INTRODUCTION

Sunday Issue

KENDRICK LAMAR DUCKWORTH

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American-born artist from Compton, California. Kendrick grew up in Compton writing rhymes and making mixtapes under the name “K. Dot.” His work eventually led him to get noticed by the newly formed record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. Here he worked with and was featured on tracks with popular rappers at the time including Ray Jay and ScHoolboy Q.

In 2011, Top Dawg and Kendrick Lamar produced his first studio album, Section.80. Shortly after his release, Kendrick was dubbed the “new king of the West Coast” by veteran rap artists such as Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

Kendrick Lamar then signed with Dr. Dre’s record label, Aftermath Entertainment, where he produced and earned his first number 2 debut on Billboard 100 for his LP, good kid, m.A.A.d City. This LP gained the attention of many musicians and art critics, and is considered an “autobiographical narrative” as Kendrick talks about his life and experiences through his music. For his work, he was nominated for seven 2013 Grammy Awards, including best album and best new artist. Although he did not win, in 2017 he proceeded to win numerous titles for his newest album release, DAMN., including best rap album, best rap song, best rap performance, best music video (HUMBLE.), best rap/sung performance, as well as being the first nonclassical or jazz album to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for music.

Kendrick Lamar is a highly decorated artist recognized for his lyrical and visual work using his platform to address American issues with politics, inequality, and injustice.

“KENDRICK LAMAR” PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ (2018) Bronx, NY