Kendrick Lamar
Encyclopedia
Kendrick Lamar formerly known by his stage name K. Dot, is an American rapper, and songwriter
. He first gained major attention after the release of his 2010 mixtape
O(verly) D(edicated). In 2011, his album Section.80
, released exclusively through iTunes
, instantly ranked as one of the top digital hip-hop releases of the year.. Lamar has amassed a large internet following, is a member of hip hop collective Black Hippy, along with Jay Rock
, Schoolboy Q
, Ab-Soul, and has worked with Snoop Dogg
, Dr. Dre
, Wiz Khalifa
, Game, and Drake
among other popular artists.
where he discovered hip hop
. At the age of eight in 1995, Lamar witnessed his idols, Tupac
and Dr. Dre
record the music video for their single "California Love
" a very significant moment in Lamar's life. In 2003 at the age of sixteen he released his first mixtape
, Youngest Head Nigga In Charge under the name K. Dot. The mixtape was able to garner enough attention for Lamar to get a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment. He then released a twenty-six track mixtape two years later titled Training Day. More recognition came Lamar's way after a video of a Charles Hamilton
show surfaced, where Hamilton goes in the crowd and battles
rappers at attendance. Lamar didn't hesitate and began rapping a verse over "Tried by 12", that would later appear on a track titled "West Coast Wu-Tang". In 2008 Lamar made a cameo appearance on Jay Rock
's "All My Life (In the Ghetto)
" music video. After receiving a co-sign from Lil Wayne
, he released his third mixtape in 2009 titled C4, heavily themed around Tha Carter III
LP
. Soon after, he decided to drop his stage name
K. Dot and go by his real name. This resulted in him releasing a self-titled EP
; the Kendrick Lamar EP in late 2009.
and Jay Rock
on The Independent Grind tour. On September 23, 2010 he released O(verly) D(edicated) a highly acclaimed mixtape that included a song titled "Ignorance is Bliss" in which he glorifies gangsta rap
and street crime
but ends each verse with "ignorance is bliss" giving the message "we know not what we do". It was that song specifically that made legendary hip hop producer Dr. Dre
want to work with Lamar. This led to him working with Dre and Snoop Dogg
on Dre's Detox album and him considering signing to Aftermath Entertainment
. He and J. Cole plan to release a collaboration mixtape in the future. In January 2011 Lamar said his debut album was 90% finished.
In early 2011 Lamar was featured on XXL Magazine's 2011 Freshman cover along with Cyhi Da Prynce
, Yelawolf
, Lil B
, Big K.R.I.T.
and Diggy Simmons
among others. On July 2nd, 2011 Lamar released his third solo project Section.80
to critical acclaim. It included features from GLC
, Colin Munroe
, Schoolboy Q
, Ab-Soul and production from longtime collaborator Sounwave, Wyldfyer
, Terrace Martin
, J. Cole and more. On the topic of whether Section.80 would be an album or a mixtape Lamar said "I treat every project like it’s an album anyway. It’s not gonna be nothing leftover. I never do nothing like that. These are my leftover songs y’all can have ‘em, nah. I’m gonna put my best out. My best effort. I’m tryna look for an album in 2012". The first single for Section.80 was 'the J. Cole produced track "HiiiPower", the concept was to further explain the HiiiPower movement. Section.80 went on to sell over 5000 copies in its first week without any television or radio coverage and received many very positive reviews. In the summer of 2011, Kendrick Lamar appeared on Game's The R.E.D. Album
, Tech N9ne
's All 6's and 7's
and Drake
's Take Care
. also Ya Boys Sexm album Smoke Kush
In August 2011, while onstage with Snoop Dogg
, Dr. Dre
and Game, the three of them crowned him the "New King of the West Coast"
came to him with the message of "Keep doing what you're doing, keep my music alive" this is what he says inspired him to write much of Section.80
. Tupac Shakur also being his favorite rapper and his inspiration in rapping but also in day to day life. He dedicates at least 10 minutes to Tupac in each of his concerts.
a gemini
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
. He first gained major attention after the release of his 2010 mixtape
Mixtape
A Mix Tape or Mixed Tape is a compilation of songs recorded in a specific order, traditionally onto an audio Compact Cassette.A Mix Tape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a...
O(verly) D(edicated). In 2011, his album Section.80
Section.80
-Track listing:- Charts :- External links :* - Relevant Mindset...
, released exclusively through iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
, instantly ranked as one of the top digital hip-hop releases of the year.. Lamar has amassed a large internet following, is a member of hip hop collective Black Hippy, along with Jay Rock
Jay Rock
Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. , better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper. He was named one of the top 13 most street artists by XXL. His voice has been called a cross between Immortal Technique and Rick Ross. He is a part of the rap group Black Hippy which also features Kendrick...
, Schoolboy Q
Schoolboy Q
Quincy Matthew Hanley , better known by his stage name ScHoolboy Q is an American recording hip hop artist. Hanley is signed to Top Dawg Entertainment and is a member of Black Hippy along with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul...
