For over 100 years, the Pulitzer Prize Board has awarded Pulitzer Prizes to distinguished organizations and individuals within journalism and the arts. However, this year, many were surprised to see one winner’s name announced — rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Lamar’s 2017 album "DAMN." won this year’s Pulitzer Prize for Music. The Pulitzer website described 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.” Lamar is the first winner in this category that did not produce classical or jazz music.
"DAMN.," Lamar’s fourth studio album, is one of the most culturally influential rap albums in the last ten years — perhaps the most influential. Criticizing modern media and President Trump, Lamar captures in verse the pain and struggle of being an African-American in the current political climate, and adds to conversation of discrimination and racism in the United States.
There has been chatter on the internet discussing this historical win. Many are thrilled about rap’s appearance in prestigious art awards, while some have shown concern for the integrity of the awards. What does this mean for hip-hop?
Well, it means everything for hip-hop.
The Grammys have often been criticized for snubbing Lamar of what many people believe to be a more-than-earned Album of the Year award for "DAMN." I am one of those people. Especially in comparison with the other albums in the category, "DAMN." not only exceeded them musically, but had a much greater level of cultural relevance. This is why Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize came as such a shock to me — not because he is undeserving, but because prestigious organizations seem to ignore rap albums such as this one in their considerations.
As an art, hip-hop is often dismissed and seen more as part of what is considered ‘low-brow culture’ — not requiring a high level of refinement or sophistication of taste. This is most likely why the Pulitzer Prize Board has been most receptive to works in the genres of classical and jazz music. "DAMN." is not the first, but is one of the most successful hip-hop albums in combining attractive beats and insightful lyrics to create a work of art that ignites deep and meaningful conversations.
Lamar’s win shows the start of a new era. If the highly structured and (usually) predictable Pulitzer Prize Board is becoming aware of the cultural importance of hip-hop music, surely the rest of society is on their way to accept hip-hop as an integral part of America’s artistic culture.
This historic victory will hopefully give way to more organizations awarding prizes and giving recognition to more unconventional forms of art. I look forward to seeing the impactful music, poetry and literature that will gain similar accolades and the conversations that we as a society will have because of them.