How Kendrick Lamar Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Kendrick Lamar—a timeline of influence.

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is a highly acclaimed American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. His work, deeply rooted in West Coast hip-hop, is characterized by conscious and introspective lyrics, often featuring political criticism and social commentary focused on African-American culture. A significant achievement in his career was winning the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, a historic moment as he was the first non-classical or jazz musician to receive this honor.

Sections (5)

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

1996: Influence of The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory

In 1996, Tupac Shakur's The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory was a significant influence on Kendrick Lamar's artistic direction.

1997: Influence of Life After Death

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

1998: Influence of It's Dark and Hell Is Hot

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

2000: Influence of The Marshall Mathers LP

In 2000, Eminem's album The Marshall Mathers LP introduced Kendrick Lamar to songwriting elements like ad-libs and impacted his aggressive approach to records.

October 2012: Discussion of Drug Use

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

2012: Lamar defines his music as 'human music'

In a 2012 interview, Kendrick Lamar stated, "You really can't categorize my music, it's human music."

2014: Included on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list

In 2014, Kendrick Lamar was included on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the music category.

May 2015: Declared generational icon by the California State Senate

In May 2015, Kendrick Lamar was declared a generational icon by the California State Senate for his contributions to music and philanthropy.

2016: Blackstar inspired by To Pimp a Butterfly

David Bowie's final album, Blackstar (2016), was inspired by To Pimp a Butterfly.

2016: Included on Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2016, Time included Kendrick Lamar on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2016: Black Lives Matter anthem

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

April 16, 2018: "Damn" wins Pulitzer Prize for Music

On April 16, 2018, Kendrick Lamar's album "Damn" won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, marking the first time a musical composition outside of the classical and jazz genres received the honor.

2018: DAMN Receives Pulitzer Prize for Music

In 2018, DAMN by Kendrick Lamar is the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music, the first time a musical work outside of the classical and jazz genres was honored.

2018: Included on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list

In 2018, Kendrick Lamar was included on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the music category for the second time.

2019: Featured on Forbes' Celebrity 100 ranking

In 2019, Kendrick Lamar appeared on Forbes' Celebrity 100 ranking.

2020: Inclusion in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

In 2020, three of Kendrick Lamar's works were included in Rolling Stone's 2020 revision of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

October 2022: "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" sets record on Billboard 200

In October 2022, Kendrick Lamar's album "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.

2023: Included in Billboard's list of the greatest rappers of all time

In 2023, Kendrick Lamar was included in Billboard's list of the greatest rappers of all time.

2024: Billboard names Lamar as greatest pop star; Starred in Piece by Piece

In 2024, Billboard listed Lamar as the greatest pop star of the year. Also in 2024, outside of music, Lamar starred in the animated biographical film Piece by Piece.

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