, Ab-Soul, and has worked with Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
, Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
, Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz , better known by the stage name Wiz Khalifa , is an American rapper. He released his debut album, Show and Prove, in 2006, and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 2007...
, Game, and Drake
Drake (entertainer)
Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....
among other popular artists.
Early life and career beginnings
Lamar was born and raised in Compton, CaliforniaCompton, California
Compton is a city in southern Los Angeles County, California, United States, southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The city of Compton is one of the oldest cities in the county and on May 11, 1888, was the eighth city to incorporate. The city is considered part of the South side by residents of Los...
where he discovered hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
. At the age of eight in 1995, Lamar witnessed his idols, Tupac
Tupac
Tupac is a relatively uncommon male name. Notable people with the name include:*Túpac Inca Yupanqui , tenth Sapa Inca of the Incan Empire*Túpac Amaru , last indigenous leader of the Inca people in Peru...
and Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
record the music video for their single "California Love
California Love
"California Love" is a hip hop song by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman. The song was released as 2Pac's comeback single upon his release from prison in 1995. A popular remix version of the song appeared on his 1996 double album All Eyez on Me...
" a very significant moment in Lamar's life. In 2003 at the age of sixteen he released his first mixtape
Mixtape
A Mix Tape or Mixed Tape is a compilation of songs recorded in a specific order, traditionally onto an audio Compact Cassette.A Mix Tape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a...
, Youngest Head Nigga In Charge under the name K. Dot. The mixtape was able to garner enough attention for Lamar to get a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment. He then released a twenty-six track mixtape two years later titled Training Day. More recognition came Lamar's way after a video of a Charles Hamilton
Charles Hamilton (rapper)
Charles Eddie-Lee Hamilton, Jr. is an American musician, rapper and record producer, born in Cleveland, Ohio.Mainstream popularity came from being featured on the cover of the Freshmen 09' XXL, along with Asher Roth, B.o.B and Wale...
show surfaced, where Hamilton goes in the crowd and battles
Battle Rap
Battle rap is a type of rapping that includes a lot of braggadocio content "combined with put-downs, insults, and disses against real or imaginary opponents"...
rappers at attendance. Lamar didn't hesitate and began rapping a verse over "Tried by 12", that would later appear on a track titled "West Coast Wu-Tang". In 2008 Lamar made a cameo appearance on Jay Rock
Jay Rock
Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. , better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper. He was named one of the top 13 most street artists by XXL. His voice has been called a cross between Immortal Technique and Rick Ross. He is a part of the rap group Black Hippy which also features Kendrick...
's "All My Life (In the Ghetto)
All My Life (In the Ghetto)
All My Life is the first single by American West Coast rapper Jay Rock off his Follow Me Home album. The song was released under Warner Bros. Records. It was produced by Cool & Dre and features Lil Wayne and will.i.am...
" music video. After receiving a co-sign from Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
, he released his third mixtape in 2009 titled C4, heavily themed around Tha Carter III
Tha Carter III
Tha Carter III is the sixth studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released June 10, 2008 on Cash Money Records. It follows a long string of mixtape releases and guest appearances on other hip hop and R&B artists records, helping to increase his exposure in the mainstream...
LP
LP record
The LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry...
. Soon after, he decided to drop his stage name
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
K. Dot and go by his real name. This resulted in him releasing a self-titled EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
; the Kendrick Lamar EP in late 2009.
2010–present: O(verly) D(edicated) and Section.80
In 2010 he toured with Tech N9neTech N9ne
Aaron Dontez Yates , better known by his stage name Tech N9ne , is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film,...
and Jay Rock
Jay Rock
Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr. , better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper. He was named one of the top 13 most street artists by XXL. His voice has been called a cross between Immortal Technique and Rick Ross. He is a part of the rap group Black Hippy which also features Kendrick...
on The Independent Grind tour. On September 23, 2010 he released O(verly) D(edicated) a highly acclaimed mixtape that included a song titled "Ignorance is Bliss" in which he glorifies gangsta rap
Gangsta rap
Gangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
and street crime
Street crime
Street crime is a loose term for criminal offences taking place in public places. It has moved to occupy the place once held by mugging. According to London's Metropolitan Police Force, street crime is:...
but ends each verse with "ignorance is bliss" giving the message "we know not what we do". It was that song specifically that made legendary hip hop producer Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
want to work with Lamar. This led to him working with Dre and Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
on Dre's Detox album and him considering signing to Aftermath Entertainment
Aftermath Entertainment
Aftermath Entertainment is an American record label founded by Dr. Dre. It operates as a subsidiary of, and is distributed through, Universal Music Group's Interscope Records. Current acts include Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent and Slim da Mobster, with former acts including Busta Rhymes, Game, Raekwon,...
. He and J. Cole plan to release a collaboration mixtape in the future. In January 2011 Lamar said his debut album was 90% finished.
