. It means that the jury and the board judging system worked as it’s supposed to — the best work was awarded a Pulitzer Prize," Pulitzer Prize administrator Dana Canedy said.

"It shines a light on hip hop in a completely different way. This is a big moment for hip hop music and a big moment for the Pulitzers."

The Pulitzer Prize judges referred to the album as, "A virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life."

The rapper was up against mostly classical works including Michael Gilbertson's Quartet and Ted Hearne's Sound From The Bench.