Just the five awards for Kendrick Lamar at the 2016 Grammys as he stole the show with the performance of the night.

Here are six reasons the Compton-born rapper is setting the bar for new artists in all genres.

1. He doesn’t shy away from controversy

Kendrick Lamar at the Grammys
(Matt Sayles/AP)

Hands in chains, Lamar shuffled on to the stage to sing The Blacker The Berry with his band locked inside jail cells making a statement that needs no explanation. The rapper delivered one of the most memorable Grammy performances of recent years as the striking imagery used in his first track was followed by an energetic rendition of Alright in front of a giant bonfire.

True to the theme of the performance, he ended with an intense new verse about modern slavery that included a nod to Travyon Martin: “On February 26th I lost my life, too.” If that didn’t carry an important-enough message, the performance culminated with a map of Africa featuring Compton in the centre.

2. He was nominated for 11 awards (and could have won them all)

Kendrick Lamar at the Grammys

Lamar was up for 11 awards, beating Eminem’s record as the rapper with the most nominations in a single night. He picked up best rap album, rap performance, rap/sung collaboration, rap song and music video for Bad Blood with Taylor Swift but many thought he should have won a whole lot more. Swift and Ed Sheeran denied him Best Album and Best Song respectively.

3. The most powerful man in the world is a huge fan

Barack Obama loves Lamar’s music. The two met in the White House last year and Obama declared How Much A Dollar Cost as his favourite song of 2015. He also opted for Lamar over Drake as the best rapper in a Youtube Q and A.

Back to the Grammys and Lamar was even given a shout-out by the official White House twitter account.

4. His album was released earlier than planned

Kendrick Lamar at the Grammys
(Matt Sayles/AP)

Listen up Frank Ocean and Kanye. Lamar surprised everyone in March when To Pimp A Butterfly was released eight days before the scheduled date – giving fans an extra 192 hours of listening time.

5. Back to Obama, he’s a mentor for young people

Lamar is part of the My Brother’s Keeper campaign which works with young people to keep them on track. He said he got involved because having a mentor was important to him. He said: “Sometimes I reflect and think back, ‘Where would I be if I hadn’t had the presence of an older acquaintance telling me what’s right and what’s wrong?”

6. He’s loved by everyone

Keep it cool, Kendrick.