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 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

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.

2013: Complex's best rapper alive

In 2013, Complex named Kendrick Lamar the best rapper alive for the first time.

2014: Forbes 30 Under 30 List

In 2014, Kendrick Lamar appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the music category for the first time.

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.

2016: Blackstar Inspiration

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

2016: Included on Time's 100 most influential people list

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

2016: Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

2017: Complex's best rapper alive

In 2017, Complex named Kendrick Lamar the best rapper alive for the second time.

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: Pulitzer Prize for Damn

In 2018, *Damn* 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: Forbes 30 Under 30 List

In 2018, Kendrick Lamar appeared 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: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

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 Milestone

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.

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.

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

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

2023: Ranked as Tenth-Best Solo Singer of the 21st Century by The Times

In 2023, The Times ranked Kendrick Lamar as the tenth-best solo singer of the 21st century.

2024: Seventh Greatest Album of All Time by Apple Music

In 2024, *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City* was named the seventh greatest album of all time by Apple Music.

2024: Billboard Names Lamar Greatest Pop Star of 2024

In 2024, Billboard listed Kendrick Lamar as the greatest pop star of 2024, highlighting his impact on culture.

2025: Temple University Course on Lamar's Life

A Temple University course on Kendrick Lamar's life, cultural influences, and legacy began in the fall 2025 semester.

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