‘DAMN.’: Students, staff support Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer win

Kendrick Lamar’s album “DAMN.” sheds light on “systemic injustice” in the U.S. Photo illustration by Bonnie Cash

Kendrick Lamar made history when he became the first rapper to win the music Pulitzer Prize for his album “DAMN” April 16. The prize has previously only been awarded to classical and jazz artists, and many are calling his win revolutionary for the rap and hip-hop genre.

The album, which has sold more than 3.5 million copies since its release one year ago, reveals the complexity of modern African American life. Lamar raps about both personal and political issues, such as race, faith and the downfalls of success. Topping off a successful year, he also produced the “Black Panther” movie soundtrack and performed at the halftime show during the college football national championships. Rolling Stone called him “the greatest rapper alive” in 2017.

“Since Kendrick’s music sheds light on systemic injustice, it was vital for the industry and this generation to have a rap artist win the Pulitzer,” said Megan Doyle, a junior business administration major.

Jon Pareles, a pop music critic for The New York Times, said that a hip-hop artist winning the music Pulitzer Prize was overdue. But, not everyone believes that Lamar deserved the Pulitzer. Across the internet, commenters are criticized Pulitzer board, in some cases claiming that Lamar didn’t care about the award.

“The people who are criticizing this decision need to recognize that people have different tastes in music,” said Thi Nguyen, a senior business administration major. “Just because Kendrick’s music style is different than that of composers and classically trained artists who have won in the past doesn’t mean he is any less talented or undeserving of this award. The album is brilliant and that’s all that should matter.”

In “XXX.,” Lamar raps, “Donald Trump’s in office / We lost Barack and promised to never doubt him again / But is America honest, or do we bask in sin?” He also fires back at Fox News’ Geraldo Rivera, who said that hip-hop has done more damage to African Americans than racism has. In “DNA.,” Rivera’s voice plays in the background, to which Lamar says, “(Expletive) your life … My DNA is not for imitation / Your DNA is an abomination.”

“He’s here to indict America, himself, his community, and more than anything, human sinfulness,” music reporter Spencer Kornhaber wrote in an album review for The Atlantic April 17.

While students are somewhat familiar with the Pulitzer Prize for journalism, the music award isn’t as recognized among younger generations, said Alexander Miller, a music professor in the College of Performing Arts.

“During a discussion (last) week, I asked my (songwriting) students how many of them even knew there was a Pulitzer Prize in music,” he said. “In a group of about 15, no one raised their hand.”

Junior Megan Doyle believes that Lamar’s win is “extremely relevant” today.

“Since Kendrick’s music sheds light on systemic injustice, it was vital for the industry and this generation to have a rap artist win the Pulitzer,” said Doyle, a junior business administration major.

Miller believes that, although Lamar’s win is important, his music has “already inspired a generation of artists,” with or without the award.

“I’m fully supportive of an award that honors great artists regardless of style. Great music is great music,” she said.