Kendrick Lamar's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kendrick Lamar. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1979: Billy Joel's Album of the Year Nominations

In 1979, Billy Joel received a nomination for Album of the Year. He would go on to be nominated for four consecutive lead studio albums (1979-1983).

1983: Billy Joel's Album of the Year Nominations

In 1983, Billy Joel received a nomination for Album of the Year. He received nominations for four consecutive lead studio albums (1979-1983).

2005: Signing with TDE and Joining Jay Rock

In 2005, Kendrick Lamar was offered a recording contract by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) after an audition and joined Jay Rock as the label's first signees. He also purchased a minority stake in the label.

November 2012: Donation to American Red Cross

In November 2012, Kendrick Lamar donated to the American Red Cross to support victims of Hurricane Sandy.

2012: Release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City

In 2012, Kendrick Lamar released his sophomore album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, a gangsta rap–influenced album. It became the longest-charting hip hop studio album on the Billboard 200.

December 2013: Donation to Centennial High School

In December 2013, Kendrick Lamar donated $50,000 to his alma mater, Centennial High School, in support of its music department.

2013: Complex's best rapper alive

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

January 2014: Grammy Nominations and Performance

In January 2014, Kendrick Lamar earned seven nominations at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards for Good Kid, M.A.A.D City but was winless. During the awards ceremony, Lamar performed a mashup of "M.A.A.D City" and "Radioactive" with Imagine Dragons.

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.

2014: Donation 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.

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.

2015: First Billboard Hot 100 Number One Single and To Pimp a Butterfly Release

In 2015, Kendrick Lamar achieved his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single with the remix of Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood". He also released his third album, To Pimp a Butterfly.

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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.

July 2017: Purchase of wheelchair-accessible van

In July 2017, Kendrick Lamar purchased a wheelchair-accessible van for a quadriplegic fan.

2017: Complex's best rapper alive

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

2017: Release of Damn

In 2017, Kendrick Lamar released his fourth album, Damn, which featured his second US number-one single, "Humble".

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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: Gold Certification for Every Song on Damn

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.

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.

2018: Black Panther Soundtrack Contribution

In 2018, Kendrick Lamar contributed to the soundtrack of the film Black Panther, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "All the Stars".

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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".

May 13, 2022: Release of "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers"

On May 13, 2022, Kendrick Lamar released his fifth album, "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers", a double album influenced by jazz, R&B, trap, and soul. The album was widely acclaimed and commercially successful, becoming his fourth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200.

2022: Big Steppers Tour Start

The Big Steppers Tour, spanning 2022-2024, became one of the highest-grossing hip hop tours of all time.

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.

March 2024: End of The Big Steppers Tour

The Big Steppers Tour, in support of "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers", concluded in March 2024 after grossing $110.9 million worldwide.

June 2024: $200,000 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 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.

February 2, 2025: "Not Like Us" Wins Five Awards at the Grammys

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.

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February 9, 2025: Lamar Headlines Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime show with SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard, becoming the most-watched Super Bowl performance ever with 133.5 million viewers.

April 2025: Grand National Tour with SZA Begins

In April 2025, Kendrick Lamar and SZA embarked on the Grand National Tour in support of GNX and Lana, which broke the record for highest-grossing co-headlining tour.