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Rapper Kendrick Lamar receives Pulitzer Prize for his album ‘DAMN’

Kendrick Lamar, on stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, in April 2017. Lamar accepted his Pulitzer Prize on Wednesday for his 2017 album ‘DAMN’ at Columbia University. Photo: Los Angeles Times

Kendrick Lamar has another trophy to add to his collection.

The 30-year-old rapper accepted his Pulitzer Prize on Wednesday for his 2017 album “DAMN” at Columbia University.

“It’s an honour,” Lamar said while accepting his award. “Been writing my whole life, so to get this type of recognition is beautiful.”

With the recognition, which also comes with a US$15,000 cash prize, Lamar became the first non-classical or jazz musician to win a Pulitzer for music.

The award committee called “DAMN,” which was released last April and won a Grammy for best rap album in January, “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 hasn’t spoken much about his award, but a backdrop on stage during his current tour declares him “Pulitzer Kenny” in stark black handwriting font on a white background.

Reporters Jodi Kantor, Megan Twohey and Ronan Farrow also picked up their awards for their work on the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault allegations, joined by accusers Rosanna Arquette and Annabella Sciorra.

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The rapper is the first non-classical or jazz musician to win a Pulitzer for music