This Day in History: , Kendrick Lamar Becomes thebr First Rapper to Win the Pulitzer Prize.br April 16, 2018.br Lamar was awarded the br Pulitzer Prize for Music for his br extraordinary 2017 album, 'DAMN.'.br It was the first time the br prestigious award had been granted br to a genre outside of classical music or jazz.br According to the Pulitzer Prize administrator, br the decision to recognize br Lamar's work was unanimous.br ['DAMN' is] a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life, Pulitzer Prize br Awarding Committee.br Lamar grew up during the 1990s br in Compton, CA, surrounded by the br influence of artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.br His previous album effortsbr became known for their social commentary.br A fellow nominee called Lamar br “one of the greatest living American composers, for sure.