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 an acclaimed American rapper widely considered one of the greatest of all time. His groundbreaking work earned him the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, a historic achievement as the first non-classical or jazz musician to receive the award. This recognition highlights his significant impact on music and culture.

Sections (5)

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

1993: Michael Jackson's Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show

Michael Jackson's Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show in 1993 was surpassed by Kendrick Lamar's 2025 halftime show as the most-watched Super Bowl performance of all time.

1996: Influence from The Don Killuminati

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

1997: Influence from Life After Death

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

1998: Influence from 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 from The Marshall Mathers LP

In 2000, Eminem's album The Marshall Mathers LP introduced Kendrick Lamar to songwriting elements.

October 2012: Marijuana and PCP Experience

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.

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.

2015: Featured on Ebony's Power 100 List

In 2015, Kendrick Lamar was featured on Ebony's Power 100 list, which honors leaders within the African American community.

2016: Blackstar Inspired by To Pimp a Butterfly

David Bowie's final album, Blackstar, released in 2016, was inspired by Kendrick Lamar's album 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 magazine listed Kendrick Lamar as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

April 16, 2018: DAMN. wins the Pulitzer Prize

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.