Hip-Hop’s Biggest Wins and Milestones at the 2025 Grammys

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards was a night to remember for hip-hop. If you’ve been following the genre for a while, you already know the Grammys and hip-hop have had a complicated relationship. But this year? This year felt different. It wasn’t just about rap’s presence; it was about recognition of skills.

From Kendrick Lamar’s massive sweep to Rapsody and Doechii securing well-deserved wins, hip-hop wasn’t just invited to the party—it took over the whole event. And let’s not forget about the well-earned flowers given to a true pioneer, Roxanne Shanté. Let’s break it all down.

Kendrick Lamar’s Unstoppable Grammy Run

At this point, it almost feels like Kendrick Lamar and the Grammys are synonymous. But what he pulled off this year? Unreal. “Not Like Us” didn’t just win—it dominated.

• Record of the Year
• Song of the Year
• Best Rap Performance
• Best Rap Song
• Best Music Video

Five trophies in one night. Let that sink in.

This wasn’t just about a song that got streams or charted high (though, let’s be real, “Not Like Us” shattered records). This was about a track that became a cultural moment. The song, fueled by Lamar’s ongoing lyrical war with Drake, turned into an anthem. It wasn’t just a diss track; it was a movement. The free concert at The Forum, the billion streams in record time, the Super Bowl headliner spot—this was Lamar making history in real-time.

Rapsody’s Grammy Moment: A Win for Lyrical Excellence

If you know Rapsody, you know she’s been one of the most underappreciated lyricists in hip-hop. But this year? She finally got her moment.

Her song “3:AM“ with Erykah Badu won Best Melodic Rap Performance, marking her first-ever Grammy win. And honestly, it was long overdue.

Rapsody has been putting out top-tier albums since Laila’s Wisdom (which got her Grammy nominations back in 2018), but the industry has been slow to recognize her. Winning this category, especially with a song featuring a legend like Badu, just feels right.

And let’s talk about that track. The smooth, late-night vibe, the introspective lyrics, and Badu’s signature touch? Perfection. Hip-hop has always needed balance—bars and melody, soul and grit—and “3:AM“ was the perfect blend.

For Rapsody, this isn’t just a win. It’s proof that skill and artistry still matter.

Doechii’s Triumph: Best Rap Album Victory

Let’s be real—Doechii winning Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal was a statement. The competition was stacked:

• J. Cole (Might Delete Later)
• Common & Pete Rock (The Auditorium, Vol. 1)
• Eminem (The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce))
• Future & Metro Boomin (We Don’t Trust You)

And yet, she took the crown.

Doechii has been bubbling for a minute, but this win solidified her as the new face of the game. She’s unfiltered, unapologetic, and brings a fresh energy that hip-hop desperately needs. Alligator Bites Never Heal was an album that blended raw lyricism with experimental production, proving that Doechii isn’t here to fit into a mold. She’s here to break it.

And winning this Grammy? It puts her in a league with legends. She’s only the third woman to ever win Best Rap Album, after Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill) and Megan Thee Stallion (Good News). That’s elite company.

Roxanne Shanté: A Pioneer Honored

Hip-hop has a habit of not giving its pioneers their due while they can still smell the roses. But this year, Roxanne Shanté got her flowers in the best way—with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.

If you don’t know her story, here’s a quick history lesson: Shanté was battle-rapping before a lot of today’s favorites were even born. She dropped “Roxanne’s Revenge” back in the ’80s and sparked one of hip-hop’s first real rap feuds. Before there was Nicki vs. Cardi, before there was Kendrick vs. Drake, there was Roxanne Shanté and the “Roxanne Wars.”

This award wasn’t just about her music, though. It was about her impact. She paved the way for women in hip-hop, proving that female MCs could be just as sharp, just as fierce, and just as dominant as their male counterparts. And now, the Grammys finally gave her the recognition she deserves.

What This Means for Hip-Hop in 2025

So, what’s the takeaway from this year’s Grammys? Simple: Hip-hop is stronger than ever.

We saw lyrical skill celebrated with Kendrick and Rapsody. We saw a new generation take center stage with the creativity and skills of Doechii. And we saw a legend get honored in Roxanne Shanté.

For years, hip-hop fans have questioned whether the Grammys truly value the culture. But 2025 felt like a shift. Maybe it was the Recording Academy finally getting it right. Or maybe it was hip-hop being so undeniable that they had no choice but to recognize it. Either way, one thing is clear—real rap won this year.

And if this is the future of hip-hop at the Grammys? We’re with it.