Kendrick Lamar's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 29, 2025

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 as the first non-classical or jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018. His work, deeply embedded in West Coast hip-hop, is characterized by conscious and introspective lyrics, delivering potent political critiques and incisive social commentary focusing on African-American culture.

Sections (5)

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

October 2012: BET Music Matters Tour and BET Hip Hop Awards

In October 2012, Kendrick Lamar headlined the BET Music Matters Tour with Black Hippy and Stalley. He also won Lyricist of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards during this month.

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, which had a significant impact on his career and became the longest-charting hip hop studio album on the Billboard 200.

January 2014: Grammy Nominations and Snub

In January 2014, Kendrick Lamar received seven nominations at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year for 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City', but did not win any awards, leading to widespread media attention and controversy.

2015: 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, which infused hip-hop with African-American music genres, marking another significant milestone in his career.

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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, recognizing his impact beyond music.

2017: Release of DAMN.

In 2017, Kendrick Lamar released his fourth album, Damn, which leaned towards R&B and pop and featured his second US number-one single, "Humble".

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April 16, 2018: Pulitzer Prize for Damn

On April 16, 2018, Kendrick Lamar's 'Damn' won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, marking the first time a non-classical or jazz musical composition received the honor.

2018: Black Panther Soundtrack and Academy Award Nomination

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

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2018: Pulitzer Prize

In 2018, Kendrick Lamar was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making him the first musician outside of classical and jazz to receive the award. This was a significant achievement, recognizing his impact on music and culture.

2020: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

In 2020, three of Kendrick Lamar's works were included in Rolling Stone's revision of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", solidifying his place in music history.

February 13, 2022: Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show

On February 13, 2022, Kendrick Lamar co-headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, which later won an Emmy Award.

2024: Feud with Drake and GNX Release

In 2024, Kendrick Lamar engaged in a highly publicized feud with Drake, and his sixth album, GNX, spawned the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Like That", "Not Like Us", "Squabble Up", and "Luther".

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2025: Grand National Tour with SZA

In 2025, Kendrick Lamar's Grand National Tour with SZA became the highest-grossing co-headlining tour in history, marking a significant achievement in his touring career.