Jun 17, 1987
Gemini
Compton, CA
37 years old
N/A
N/A
Rapper
Kendrick Lamar: Visionary Rapper, Cultural Icon, and Storyteller
Early Life and Influences
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, to parents Kenny Duckworth and Paula Oliver, who had relocated from Chicago seeking a better environment. Named after Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations, Lamar's early life was marked by the challenges of growing up in a neighborhood plagued by gang violence. Despite these surroundings, he remained uninvolved in gang activities, focusing instead on his education and passion for music. A pivotal moment in his youth was witnessing Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre filming the "California Love" music video, which ignited his aspiration to pursue a career in hip-hop. Lamar attended Centennial High School, graduating in 2005 with honors.
Musical Beginnings and Breakthrough
Lamar began his musical journey under the moniker K.Dot, releasing his first mixtape, Youngest Head Nigga in Charge, in 2003. His talent caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), leading to a record deal in 2005. He released several projects, including Training Day (2005) and C4 (2009), before adopting his birth name professionally. His 2010 mixtape, Overly Dedicated, garnered significant attention, setting the stage for his 2011 independent album, Section.80. The album's success led to a joint deal with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, facilitated by Dr. Dre.
Acclaimed Discography
Lamar's discography is celebrated for its depth and innovation:
good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012): A cinematic portrayal of his teenage experiences in Compton, hailed as a modern classic.
To Pimp a Butterfly (2015): A genre-blending masterpiece addressing themes of race, politics, and personal struggle, praised for its lyrical complexity.
DAMN. (2017): This introspective album earned Lamar the Pulitzer Prize for Music, a first for a non-classical or jazz artist.
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022): A double album exploring themes of therapy, accountability, and personal growth.
GNX (2024): His latest release, featuring the Grammy-winning track "Not Like Us," reflects on his roots and contemporary issues.
Awards and Recognition
Lamar's work has earned him numerous accolades:
22 Grammy Awards, including five in 2025 for "Not Like Us," which won Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018 for DAMN., recognizing his profound impact on music and culture.
37 BET Hip Hop Awards, the most in the award's history.
11 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year for "HUMBLE."
Cultural Impact and Recent Endeavors
Beyond music, Lamar has made significant cultural contributions:
In 2025, he became the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, delivering a performance that highlighted his artistry and cultural relevance.
His creative agency, pgLang, co-founded with Dave Free, focuses on storytelling across various media, reflecting Lamar's commitment to artistic innovation.
The Grand National Tour with SZA in 2025 showcased his dynamic stage presence and collaborative spirit, featuring performances of their joint hits.
Personal Life
Lamar maintains a relatively private personal life. He is engaged to longtime partner Whitney Alford, and together they have two children. Despite his fame, Lamar remains deeply connected to his Compton roots, often reflecting on his upbringing in his music and public appearances.
