Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper to ever receive a Pulitzer Prize for music Monday,
The 30-year-old rapper is the first hip-hop artist to receive the award for his album “DAMN.” The high honors are typically given to classical or jazz works, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“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 Pulitzer Prize board explained. (RELATED: Bob Dylan Is Completely Ignoring His Nobel Prize)
.@kendricklamar‘s album ‘DAMN.’ is the first non-classical or jazz work to win the award https://t.co/veugYUn5mg
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 16, 2018
Lamar will be rewarded $15,000 for the honor.
Other winners in the past for the award includes performers like Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Hank Williams. The hip-hop artist’s recognition is the first among a performer in the pop charts.
In January, the rapper was also the big winner at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards taking home five honors, including one for Best Rap Album for “DAMN” and Best Rap Performance for his hit “Humble” off that album.