Kendrick Wins Best Rap Album at the 2023 Grammys With ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’

During his acceptance speech at the 2023 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar shared he was thankful for the culture and his fans. “I want to thank my fans for trusting me with these words,” he shared.

Kendrick Lamar wins the 2023 Grammy Award for “Best Rap Album” with his introspective release Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

Nominees in the Best Rap Album category included Pusha T (It’s Almost Dry), Jack Harlow (Come Home The Kids Miss You), Future (I Never Liked You) and DJ Khaled (God Did). Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers was supported by an explosive nationwide tour that hit stadiums such as Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Upon its release, the album received plenty of critical reviews, there were even many within the queer community who spoke out against the cut “Auntie Diaries.” Nevertheless, the album left an indelible mark on the 2022 rap conversation. 

This is Lamar’s third time winning in this specific category. He’s previously won in 2016 for To Pimp a Butterfly and 2018 with Damn. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis infamously beat Good Kid, M.A.A.D City in 2014. 

Also, this isn’t the only win of the evening for Kendrick, He’s also won “Best Rap Song” for “The Heart Part 5.” This same song won “Best Rap Performance too.

During his acceptance speech at the 65th Grammy Awards, the Compton-bred rapper shared:

“First and foremost I want to thank my family for giving me the courage and vulnerability to share these stories and share my truth with this album,” he said. “I want to thank my fans for trusting me with these words. As artists… we say things to provoke thoughts and feelings and emotions.”

“Making this record was one of my toughest albums to make,” he added. Lamar even shared that he’s thankful for “the culture” for allowing him to “evolve” and create songs like “Mother I Sober.”

In total, Kendrick Lamar now has 16 Grammy Awards.