Kendrick Lamar had an incredible 2024. His viral Drake diss "Not Like Us" broke records, he dropped his "surprise" album, GNX, which received critical acclaim and broke even more records (even filling the Top 5 Billboard 100 spots upon its release). K Dot was also selected to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show.

Kendrick can now add another accolade to his recent list, as he was selected as a nominee for Entertainer of The Year for the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards. Lamar's "Not Like Us" was already nominated for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song where he is up against Mamushi" by Megan Thee Stallion feat Yuki Chiba, "Noid" by Tyler The Creator, "Murdergram Deux" by LL COOL J featuring Eminem, and "Yeah Glo" by GloRilla.

The theme of this years ceremony is "Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence. The ceremony will span film, music, literature, podcasts, and social media. Winners will be revealed February 21 at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors ceremonies and February 22 at the Pasadena Civil Auditorium.

"We look forward to celebrating the brilliance of Black talent and creativity whose stories shape culture, ignite change and inspire generations,” said NAACP President Derrick Johnson in a statement. “Through film, music, literature and more, their voices weave a rich tapestry that honors our heritage, celebrates our identity and proves that storytelling is a powerful force for driving true progress.”