Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987), known professionally as Kendrick Lamar, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential rappers of his generation. Raised in Compton, California, Lamar embarked on his musical career as a teenager under the stage name K-Dot, releasing a mixtape that garnered local attention and led to his signing with indie record label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). He began to gain major recognition in 2010 after his first retail release, Overly Dedicated. The following year, he independently released his first studio album, Section.80, which included his debut single, “HiiiPoWeR”.
Lamar’s major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), was hailed by critics as a masterpiece and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Its singles “Swimming Pools (Drank)”, “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”, and “Poetic Justice” reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lamar followed up with a third album, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), which won Best Rap Album at the 58th Grammy Awards. Its lead single, “i”, earned him his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance. In 2016, he released his fourth album, untitled unmastered, which includes a collection of previously unreleased demos from To Pimp a Butterfly. His critically acclaimed fifth studio album, DAMN. (2017), became his third consecutive number-one album in the US, and earned him his fourth Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Its lead single, “Humble”, topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first non-classical artist to achieve the feat of having three songs in the top 10 of the chart’s "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" concurrently as a lead artist. In 2018, he released the soundtrack album Black Panther to further acclaim, and the single "All the Stars" with SZA. In 2019, he released the song "King’s Dead" with Jay Rock, Future, and James Blake; and the song "Big Shot" with Travis Scott.
| Name | Kendrick Lamar |
| Birth Date | June 17, 1987 |
| Genres | Hip hop, conscious hip hop, jazz rap |
| Occupation | Rapper, songwriter, record producer |
| Labels | Top Dawg, Aftermath, Interscope |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Associated Acts | Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Jay Rock, SZA |
| Awards | 12 Grammy Awards, 7 BET Awards, 4 American Music Awards |
| Website | www.kendricklamar.com |
10 Best Kendrick Lamar Quotes
“I’m gonna talk about my life, whether it be good or bad, and I’m gonna put it in the music.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from MTV
“I want to be a storyteller. I want to be one of the best to ever do this. I want to be a hip-hop musician. I want to make music that will last forever.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Forbes
“I just want to make sure that my music is heard and it’s heard correctly.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from HotNewHipHop
“I’ve been writing since I was 15… I wanted to make sure that I offered a different type of perspective, a different type of sound.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Rolling Stone
“My favorite thing to do is tell a story. I’m a storyteller. Everything I talk about is metaphorically and literally a story.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Interview Magazine
“I want to be remembered as a motivator. I want to be remembered as a leader, I want to be remembered as a positive influence.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Complex Music
“I’m not trying to be the best rapper, I’m trying to be the best artist.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Vibe
“I’m speaking to every ear that’s listening, you know, and I’m speaking from the perspective of a young man that’s trying to find his way in life. Trying to make the best out of it.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Complex Music
“I want to be the one that tells my story the best.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from DJBooth
“I want to make sure I’m using the right words, the right metaphors, the right stories, to express myself the best way possible.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Grammy
8 Inspirational Kendrick Lamar Quotes
“If I’m the one to open that door then I’m gonna keep it open so the next person can walk through it”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Rolling Stone
“You can’t control the way people take music, and the way people listen to music. You just have to put out what you feel and let the chips fall where they may”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Huffington Post
“I think I’m a very honest artist. I’m trying to make something that’s gonna live forever”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Vibe
“I don’t want nobody to feel like they can’t come up. I want everybody to feel like they can make it”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Complex
“I never want to be comfortable with success. I always want to be hungry”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Interview Magazine
“I’m trying to be the golden child that everybody can look at and say, ‘He did it the right way'”
– Kendrick Lamar, from The Fader
“My message, I guess, is to make sure that people never lose hope”
– Kendrick Lamar, from The New York Times
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the music”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Billboard
8 Famous Kendrick Lamar Quotes
“Be yourself man, know your worth and don’t ever forget it.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
“The greatest thing to me is to be able to inspire somebody.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
“I’m not a rapper, I’m an artist. A storyteller.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
“I always try to look at the situation and see the best way I can come out of it.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
“I always loved music, it saved me from a lot of things.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
“I just want to be able to make music and touch people’s souls.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
“You have to be honest with yourself, you have to be honest with the people around you, and you have to be honest with the world.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
“I just try to think outside the box and make sure it’s something that’s timeless.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from YouTube
5 Kendrick Lamar Quotes About Love
1.
