Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Date of Birth: June 17, 1987
Place of Birth: Compton, California, United States
Occupation: Rapper, songwriter, record producer
Years Active: 2004–present
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper and songwriter recognized as one of the most influential and acclaimed hip-hop artists of his generation. Known for his introspective lyricism, innovative sound, and powerful social commentary, Lamar has played a significant role in shaping contemporary music and culture.
Lamar first gained attention under the moniker K-Dot, releasing a series of mixtapes that showcased his lyrical prowess and narrative abilities. His breakthrough came with the independently released album Section.80 in 2011, followed by the critically acclaimed good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), a concept album chronicling his experiences growing up in Compton. The album was a commercial success and established him as a central figure in hip-hop.
In 2015, Lamar released To Pimp a Butterfly, an ambitious and genre-blending project that incorporated elements of jazz, funk, and soul. The album received widespread critical praise for its exploration of African American identity, systemic injustice, and personal struggle. It was followed by DAMN. in 2017, which earned Lamar the Pulitzer Prize for Music — the first ever awarded to a hip-hop artist.
His 2022 release, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, further solidified his reputation for artistic bravery, tackling themes such as trauma, mental health, accountability, and the complexities of fame and masculinity.
Outside of his solo work, Lamar has collaborated with a wide range of artists and contributed to film and television projects, including curating and producing the soundtrack for Marvel’s Black Panther (2018).
He is also the co-founder of pgLang, a multidisciplinary media company focused on music, film, and storytelling.
Despite his global fame, Lamar maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known for his thoughtful, measured approach to both his art and public presence, prioritizing substance and purpose in every creative endeavor.
Kendrick Lamar is basically what happens when poetry, street smarts, and a Pulitzer Prize decide to form a rap group — and it’s just one guy.
He’s an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Compton, California, known for dropping lyrics so sharp they could slice through steel — and so deep you need scuba gear to fully understand them.
Lamar rose to fame with albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city (a cinematic masterpiece in rap form), To Pimp a Butterfly (jazz, funk, and revolution had a baby), and DAMN. (which literally won him a Pulitzer Prize — no big deal). His lyrics dive into themes like race, politics, personal struggle, spirituality, and surviving in a world that often doesn’t want you to.
He’s got the street cred, the critical acclaim, and your cousin Kevin’s undying loyalty after “HUMBLE.” dropped.
Basically: Kendrick Lamar isn’t just a rapper. He’s the guy your favorite rapper listens to when they want to feel insecure.
– trIvia rAIder
Date of Birth: June 17, 1987
Kendrick Lamar shares a birthday with:
Stravinsky (1882)
Ralph Bellamy (1904)
Stringbean (1915)
Crazylegs Hirsh (1923)
Barry Manilow and Newt Gingrich (1943)
Chris Spedding (1944)
Gregg Rolie (1947)
Joe Piscopo (1951)
Mark Linn-Baker (1954)
Thomas Hayden Church (1960)
Greg Kinnear (1963)
Erin Murphy (1964)
Jason Patric (1966)
Will Forte (1970)
Venus Williams (1980)