Who became the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music?

Kendrick Lamar became the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, receiving the award in 2018.

The Pulitzer citation honored his album DAMN., released in 2017. The board described it as a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism, offering affecting vignettes of modern African American life. The decision marked a major expansion of mainstream recognition for rap songwriting and album craft.

Lamar was the first musician working primarily in hip hop to receive the music prize. Earlier winners came mainly from classical and jazz traditions, although the category has always covered distinguished musical composition more broadly.

DAMN. followed Lamar’s critically acclaimed albums good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly. It also became a major commercial success, making the Pulitzer win notable as both an artistic and cultural milestone.