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, a highly acclaimed American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, is widely considered one of the greatest rappers ever. A significant milestone in his career was receiving the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, making him the first non-classical or jazz musician to achieve this honor.

Sections (5)

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

2001: Mention of the 2001 Film Training Day

In 2005, Kendrick Lamar released the mixtape Training Day which was based on the 2001 film Training Day.

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2008: Mention of Tha Carter III

On January 30, 2009, Kendrick Lamar released his third mixtape, C4 which is a tribute project to Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III released in 2008.

October 2012: Discussion on drug use

In an October 2012 interview, Kendrick Lamar discussed his experience with marijuana laced with PCP and his decision to abstain from drugs.

May 2015: Declared a 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, recognizing his impact on society.

2016: Inclusion in Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2016, Kendrick Lamar was included in Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, underscoring his widespread impact and recognition.

2016: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2016, Time listed Kendrick Lamar as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

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.

2018: Damn Receives Pulitzer Prize for Music

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, cementing its place in music history.

2018: Pulitzer Prize for Music

In 2018, Kendrick Lamar was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music, marking the first time a musician outside of the classical and jazz genres received this prestigious award.

2020: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

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

October 2022: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City's Chart Milestone

In October 2022, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City surpassed The Eminem Show to become the longest-charting hip-hop studio album on the Billboard 200 and also became the first hip-hop studio album to spend over ten consecutive years on the chart.

2023: Inclusion in Billboard's List of Greatest Rappers

In 2023, Kendrick Lamar was included in Billboard's list of the greatest rappers of all time, cementing his legacy in the hip-hop genre.

2024: Billboard names Lamar the greatest pop star of 2024

In 2024, Billboard listed Kendrick Lamar as the greatest pop star, highlighting his new releases and revelations that captured headlines and captivated the culture. That year, he also starred in the animated biographical film Piece by Piece (2024).

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