History of Kendrick Lamar in Timeline
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is a highly acclaimed American rapper, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. His impact on music transcends genre, evidenced by his historic 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music win, a first for a musician outside of classical and jazz. He is celebrated for his lyrical complexity and cultural influence.
1979: Reference to Billy Joel's Album of the Year Nominations
The text mentions Billy Joel's album of the year nominations from 1979 to 1983.
1983: Reference to Billy Joel's Album of the Year Nominations
The text mentions Billy Joel's album of the year nominations from 1979 to 1983.
1984: Family Relocation to Compton
In 1984, Kendrick Lamar's parents relocated to Compton, California, due to his father's affiliation with the Gangster Disciples. This move set the stage for Lamar's upbringing in a challenging environment.
June 17, 1987: Kendrick Lamar's Birth
On June 17, 1987, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born. This marks the beginning of the life of the acclaimed rapper.
1992: Witnessing the Los Angeles Riots
In 1992, Kendrick Lamar experienced the first day of the Los Angeles riots. This exposure to societal unrest had a profound impact on his early life and later work.
1996: Influence from Tupac's 'The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory'
In 1996, Tupac Shakur's album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory influenced Kendrick Lamar's artistic direction, impacting how he perceived albums as actual films.
1997: Influence from The Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Life After Death'
In 1997, The Notorious B.I.G.'s album Life After Death influenced Kendrick Lamar's artistic direction, impacting how he perceived albums as actual films.
1998: Influence from DMX's 'It's Dark and Hell is Hot'
In 1998, DMX's album It's Dark and Hell is Hot influenced Kendrick Lamar's artistic direction, impacting how he perceived albums as actual films.
2000: Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP Influence
In 2000, Eminem's album The Marshall Mathers LP introduced Kendrick Lamar to new songwriting elements, such as ad-libs, and impacted his aggressive approach to records.
April 15, 2003: Release of First Mixtape
On April 15, 2003, Kendrick Lamar, under the name K.Dot, released his first mixtape, Youngest Head Nigga in Charge (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year), marking an early step in his music career.
December 30, 2005: Release of Second Mixtape
On December 30, 2005, Kendrick Lamar released his second mixtape, Training Day. The mixtape was based on the 2001 film and highlighted his growing versatility.
2005: High School Graduation
In 2005, Kendrick Lamar graduated from Centennial High School as a straight-A student. Following graduation, he deferred college to focus on his music career.
2005: Signing with TDE
In 2005, Kendrick Lamar signed a recording contract with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). He also purchased a minority stake in the label, joining Jay Rock as the label's first signings.
2005: Signs with Top Dawg Entertainment
In 2005, Kendrick Lamar signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). This marked a pivotal step in his early career, providing him with a platform to develop his music. Also in 2005, he co-founded the hip hop supergroup Black Hippy.
2006: Signing with Def Jam and Contributions
In 2006, Kendrick Lamar signed an artist development deal with Def Jam Recordings and contributed to Jay Rock's mixtapes. This was an important developmental phase in his music career.
December 24, 2007: Release of No Sleep 'til NYC
On December 24, 2007, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock released a collaborative mixtape, titled No Sleep 'til NYC, a fun cypher session.
January 30, 2009: Release of C4
On January 30, 2009, Kendrick Lamar released his third mixtape, C4, as a tribute to Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III. It received mixed reviews and led to a shift in his artistic approach.
2009: Working with Sounwave Since Self-Titled EP
Since his 2009 self-titled EP, Kendrick Lamar has been working with his longtime producer, Sounwave, showcasing a consistent and close-knit musical partnership.
September 14, 2010: Release of Overly Dedicated
On September 14, 2010, Kendrick Lamar released his fourth mixtape, Overly Dedicated. It marked a shift in his songwriting and was his first project available for purchase through digital retailers.
July 2, 2011: Release of Section.80
On July 2, 2011, Kendrick Lamar released his debut studio album, Section.80, which explored conscious and alternative hip-hop styles. It marked his first appearance on the Billboard 200 chart.
2011: Crafted Song to Promote Microsoft Windows Phone
In 2011, Kendrick Lamar crafted an original song with record producer Nosaj Thing to promote Microsoft's Windows Phone, showcasing his early ventures into marketing collaborations.
2011: Release of Section.80 and Secures Joint Contract
In 2011, Kendrick Lamar released his alternative rap debut album Section.80. Following this release, he secured a joint contract with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, significantly elevating his profile.
