Kendrick Lamar is the first hip-hop artist to win a Pulitzer. Thoughts?

I can safely say that I do not know a single one of his hip hops, or whatever you call it.

It is an interesting development, since the Pulitzer Committee tends to focus on academic composers, and stays away from popular music of any sort.

I am not a hip hop fan, but if Lamar was identified as excellent in his field, then bravo to him.

Mixed feelings.

Part of me feels it’s way overdue and Kendrick represents a lot of what’s been unacceptable for so long. I think it took his willingness to be understated and vulnerable to get people to recognize the artistry that’s been there for a long time right alongside the bravado. I’m happy for him individually and hope it prompts more people to take a look.

Another part wishes the Pulitzers, Grammys, and politicians would just stay away. You’ve ignored or maligned the genre for so long, it’s not yours. Don’t come and try to attach yourself to the only names you know in the hope they’ll lend you some relevance and credence in an area you wanted nothing to do with for decades.

I know that second part is just bitter, and maybe this award signals a real change, but right now it feels like a self-serving invite to the country club gala and I’m a little skeptical.

@Aethelwine – Kendrick is Tupac + 20 years, so your son might want to check some of that out too, both to see how it will age, and to maybe find some things he’ll like

My nephew would support it. I am indifferent.

I would say that he’s not 2Pac, or Jay-Z…