In early 2011 Lamar was featured on XXL Magazine's 2011 Freshman cover along with Cyhi Da Prynce
Cyhi Da Prynce
Cydel Young also known as CyHi The Prynce , born September 15, 1984 is an American rap artist from Stone Mountain, Atlanta. He is signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music Label and Def Jam Recordings...
, Yelawolf
Yelawolf
Michael Wayne Atha , better known by his stage name YelaWolf, is an American rapper. He is currently signed to Shady Records, Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records...
, Lil B
Lil B
Brandon McCartney , known by his stage name Lil B or "The BasedGod", is a rapper from Berkeley, California. He has recorded both solo and with the Pack. In addition, Lil B is noted for his extensive use of social media Web sites such as MySpace and Twitter to build an online following.-Early...
, Big K.R.I.T.
Big K.R.I.T.
Justin Scott , better known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T. , is an American hip hop musician and record producer from Meridian, Mississippi.-Biography:...
and Diggy Simmons
Diggy Simmons
Daniel Dwayne Simmons III , better known by his stage name Diggy Simmons or simply as Diggy, is an American rapper and the fourth child of Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons...
among others. On July 2nd, 2011 Lamar released his third solo project Section.80
Section.80
-Track listing:- Charts :- External links :* - Relevant Mindset...
to critical acclaim. It included features from GLC
GLC (rapper)
Leonard D. Harris is an American rapper from Chicago.-Early life:Leonard D. Harris found poetry and hip-hop at an early age and used both to cope with the passing of his parents. “As long as you’re talking about the negativity, you’re only attracting more negativity into your life. Stay positive. I...
, Colin Munroe
Colin Munroe
Colin Munroe is a Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer originally from North Gower, Ontario, who now resides in Toronto.-Biography:...
, Schoolboy Q
Schoolboy Q
Quincy Matthew Hanley , better known by his stage name ScHoolboy Q is an American recording hip hop artist. Hanley is signed to Top Dawg Entertainment and is a member of Black Hippy along with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul...
, Ab-Soul and production from longtime collaborator Sounwave, Wyldfyer
Wyldfyer
Wyatt "Wyldfyer" Coleman is a music producer, initially known for his production for his promo album , The Black Album: Classik. After receiving rave reviews and street buzz from Atlanta to Philadelphia , Wyldfyer's album became legendary...
, Terrace Martin
Terrace Martin
Terrace Martin is a Hip hop producer and rapper from Los Angeles, California who has produced beats for artists including Snoop Dogg, Shawnna, Warren G, Talib Kweli, Glasses Malone, Kurupt, Lalah Hathaway, Murs, Nipsey Hussle and collaborated with other producers such as DJ Quik, Battlecat, Hi-Tek...
, J. Cole and more. On the topic of whether Section.80 would be an album or a mixtape Lamar said "I treat every project like it’s an album anyway. It’s not gonna be nothing leftover. I never do nothing like that. These are my leftover songs y’all can have ‘em, nah. I’m gonna put my best out. My best effort. I’m tryna look for an album in 2012". The first single for Section.80 was 'the J. Cole produced track "HiiiPower", the concept was to further explain the HiiiPower movement. Section.80 went on to sell over 5000 copies in its first week without any television or radio coverage and received many very positive reviews. In the summer of 2011, Kendrick Lamar appeared on Game's The R.E.D. Album
The R.E.D. Album
The R.E.D. Album is the fourth studio album by American rapper and West Coast hip hop artist Game, which was released on August 23, 2011 through DGC Records and Interscope Records after almost two years of delays since late 2009 and being rescheduled a total of 10 times...
, Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne
Aaron Dontez Yates , better known by his stage name Tech N9ne , is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film,...
's All 6's and 7's
All 6's And 7's
All 6's And 7's is the twelfth studio album of American rapper and songwriter Tech N9ne, and was released on June 7, 2011, on Strange Music...
and Drake
Drake (entertainer)
Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....
's Take Care
Take Care
Take Care is the second studio album by Canadian recording artist Drake, released November 15, 2011, on Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records. It is the follow-up to his 2010 debut album Thank Me Later. Production for the album took place during 2010 to 2011 and was handled by Noah "40"...
. also Ya Boys Sexm album Smoke Kush
In August 2011, while onstage with Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
, Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
and Game, the three of them crowned him the "New King of the West Coast"
Personal life
In high school Lamar was a good student. Lamar claims he has seen relatives that have died in his dreams for years and on one night in 2010 Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur , known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world...
came to him with the message of "Keep doing what you're doing, keep my music alive" this is what he says inspired him to write much of Section.80
Section.80
-Track listing:- Charts :- External links :* - Relevant Mindset...
. Tupac Shakur also being his favorite rapper and his inspiration in rapping but also in day to day life. He dedicates at least 10 minutes to Tupac in each of his concerts.
Mixtapes
- Youngest Head Nigga In Charge (2003)
- Training Day (2005)
- C4 (2009)
- O(verly) D(edicated) (2010)
a gemini