10 Music Moments That Shocked The World
4. Kendrick Lamar's Pulitzer Prize
We typically associate Pulitzer Prizes with aristocratic inventors and people who wear posh suits. But in 2018, the committee shocked the people by awarding a Pulitzer to Kendrick Lamar for his album Damn.
While pop culture icons like Bob Dylan had been awarded with Pulitzer Prizes in recent years, it felt like somewhat retrospective recognition. But to acknowledge a talent like Lamar, who is in still his most lyrically creative time, speaks to something much greater.
The album Damn is arguably one of Lamar's more uneven records, but this award goes beyond the album itself. It shows that the lyrics put into these songs are more than just disposable pop garbage. These lyrics are something that can create an emotional stir and possibly influence generations to come.
For all of the detestable content present on this list, it's nice to have a legitimately shocking moment that has an overwhelmingly positive outcome. And no one put it better than Mr. Lamar himself. Upon receiving the award, he discussed the joy he felt for finally being recognized for his lifelong devotion to his craft. It's proof that profound words can come from all formats, be it Thoreau or Kendrick.