April 2012: Signs Joint Venture Recording Contract
In April 2012, Kendrick Lamar signed a joint venture recording contract with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, with TDE continuing as his primary label, marking a significant step in his career.
October 2012: BET Hip Hop Awards: Lyricist of the Year
In October 2012, Kendrick Lamar won Lyricist of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards. He was also featured on ASAP Rocky's single "Fuckin' Problems".
October 2012: Experience with Marijuana Laced with PCP
In an October 2012 interview, Kendrick Lamar recounted an experience where he tried marijuana that was laced with PCP, leading him to abstain from drug use since then.
October 22, 2012: Release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
On October 22, 2012, Kendrick Lamar released his second album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, under a major record label. The album was met with critical acclaim and commercial success.
November 2012: Donated to American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Victims
In November 2012, Kendrick Lamar donated to the American Red Cross to support victims of Hurricane Sandy, showing his commitment to disaster relief.
2012: Commended Frank Ocean for Coming Out
In 2012, Kendrick Lamar publicly commended Frank Ocean for coming out, demonstrating his support for LGBTQ+ rights.
2012: Release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
In 2012, Kendrick Lamar released his second album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, heavily influenced by gangsta rap. The album marked his rise to prominence and later became the longest-charting hip hop studio album in Billboard 200 history.
2012: Declares Music Genreless
In a 2012 interview, Kendrick Lamar suggested that his music is genreless, describing it as "human music."
December 2013: Yeezus Tour and Personal Struggles
From October to December 2013, Kendrick Lamar opened for Kanye West on his Yeezus Tour. During this time, he was baptized for a second time and experienced a nervous breakdown near the end of the tour.
December 2013: Donated to Centennial High School's Music Department
In December 2013, Kendrick Lamar donated $50,000 to his alma mater, Centennial High School, to support its music department.
2013: Complex's Best Rapper Alive
In 2013, Complex named Kendrick Lamar the best rapper alive, marking a significant recognition of his talent and influence.
January 2014: Grammy Nominations and Snub
In January 2014, Kendrick Lamar received seven nominations at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year for Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, but did not win any awards, leading to widespread media discussion and controversy.
July 2014: Rapture Tour with Eminem
From February to July 2014, Kendrick Lamar opened for Eminem on the Rapture Tour.
December 2014: Performance on The Colbert Report
Kendrick Lamar performed untitled songs on The Colbert Report in December 2014.
2014: Donated Concert Revenue 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, supporting community development.
2014: Performance with Prince at Paisley Park
In 2014, Kendrick Lamar performed with Prince at Paisley Park to celebrate the release of Prince's albums Plectrumelectrum and Art Official Age, impacting Lamar's vocal register.
2014: Starred in Bacardi Marketing Campaign
In 2014, Kendrick Lamar starred alongside DJ Calvin Harris and singer Ellie Goulding in a marketing campaign for Bacardi, expanding his presence in commercial endorsements.
2014: Forbes 30 Under 30 List
In 2014, Kendrick Lamar was included in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the music category, recognizing his early achievements and potential.
March 15, 2015: To Pimp a Butterfly Album Release
On March 15, 2015, Kendrick Lamar released his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, which incorporated jazz, funk, and soul. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
April 2015: Engagement to Whitney Alford Announced
In April 2015, Kendrick Lamar announced his engagement to his high school sweetheart, Whitney Alford, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.
May 2015: Declared a Generational Icon
In May 2015, Kendrick Lamar was declared a generational icon by the California State Senate for his contributions to music and philanthropy, and was presented with the key to the city of his hometown for representing its evolution.
November 2015: Kunta's Groove Sessions Tour
From October to November 2015, Kendrick Lamar embarked on the Kunta's Groove Sessions Tour in support of To Pimp a Butterfly.
2015: First Billboard Hot 100 Number-One Single and Album Release
In 2015, Kendrick Lamar achieved his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single with a feature on the remix of Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood." He also released his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, which topped the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his success.
January 2016: Performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Kendrick Lamar performed untitled songs on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January 2016.
March 4, 2016: Untitled Unmastered Release
On March 4, 2016, Kendrick Lamar released his first compilation album, Untitled Unmastered, featuring unfinished tracks from To Pimp a Butterfly. It debuted atop the Billboard 200.
2016: David Bowie's Blackstar Inspired by 'To Pimp a Butterfly'
In 2016, David Bowie's final album, Blackstar, was inspired by Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' with producer Tony Visconti praising Lamar as a 'rulebreaker' in the music industry.
