Kendrick Lamar Biography

Kendrick Lamar is a hip-hop star from Compton, California, the rapper of the hit singles “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Poetic Justice,” and the Grammy-winning artist behind the 2014 album To Pimp a Butterfly.

He started under the name K. Dot, making mix tapes beginning in 2003. Thanks to a popular mix tape in 2010 (Overly Dedicated), Kendrick Lamar — with a little help from Lil Wayne — ended up with a record deal on an independent label.

He released Section.80 in 2011. His major label debut was 2012’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city, which spawned hit singles and earned Lamar praise from mainstream critics for his storytelling ability.  The album earned seven Grammy nominations, and propelled him into the spotlight.

He began recording dozens of collaborations, with hip-hop stars such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Drake, and in 2013 he joined Kanye West‘s Yeezus tour. Since then, he’s managed to hop from feud to feud while touring and recording.

Lamar’s second album, To Pimp a Butterfly, was another hit and included the songs “i” and “Alright” — the album won five Grammys in 2015, including for Best Rap Album.

His 2017 album DAMN had critics calling him the best rapper of his generation. It included the hits “Humble” and “Loyalty” and won a Grammy for Best Rap Album. In April of 2018 he won a Pulitzer Prize for the album, the first hip-hop artist in history to win the award.

Lamar won two Grammys in 2014, and five in 2015, including for Best Rap Album. His other songs include “i” and “Alright.”