“Love is what makes the world go round. It’s the only thing that matters at the end of the day.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Huffington Post
2.
“Love is something that never dies. It’s something that’s always within us, no matter what.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Billboard
3.
“Love is the most powerful thing in the world. It can move mountains and make a difference.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Vulture
4.
“Love is something that can’t be explained. It’s something that you feel. You don’t have to justify it or explain it.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from GQ
5.
“Love is something that I think a lot of people don’t understand in this world. It’s something that I think is a true power.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Rolling Stone
5 Kendrick Lamar Quotes About Life
“I think life is all about growth. You have to constantly grow, evolve and challenge yourself.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Rolling Stone
“Life is a never-ending cycle. It gives, it takes and it can be beautiful and brutal all at the same time.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from The Guardian
“Life is a movie, and I’m the director. I’m gonna make it look the way I want it to look.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Interview Magazine
“My whole thing is to inspire, to better people, to better myself forever in this thing that we call rap, this thing that we call hip-hop, this thing that we call life.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from The Guardian
“Life is like a puzzle. You have to figure it out.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Complex Magazine
8 Quotes About Kendrick Lamar
“Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest artists of our generation.”
– The Independent, from Independent.co.uk
“Lamar is not only a great rapper but a great storyteller.”
– The Guardian, from The Guardian
“Lamar’s music is a force of nature.”
– Pitchfork, from Pitchfork
“Kendrick Lamar is a genius.”
– Complex, from Complex
“No artist has been more influential over the last decade than Kendrick Lamar.”
– Billboard, from Billboard
“Kendrick Lamar is the most important rapper of this generation.”
– Vice, from Vice
“Kendrick Lamar is the greatest rapper alive.”
– The Atlantic, from The Atlantic
Interview with Kendrick Lamar
Frequently Asked Questions About Kendrick Lamar
1. What are some of the most popular Kendrick Lamar quotes?
Kendrick Lamar is an influential hip hop artist and songwriter who is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and powerful messages. Kendrick Lamar has a way of speaking that is direct and resonates with people of all backgrounds. Here are some of the most popular Kendrick Lamar quotes:
- “I am a product of my environment, my environment is the product of me.”
- “Be humble.”
- “Life will put many red lights in front of you, but sometimes we must push on the gas and trust God.”
- “God is the greatest artist, and I am just a canvas.”
- “The greatest reward isn’t money, it’s the feeling of doing what you love.”
- “It’s not the money, it’s the message.”
- “I’m not in competition with anybody but myself.”
- “Be true to yourself. Be honest and stay true to the people that love you the most.”
- “If you know who you are, no one can tell you who to be.”
- “You have to make every situation your own and accept the consequences that come with it.”
2. How has Kendrick Lamar’s music evolved over the years?
Kendrick Lamar has been one of the most influential and celebrated hip-hop artists of the last decade. His music has evolved and shifted over the years, from his early mixtapes to his most recent Grammy-winning albums. Here are some of the biggest changes in his music over the years:
- His early mixtapes, such as Overly Dedicated and Section.80, were heavily focused on conscious lyrics, with topics ranging from race and politics to personal struggles. His production was minimal and often lo-fi, with samples and instrumentals that were often left unpolished.
- The release of his major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, marked a major shift in his production. He began to use more polished production and samples, as well as more experimental beats. He also began to experiment with different vocal styles, from singing to rapping to spoken word.
- His subsequent albums, To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN., continued to evolve and innovate. He began to experiment with different genres, from jazz and funk to soul and gospel. He also began to incorporate more live instrumentation and production, as well as more complex, poetic lyrics.
Kendrick Lamar’s music continues to evolve and push boundaries, and is sure to continue to do so in the future.
