Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper and songwriter. Known for his progressive musical styles and socially conscious songwriting, he is often considered one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generation.
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, also known as K.Dot or King Kendrick, was born on June 17th, 1987 in Compton, California. He was raised by his parents Kenny and Paula Duckworth. His mother is a member of the Christian faith while his father is a former street hustler who converted to Islam after meeting Kendrick's mother.
Kendrick began rapping at the age of 16 and released his first mixtape titled "Youngest Head Nigga In Charge" in 2003 under the alias K-Dot. Two years later, he released another mixtape titled "Training Day". In 2009, he released an extended play (EP) entitled "The Kendrick Lamar EP". After releasing more mixtapes and EPs, Kendrick gained recognition from major artists such as Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
In 2012, Kendrick released his debut studio album "Good Kid M.A.A.D City", which earned him several Grammy nominations and critical acclaim from fans and critics alike. The album featured guest appearances from Dr. Dre, Jay Rock, Drake, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and others. The album spawned hit singles such as "Swimming Pools (Drank)", "Poetic Justice" and "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe". The album sold over 2 million copies in the United States alone and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Kendrick followed up with his second studio album "To Pimp A Butterfly" in 2015 which earned him five Grammy awards including Best Rap Album. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as George Clinton, Thundercat, Bilal and others. The album spawned hit singles such as "King Kunta", "i", Alright", These Walls" and more. It was certified triple platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 3 million units in the U.S alone.
In 2017, Kendrick released his third studio album titled "Damn." The album featured guest appearances from Rihanna and U2 among others; it won a Pulitzer Prize for Music making him the first non-classical or jazz artist to win this award since its inception in 1943 . The album spawned hit singles such as "Humble.", DNA., Love., Loyalty., Element., etc.. To date, Damn has been certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 4 million units in the U.S alone
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1987</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Kendrick Lamar is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On June 17, 1987, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born in Compton, California.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2004</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Signs with Top Dawg Entertainment</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Lamar signs with Top Dawg Entertainment and begins recording mixtapes.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2010</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases Debut Studio Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">In October 2010, Lamar released his debut studio album Section.80.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2012</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Good Kid, M.A.A.D City is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kendrick releases his sophomore album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City which goes on to be certified platinum.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2015</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">To Pimp a Butterfly is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kendrick releases his third studio album To Pimp a Butterfly which debuts at number one on the US Billboard 200.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2017</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">DAMN. is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kendrick releases his fourth studio album DAMN. which debuts at number one on the US Billboard 200.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2018</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins Pulitzer Prize</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Kendrick Lamar becomes the first non-classical or jazz artist to win a Pulitzer Prize for music for his album DAMN.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's an Inspiring Artist</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Kendrick Lamar is an extremely inspiring artist. His music speaks to the struggles of people from all walks of life. He has used his platform to spread messages of hope, love, and perseverance. He encourages others to be their best selves and never give up.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He Has a Unique Style</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Kendrick Lamar has a unique style when it comes to rapping. His flow is smooth and captivating, allowing listeners to feel something when they hear his music. His lyrics are often witty and insightful, making his songs both entertaining as well as thought provoking.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's a Positive Role Model</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Kendrick Lamar is also an excellent role model for young people. He’s an example that hard work pays off and that you can achieve success if you put your mind to it. He also promotes positive values such as respect and responsibility, encouraging listeners to make good choices in life.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Won the Pulitzer Prize</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Kendrick Lamar was the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album "DAMN.", making him the most awarded rapper in Grammy history.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Started Rapping at Age 8</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Kendrick Lamar began rapping at the age of 8 and released his first mixtape at the age of 16.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Prolific Collaborations</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Kendrick Lamar has collaborated with over 50 different artists, including Snoop Dogg, Travis Scott, Jay-Z, Eminem, and more.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Has His Own Record Label</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Kendrick Lamar founded his own record label, Top Dawg Entertainment, in 2004 to release his own music.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Published Author</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 2017, Kendrick Lamar published his first book, "The Butterfly Effect: The Power of a Single Word", featuring his lyrics and artwork.</p></div>