2016: Included in Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2016, Kendrick Lamar was included on Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing his broad impact.
2016: Work Used as Protest Anthems
Throughout the Black Lives Matter movement and events following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Kendrick Lamar's work was used as protest anthems, highlighting its social and political relevance.
March 1, 2017: Announcement of Damn Album
On March 1, 2017, Kendrick Lamar confirmed that he was working on his fourth album, Damn.
July 2017: Damn Tour Begins
From July 2017 to July 2018, Kendrick Lamar embarked on the Damn Tour, his first headlining arena tour, in support of his album Damn.
July 2017: Purchased Wheelchair-Accessible Van for Quadriplegic Fan
In July 2017, Kendrick Lamar purchased a wheelchair-accessible van for a quadriplegic fan, demonstrating his personal acts of kindness.
2017: Complex's Best Rapper Alive
In 2017, Complex named Kendrick Lamar the best rapper alive, recognizing his continued success and impact on the rap scene.
2017: Release of Damn and Second Number-One Single
In 2017, Kendrick Lamar's fourth album, Damn, was released, leaning towards R&B and pop. The album produced his second US number-one single, "Humble," further cementing his mainstream success.
January 4, 2018: Black Panther: The Album Announcement
On January 4, 2018, Kendrick Lamar announced that he would be curating and executive producing Black Panther: The Album, the soundtrack from the 2018 film.
April 16, 2018: Pulitzer Prize for Damn
On April 16, 2018, Damn won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, marking the first time a musical composition outside of the classical and jazz genres received the honor.
June 2018: Damn Album Certified Gold
By June 2018, Damn became the first album by a rapper or solo artist to have every song featured earn a gold certification or higher from the Recording Industry Association of America.
June 2018: Championship Tour
From May to June 2018, Kendrick Lamar co-headlined the Championship Tour with several TDE artists. He became embroiled in a public dispute with Spotify regarding the streaming service's Hate Content & Hateful Conduct policy.
July 2018: Damn Tour Ends
From July 2017 to July 2018, Kendrick Lamar embarked on the Damn Tour, his first headlining arena tour, in support of his album Damn.
2018: Pulitzer Prize for Damn
In 2018, "Damn" received the Pulitzer Prize for Music, marking the first time a musical work outside of the classical and jazz genres was honored, a significant milestone in music history.
2018: Black Panther Soundtrack and Oscar Nomination
In 2018, Kendrick Lamar curated original songs for the soundtrack of the film Black Panther. The song "All the Stars" was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, adding to his accolades.
2018: Forbes 30 Under 30 List
In 2018, Kendrick Lamar was included in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the music category for a second time, recognizing his continued achievements and potential.
July 26, 2019: Welcomed First Child, Uzi
On July 26, 2019, Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford welcomed their first child, Uzi, into their family.
2019: Forbes' Celebrity 100 Ranking
In 2019, Kendrick Lamar appeared on Forbes' Celebrity 100 ranking, highlighting his financial success and fame.
2019: Collaborations During Hiatus
In 2019, after his two concert tours ended, Kendrick Lamar contributed to Beyoncé's The Lion King: The Gift, Schoolboy Q's Crash Talk, and Sir's Chasing Summer during a recording hiatus.
March 5, 2020: PGLang Launch
On March 5, 2020, Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free launched the creative entity PGLang.
June 2020: Joined Peace Walk to Protest George Floyd and Breonna Taylor Murders
In June 2020, Kendrick Lamar joined a peace walk to protest against the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, advocating for racial justice and equality.
2020: Works Included in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums
In 2020, three of Kendrick Lamar's works were included in Rolling Stone's revision of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. This cemented his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time.
August 2021: Announcement of Final TDE Album
In August 2021, Kendrick Lamar announced that he was producing his final album under TDE, confirming he would be leaving to focus on PGLang.
February 13, 2022: Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show
On February 13, 2022, Kendrick Lamar co-headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Mary J. Blige.
May 13, 2022: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers Release
On May 13, 2022, Kendrick Lamar's fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, was released. It drew on jazz, R&B, trap, and soul influences and became his fourth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200.
July 2022: Big Steppers Tour Begins
From July 2022 to March 2024, Kendrick Lamar embarked on the Big Steppers Tour in support of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
September 2022: "We Cry Together" Short Film Release
In September 2022, Kendrick Lamar wrote, co-directed, and executive produced the short film adaptation of the song "We Cry Together".