3. How does Kendrick Lamar’s music reflect his personal and cultural beliefs?
Kendrick Lamar’s music is deeply rooted in his personal and cultural beliefs. His lyrics are often a reflection of his understanding of the world around him. Here are some of the ways his music reflects his personal and cultural beliefs:
- Kendrick Lamar often speaks on the struggles of his upbringing and the injustices faced by African Americans. He paints an honest and raw picture of his life and the lives of those who are marginalized in society.
- Kendrick also speaks out against racism and prejudice, and advocates for social change. He has been vocal in his support of the Black Lives Matter movement and has used his music to bring attention to those issues.
- Kendrick Lamar’s music is infused with the spirit of his culture and reflects the African American experience. His lyrics are filled with references to his hometown of Compton, and his music often contains samples of classic soul, funk, and R&B records.
- Kendrick Lamar’s music also speaks to the power of faith and spirituality. He often speaks of his belief in God and his reliance on faith in his life and music.
Kendrick Lamar’s music is a reflection of his personal and cultural beliefs. His lyrics speak to the struggles of African Americans and advocate for social change, while also reflecting the power of faith and spirituality.
4. What are some of Kendrick Lamar’s most inspirational quotes?
Kendrick Lamar is one of the most influential rappers of our generation. His lyrical genius and thought-provoking rhymes have inspired a generation of people to push themselves to reach their full potential. Here are some of Kendrick Lamar’s most inspirational quotes:
- “Be humble. Sit down.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “You have to look within for value, but must look beyond for perspective.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “I used to be the type of kid that would stay in the house and play video games all day.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “I am the greatest artist that ever lived, ’cause I’m alive and I’m still breathing.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “A wise man once said nothing at all.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “I know my worth. I’m not settling for less.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “You can’t change the world until you change yourself.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “I’m not on the outside looking in, I’m not on the inside looking out.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “I’m not afraid to take a stand, everybody come take my hand.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “I don’t do it for the ‘Gram, I do it for the respect.” – Kendrick Lamar
No matter what life throws at you, Kendrick Lamar’s quotes will act as an inspiration to keep pushing forward and strive to become the best version of yourself.
5. How has Kendrick Lamar inspired the modern hip hop scene?
Kendrick Lamar has had a huge influence on the modern hip hop scene since he debuted in 2010. From his iconic lyricism to his exploration of political and social issues, Lamar has pushed the boundaries of hip hop and inspired a generation of emerging artists.
- Lyricism – Lamar has consistently pushed the lyrical boundaries of hip hop since his debut, writing complex rhymes and stories that explore political and social issues. He has been praised for his intricate wordplay, often referencing literature, history and philosophy in his music.
- Production – Lamar has also helped to set the standard for production in hip hop. His collaborations with producers like Sounwave, Alchemist and Terrace Martin have pushed the boundaries of hip hop music, creating unique and innovative soundscapes that have inspired many emerging producers.
- Collaborations – Lamar has also been an important figure in the collaboration of hip hop artists. His collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry have helped to break down the barriers between different styles and genres, creating a more unified hip hop scene.
- Social Commentary – Lamar’s music has always featured strong social commentary, tackling topics such as racism, police brutality and inequality. His songs have been praised for their ability to speak to a wide range of people, offering a platform for important conversations about these issues.
- Influence – Lamar’s influence has been far-reaching, inspiring artists from all genres and backgrounds to explore their own creative potential. His willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of hip hop has helped to create a more diverse and inclusive hip hop scene.
Overall, it’s clear that Kendrick Lamar has had a huge impact on the modern hip hop scene. He has pushed the boundaries of lyrical and production techniques, collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry and provided a platform for important conversations about social issues. Through his influence, Lamar has inspired a generation of emerging hip hop artists to explore their own creative potential.
Conclusion
Kendrick Lamar is one of the most iconic and influential artists of our generation. He has consistently released thought-provoking and inspiring music over the years, and his quotes are no different. His words are powerful and help us to reflect on our lives and our world. Whether it’s about staying true to yourself, striving for success, or not being afraid to take risks, Kendrick Lamar’s words have the power to motivate us and push us to reach our goals. His quotes are a reminder to never give up and to keep going even when times are tough.
