Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, born June 17, 1987 in Compton, California, has emerged as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation. He burst onto the scene with Section.80 (2011) and cemented his legacy with albums like Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the High Steppers. With DAMN., he became the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
In late 2024, Kendrick surprise‑released his sixth studio album GNX, featuring hits like “Squabble Up,” “TV Off,” and “Luther.” The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and won Album of the Year at the 2025 BET Awards.
His single “Not Like Us” turned into a breakout success amid a renewed feud with Drake, sweeping five Grammy Awards in 2025, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. On February 9, 2025, Kendrick headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, joined by SZA, Serena Williams, Samuel L. Jackson, and producer Mustard, in the most-watched halftime performance ever with 133.5 million viewers.
Lamar also made history as the first rapper to exceed 100 million monthly Spotify listeners. His 2025 Grand National Tour with SZA became the highest-grossing co-headline tour ever, earning over $256 million.
As co-founder of pgLang, Kendrick oversees ventures in music, film, and branding. He is executive-producing a film with City and Stone (South Park creators), set for release in 2026. His philanthropic efforts in Compton, combined with real estate investments and endorsements, support an estimated net worth of $140 million. Kendrick Lamar remains a force of artistry, cultural influence, and innovative enterprise.
