Kendrick Lamar has won a Pulitzer Prize for his DAMN. record

The 30-year-old rapper's latest record (released almost exactly a year ago) offers "affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life", according to the prize's organisers.

"We are very proud of this selection," Dana Canedy, administrator of the Pulitzer Prize, said of Lamar's win. "It means that the jury and its board judging system worked as it's supposed to - the best work was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. It shines a light on hip-hop in a completely different way. This is a big moment for hip-hop music and a big moment for the Pulitzers."

This year's music jury featured violinist Regina Carter, Paul Cremo (a director at The Metropolitan Opera), Farah Jasmine Griffin (professor of English, comparative literature, and African-American studies at Columbia University), The Nation's David Hadju, and composer David Lang. Lamar receives $15,000 as part of the prize.