American rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar has become first non-classical or jazz musician to win prestigious Pulitzer Prize for music. annual award is given to musicians who have created "distinguished musical composition". Lamar won it for his album "DAMN". 30-year-old Lamar wrote and rapped about reality of life as black man in the USA. He wrote songs like "Alright" and "The Blacker the Berry". These have become very well known since police shootings of many black people in America. The Pulitzer board said album was "virtuosic song collection" that captured " modern African-American life". Mr Lamar has not yet commented on his award.
Pulitzer Prize is award for achievements in journalism, literature, and musical composition. It started in 1917 to honour news reporting. first prize for musical composition was awarded in 1943. Kendrick Lamar is first rapper to win award and the most commercially successful musician to receive it. The prize is usually given to classical musicians. The Pulitzer committee said: "We are very proud of this selection. It means that... best work was awarded Pulitzer Prize." It added: "It shines light on hip-hop in a completely different way." Sky news said: "Lamar has won...for his deep lyrical content...and his profound mix of hip hop, spoken word, jazz, soul, funk, poetry and African sounds."
