Kendrick Lamar
Born 1987 · Age 38
American rapper, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur from Compton, CA. Critically acclaimed, multi‑Grammy winner and 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music recipient. Co‑founder of Black Hippy and PGLang.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Compton, California
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born to Kenneth 'Kenny' Duckworth and Paula Oliver in Compton.
Experienced 1992 Los Angeles riots and witnessed a drive-by shooting
At around age 5 Kendrick experienced the first day of the LA riots and witnessed a murder outside his apartment—formative early trauma influencing his songwriting.
Circulated first mixtape (Y.H.N.I.C. / Hub City Threat)
As a teenager he released his first widely circulated mixtape under the name K.Dot (often cited as Y.H.N.I.C. / Hub City Threat: Minor Of The Year).
Baptized and converted to Christianity
Kendrick reports being baptized and converting to Christianity at age 16 following the death of a friend.
Early mixtapes and high-school freestyling as K.Dot
Began freestyling and battle rapping in high school; formed a creative partnership with Dave Free and recorded early projects.
Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE)
After an audition Lamar was offered a recording contract by Anthony 'Top Dawg' Tiffith and joined TDE; he purchased a minority stake in the label.
Released mixtape 'Training Day'
Second mixtape, a concept project inspired by the 2001 film; early national attention.
Signed artist-development deal with Def Jam
Entered an artist-development agreement with Def Jam; later let go after an encounter with Jay‑Z — Kendrick estimated he 'wasn't ready.'
Released collaborative mixtape 'No Sleep 'til NYC' (with Jay Rock)
A joint mixtape with Jay Rock that circulated among the West Coast scene.
Co‑founded hip‑hop collective Black Hippy
Formed the supergroup Black Hippy with labelmates Jay Rock, Ab‑Soul, and ScHoolboy Q at TDE.
Toured as hype man on The Game's LAX Tour
From February to July 2009 Lamar toured with The Game as part of the LAX Tour, gaining stage experience.
Retired the 'K.Dot' moniker and began using Kendrick Lamar professionally
Changed stage name to emphasize personal identity and growth as an artist.
Released self‑titled EP 'Kendrick Lamar' (EP)
First EP focusing on original songwriting and melancholic production; marked a turning point from mixtape work.
Released mixtape 'C4'
Tribute mixtape to Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III; mixed critical reception.
Signed music publishing deal with Warner/Chappell
Entered a music publishing agreement (preceding Overly Dedicated's push), formalizing professional songwriting royalties.
Overly Dedicated charts on Billboard R&B/Hip‑Hop Albums
Mixtape peaked at #72 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip‑Hop Albums chart—the first chart placement.
Released mixtape 'Overly Dedicated'
Fourth mixtape and first project to be sold through digital retailers; it attracted Dr. Dre's attention.
Featured on XXL's 2011 Freshman Class
Recognition as a standout emerging hip‑hop artist.
Released debut studio album 'Section.80'
Independent debut exploring conscious & alternative hip‑hop; first Billboard 200 entry (#113) and ~5,000 first-week sales.
Headlined BET Music Matters Tour; won Lyricist of the Year (BET Hip Hop Awards)
Extensive touring and recognition at BET cemented his status as the West Coast's new star.
Released song 'Cartoon & Cereal' (digital)
Standout non-album track featuring Gunplay that circulated ahead of his major‑label debut.
Signed joint venture with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope
TDE remained his primary label while he entered a joint contract with Dr. Dre's Aftermath and Interscope.
Released major‑label single 'The Recipe' (feat. Dr. Dre)
First commercial single from the upcoming album, premiered on rhythmic crossover radio.
Released 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' (major‑label breakthrough)
Second studio album and first on Aftermath/Interscope; debuted at #2 with 242,000 copies first week and launched Kendrick to mainstream stardom.
Featured on 'Control' (Big Sean) — generated major industry reaction
62‑bar verse that called out many peers; widely discussed and contributed to a long‑running feud with Drake.
Opened for Kanye West on the Yeezus Tour (Oct–Dec 2013)
International exposure opening for Kanye; experienced personal struggles including nervous breakdown during tour.
Premiered short film 'M.A.A.D' at Sundance's Next Fest
Short film he starred in, commissioned and produced; expanded his multimedia creative output.
Released single 'I' (lead to To Pimp a Butterfly)
'I' was released ahead of the album and later won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the Grammys.
First Billboard Hot 100 #1 single (featured on Taylor Swift 'Bad Blood' remix)
Featured on the 'Bad Blood' remix which reached #1; won MTV Video of the Year and Best Collaboration.
Kunta's Groove Sessions Tour (Oct–Nov 2015)
Intimate U.S. tour supporting To Pimp a Butterfly and continuing his critical momentum.
Released 'To Pimp a Butterfly' (album)
Third studio album fusing jazz, funk, soul and hip‑hop; debuted at #1 with 324,000 first‑week sales; critical milestone.
Won five Grammys at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards
To Pimp a Butterfly and singles earned Kendrick five awards, making him the most-awarded rapper that night.
Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
Recognized by Time magazine for cultural influence.
Rolling Stone recognition & inclusion of works in 2020 Greatest Albums list (notable placements)
Multiple of Kendrick's albums were later included in Rolling Stone's 2020 revision of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (recognition spans his 2012–2017 body of work).
Released 'untitled unmastered.' (compilation)
Compilation of previously unreleased demos from To Pimp a Butterfly sessions; debuted at #1 with 178,000 album-equivalent units.
Launched and completed the DAMN. Tour (Jul 2017–Jul 2018), gross $62.7M
First headlining arena tour in support of DAMN.; one of the highest-grossing hip‑hop tours of its time.
Released 'DAMN.'
Fourth studio album; debuted with 603,000 units and solidified his status as a global star; included #1 single 'HUMBLE.'
Invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences; acting debut on 'Power'
Expanded into film: invited to AMPAS music branch and made acting debut on TV drama Power (2018).
Released 'Black Panther: The Album' (curator/executive producer)
Curated and executive produced the soundtrack for Marvel's Black Panther; album debuted at #1 and set single-week streaming records for a soundtrack.
Won the Pulitzer Prize for Music (for DAMN.)
First musician outside classical/jazz to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music—major historic recognition.
Signed long‑term worldwide deal with BMI (publishing move)
As Warner/Chappell deal neared expiration, Kendrick signed a new long‑term worldwide deal with Broadcast Music, Inc.
Birth of daughter Uzi (publicly reported July 2019)
Kendrick and longtime partner Whitney Alford welcomed a daughter, Uzi, in July 2019 (news later referenced publicly).
Co‑founded PGLang (creative company) with Dave Free
Launched multilingual artist-friendly creative services company PGLang to expand beyond music into multi-platform creative work.
Signed worldwide administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group
New administration agreement for global publishing administration.
Featured on Baby Keem's 'Family Ties' and 'Range Brothers' (collaboration)
High-profile collaborations with cousin Baby Keem; 'Family Ties' later won Best Rap Performance at the Grammys.
Confirmed final album under TDE; to focus on PGLang
Announced via a blog post that his next album would be his final record under Top Dawg Entertainment.
Launched The Big Steppers Tour (Jul 2022–Mar 2024), gross $110.9M
Extensive world tour supporting Mr. Morale; set a record at the time as the highest-grossing rap tour.
Co‑headlined Super Bowl LVI halftime show
Performed alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige; performance later won a Primetime Emmy for the live special.
Released 'Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers'
Fifth studio double album exploring introspection; debuted #1 with 295,000 first-week units and every track charted on the Hot 100.
Released short film 'We Cry Together' adaptation (wrote & co-directed)
Wrote, co-directed and executive produced the short film inspired by his song.
Released concert film 'Kendrick Lamar Live: The Big Steppers Tour'
Concert film of The Big Steppers Tour released worldwide, expanding his film footprint.
Won Grammys for 'Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers' and 'The Heart Part 5' (65th Grammys)
Album won Best Rap Album; 'The Heart Part 5' won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, among other wins during the period.
Quietly ended association with Aftermath; signed direct licensing with Interscope
Shifted label/licensing arrangements, moving to a direct licensing deal with Interscope as he focused on PGLang.
Featured in animated biographical film 'Piece by Piece'
Starred in an animated biopic released in 2024, extending his work in film.
Feud with Drake escalates; released 'Like That' (feat. Future & Metro Boomin)
Surprise appearance on 'Like That' helped reignite a high‑profile feud with Drake; the song hit #1 on the Hot 100 (spring 2024).
Released diss single 'Not Like Us' — debuted at #1
A Drake‑aimed track that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100; later became a cultural flashpoint and Grammy winner.
Surprise‑released album 'GNX'
Sixth studio album GNX dropped unexpectedly on streaming services; included multiple chart‑topping singles.
Single 'Squabble Up' reached #1 on Hot 100
Another GNX single that topped the Billboard Hot 100 in December 2024.
Released 'Money Without Me' (YouTube post)
Shared a song rumored to be from Section.80 sessions on YouTube.
Estimated net worth reported ~USD 140M
Public estimates (Celebrity Net Worth and others) place Kendrick Lamar's net worth around $140 million as of early 2025, based on music, tours, PGLang and endorsements.
'Not Like Us' won five Grammys (including Record & Song of the Year)
The diss track won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song and Best Music Video at the 67th Grammys.
Headlined Super Bowl LIX halftime show (New Orleans)
First solo hip‑hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show; included guest appearances and the set reached a record 133.5 million viewers.
Reached 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify; three top‑10 US albums simultaneously
Became the ninth artist and first rapper to surpass 100 million monthly Spotify listeners and the first rapper to have three top-10 US albums at once.
Featured three times on Playboi Carti's album 'Music'
Appeared on the tracks 'Backd00r', 'Good Credit', and 'Mojo Jojo' from Playboi Carti's album.
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