October 2022: Longest Charting Hip-Hop Album
In October 2022, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City became the first hip-hop studio album to spend over ten consecutive years on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing its legacy.
2022: Announcement of Son, Enoch's Birth
In 2022, Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford used the cover art for Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers to announce the birth of their son, Enoch.
2022: Release of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
In 2022, Kendrick Lamar released his double album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, marking the conclusion of his tenure with TDE and Aftermath. This album represented a significant transition in his career.
2022: Big Steppers Tour
The Big Steppers Tour (2022-2024) is one of the highest-grossing hip hop tours of all time, showcasing Kendrick Lamar's commercial success and popularity.
February 2023: Top Ranked Album on Rate Your Music
As of February 2023, "To Pimp a Butterfly" is the top ranked album on the online encyclopedia Rate Your Music, highlighting its critical acclaim.
May 2023: Featured on Beyonce's "America Has a Problem" and Baby Keem's "The Hillbillies"
In May 2023, Kendrick Lamar was featured on the standalone version of Beyoncé's single "America Has a Problem" and also appeared on Baby Keem's single "The Hillbillies", marking collaborations with prominent artists.
2023: Worked with Grace Wales Bonner for Autumn/Winter Collection Soundtrack
For her Autumn/Winter 2023 collection, Twilight Reverie, Kendrick Lamar worked with Grace Wales Bonner to create the show's soundtrack with Sampha and Duval Timothy, blending music and fashion.
2023: Billboard's List of Greatest Rappers
In 2023, Kendrick Lamar was included in Billboard's lists of the greatest rappers of all time, solidifying his status as a top artist.
2023: Ranked Tenth-Best Solo Singer of 21st Century by The Times
In 2023, Kendrick Lamar was ranked the tenth-best solo singer of the 21st century by The Times, highlighting his vocal talent and impact.
March 2024: Big Steppers Tour Ends
From July 2022 to March 2024, Kendrick Lamar embarked on the Big Steppers Tour in support of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
March 2024: Appearance on Future and Metro Boomin's 'Like That'
In March 2024, Kendrick Lamar's conflict with Drake escalated when he appeared on Future and Metro Boomin's track "Like That", which subsequently topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks.
June 7, 2024: Compton College Commencement Speaker
On June 7, 2024, Lamar served as Compton College's surprise commencement speaker, marking a significant engagement with his community.
June 2024: Spearheaded Donation to Los Angeles Charities
In June 2024, Kendrick Lamar spearheaded a $200,000 donation to 20 charities and community initiatives based in Los Angeles.
2024: Seventh Greatest Album by Apple Music
In 2024, "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" was named the seventh greatest album of all time by Apple Music, solidifying its place in music history.
2024: Named Greatest Pop Star of 2024 by Billboard and Starred in 'Piece by Piece'
In 2024, Billboard named Kendrick Lamar the greatest pop star of the year, highlighting his cultural impact. He also starred in the animated biographical film, Piece by Piece, showcasing his ventures outside of music.
2024: Feud with Drake and New Music Success
In 2024, Kendrick Lamar's feud with Drake led to the US number-one hits "Like That" and "Not Like Us," with the latter winning five Grammy Awards. Also in 2024, his sixth album, GNX, produced his fifth US number-one single, "Squabble Up."
2024: Composed Score and Co-Designed Stage for Chanel's Collection
In 2024, Through PGLang, Kendrick Lamar composed the score and co-designed the stage for Chanel's Spring/Summer haute couture collection, showcasing his artistic versatility.
February 2, 2025: "Not Like Us" Wins Five Grammy Awards
On February 2, 2025, "Not Like Us" won five awards at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards: "Record of the Year", "Song of the Year", "Best Rap Performance", "Best Rap Song" and "Best Music Video".
February 9, 2025: Performed at Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar performed at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. The show featured cameos from SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard, and broke viewership records with 133.5 million viewers.
July 4, 2025: Producing Comedy Feature for Paramount Pictures
On July 4, 2025, Kendrick Lamar is slated to release a comedy feature he is producing with Free, Trey Parker, and Matt Stone for Paramount Pictures, marking his venture into film production.
2025: Super Bowl Halftime Show
In 2025, Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime show, the first headlined by a solo rapper, broke viewership records with 133.5 million viewers domestically, marking a historic moment in his career.
