Kendrick Lamar made history at the 2025 Grammy Awards as his explosive diss track, “Not Like Us,” clinched three major awards—Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Music Video. This groundbreaking achievement marks the first time a diss track has dominated the Grammys in such fashion, pushing Lamar’s total Grammy wins to 20 and solidifying his place as one of the greatest artists in hip-hop history.
The unexpected sweep has reignited debates about the role of diss tracks in mainstream music, with fans and critics questioning whether such songs should be recognized at the highest level of music awards. While many hailed the victory as a defining moment for hip-hop, others argued that awarding a diss track undermines the genre’s history and authenticity.
Social media erupted in heated discussions following the announcement. On X (formerly Twitter), some fans celebrated the milestone, calling it the “greatest battle in hip-hop history.” User @Ginaviews declared, “A diss track has never won a Grammy. This is the greatest battle in hip-hop history!”
However, not everyone was on board. Skeptics accused the Grammys of rewriting hip-hop history, arguing that classic rap battles like Jay-Z vs. Nas were unfairly overshadowed. @Alendrip questioned the legitimacy of the award, saying, “So now the Grammys dictate what the culture thinks is the greatest rap battle? I guess Jay vs. Nas no longer counts.”
Others expressed concern that the recognition of “Not Like Us” was a smear campaign against another rapper, rather than an authentic celebration of hip-hop. @dino_farma stated, “The greatest smear in history—to erase the legacy of a successful rapper based on lies and hate.”
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Hip-hop purists also took issue with the hype surrounding Lamar’s win, arguing that diss tracks have received recognition before. @qunicy criticized the narrative, saying, “I know it pays to not know sh*t about hip-hop, but this wasn’t the first diss track to win a Grammy. And it damn sure isn’t the greatest battle in hip-hop history. Y’all let Twitter clicks gas this nonsense up.”
Despite the controversy, Kendrick Lamar’s victory marks a defining moment in the evolution of hip-hop, forcing the industry to reevaluate the influence of diss tracks and their place in the genre’s legacy. Whether celebrated or criticized, “Not Like Us” has undeniably left a lasting impact on hip-hop history, proving once again that Lamar remains one of the most influential voices in rap.
