Kendrick Lamar is not done taking over award season, and this time it’s at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. The Compton rapper is nominated for 10 awards, the most of any hip-hop artist this year. He’s being recognized across major categories, including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, and Best Album. Other nominations include Best Hip-Hop, Best Collaboration, and a sweep of visual categories—Best Cinematography, Choreography, Direction, Art Direction, and Editing.

Six of those nominations stem from the cultural eruption that was “Not Like Us,” the now-infamous diss track that closed the chapter on his 2024 feud with Drake. The Mustard-produced anthem dominated timelines, dance floors, and award ballots. It already brought home five Grammy Awards earlier this year and served as the closing statement during his Super Bowl LIX halftime performance.

Lamar’s VMA campaign isn’t resting on one record alone. His latest album, GNX, is in the running for Best Album, and his duet with SZA, “Luther,” is picking up recognition for Best Collaboration. While the heat between him and Drake has simmered publicly, their rivalry is far from over on paper. Drake’s “Nokia” will be going head-to-head with “Not Like Us” in the Best Hip-Hop category.

Kendrick joins a diverse field of nominees this year. Lady Gaga leads with 12 nods, followed by Bruno Mars with 11. Sabrina Carpenter and ROSÉ each landed eight, while Ariana Grande comes next with seven.

Whether Kendrick takes home all 10 or not, one thing is clear—he’s in a league of his own this year. There’s no doubt that this is his year. He earned six Grammy Awards, five BET Awards, and just wrapped a sold-out national tour. 

The 2025 VMAs are set to air live from UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday, September 7.