Childhood and Education Journey of Kendrick Lamar in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Kendrick Lamar. A timeline of key moments.

Kendrick Lamar is a highly acclaimed American rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, widely considered one of the greatest rappers ever. He made history by winning the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, a first for a non-classical or jazz musician. His work is deeply rooted in West Coast hip-hop, characterized by conscious and introspective lyrics often delivering political criticism and social commentary focused on African-American culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1984: Duckworth Family Relocation

In 1984, Kendrick Lamar's parents relocated from South Side, Chicago, to Compton, California, due to his father's affiliation with the Gangster Disciples.

June 17, 1987: Kendrick Lamar's Birth

On June 17, 1987, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born. He is now an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Experiencing the Los Angeles Riots

In 1992, Kendrick Lamar experienced the first day of the Los Angeles riots, which introduced him to police brutality.

1996: Influence of Shakur's Album

In 1996, Tupac Shakur's "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" influenced Kendrick Lamar's artistic direction.

1997: Influence of The Notorious B.I.G.'s Album

In 1997, The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Life After Death" influenced Kendrick Lamar's artistic direction.

1998: Influence of DMX's Album

In 1998, DMX's "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" influenced Kendrick Lamar's artistic direction.

2000: Eminem's Album Influence

In 2000, Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP" introduced Kendrick Lamar to songwriting elements like ad-libs.

2005: High School Graduation

In 2005, Kendrick Lamar graduated from Centennial High School as a straight-A student.

2009: Worked with Sounwave Since 2009

Kendrick Lamar has been working with his longtime producer, Sounwave, since his 2009 self-titled EP.

October 2012: Tried Marijuana

In an October 2012 interview, Kendrick Lamar stated that he once tried marijuana, but the blunt had been laced with PCP, and he has not used any drugs since.

November 2012: Donation to American Red Cross

In November 2012, Kendrick Lamar donated to the American Red Cross to support victims of Hurricane Sandy.

2012: Commended Frank Ocean

In 2012, Kendrick Lamar commended Frank Ocean for coming out.

2012: Genreless Music

In a 2012 interview, Kendrick Lamar stated that his music is genreless, calling it "human music."

December 2013: Donation to Centennial High School

In December 2013, Kendrick Lamar donated $50,000 to his alma mater, Centennial High School, in support of its music department.

2014: Donation to Habitat for Humanity

In 2014, Kendrick Lamar embarked on a small concert tour and donated all of the revenue to Habitat for Humanity and his hometown.

2014: Performance with Prince

In 2014, Kendrick Lamar performed with Prince at Paisley Park to celebrate the release of Prince's albums Plectrumelectrum and Art Official Age.

April 2015: Engagement to Whitney Alford

In April 2015, Kendrick Lamar announced his engagement to his high school sweetheart, Whitney Alford.

2016: Use of music as protest anthems

Throughout the Black Lives Matter movement and events following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Kendrick Lamar's work has been used as protest anthems.