Kendrick Lamar Duckworth has come a very very long way. He is playing at the Sunday, February 9, 2025 Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s the culmination of a 38 year journey for the rapper born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, to Paula Oliver and Kenny Duckworth. His parents had relocated from Chicago’s South Side in 1984 to escape gang violence. Despite their efforts, Compton presented its own challenges, exposing Lamar to the harsh realities of street life from a young age. He often recounted the juxtaposition of innocent childhood activities with the violence that permeated his surroundings. Reflecting on his upbringing, Lamar shared, “I would wake up one morning, and it would be cartoons and cereal… by 4 p.m., we’d have a house party with people shooting each other outside the door.”
Kendrick Lamar has already secured his own championship as he headlines the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX, a high-stakes rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles—teams that last faced off in the Super Bowl two years ago. The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are vying for their third consecutive championship. Lamar arrives at the 2025 Super Bowl as a dominant force in rap music, a leading figure both in the U.S. and on the global stage. It’s been an extraordinary journey from the streets of Compton, California, to the pinnacle of entertainment.
At the age of eight, a pivotal moment occurred when his father took him to witness the filming of Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre’s “California Love” music video in Compton. Perched on his father’s shoulders, Lamar was captivated by the sight of these rap legends, an experience he later described as a moment of destiny. This encounter ignited his passion for hip-hop, leading him to explore the genre deeply during his formative years. An English teacher further nurtured his burgeoning talent by introducing him to poetry, encouraging him to channel his observations and emotions through creative writing. This foundation in poetry would later define his signature style, a blend of vivid storytelling, social commentary, and intricate wordplay that elevated rap to an art form.
Rise to Stardom and Musical Legacy
In 2003, at the age of 16, Lamar released his first mixtape, Youngest Head Nigga in Charge (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year), under the moniker K.Dot. This project garnered local attention and led to his signing with the independent label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005. Collaborating with fellow TDE artists, Lamar formed the hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy, alongside Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. These collaborations helped him hone his craft and expand his audience.
Lamar’s major breakthrough came with the release of his second studio album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, in 2012. The album was a critical and commercial success, praised for its cohesive narrative and insightful portrayal of his experiences growing up in Compton. Tracks like “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” showcased his lyrical prowess and ability to craft compelling stories. The album’s success solidified Lamar’s status as a leading figure in hip-hop.
In 2015, Lamar released To Pimp a Butterfly, an ambitious project that incorporated elements of jazz, funk, and spoken word. The album addressed themes of racial inequality, self-reflection, and resilience. The single “Alright” became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement, with its hopeful message resonating during protests against police brutality. The song’s chorus, “We gon’ be alright,” was chanted by demonstrators, underscoring its cultural impact.
Lamar’s 2017 album, DAMN., further cemented his legacy, earning him the Pulitzer Prize for Music—the first non-classical or jazz work to receive the honor. The Pulitzer committee described the album as “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism.” Hits like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.” showcased his versatility and command of the rap genre.
Throughout his career, Lamar has used his platform to challenge stereotypes about rap. Speaking to Apple Music, he expressed his mission to elevate the genre’s status: “When people talk about rap… they think it’s not an actual art form. [People] kind of belittle it. So I love to see it get that kind of recognition.” His Grammy wins, including five awards for the diss track “Not Like Us,” have reinforced his influence in the music world. The track, which accused fellow rapper Drake of predatory behavior, became a cultural flashpoint and reignited debate about accountability in the entertainment industry.
Despite his fame, Lamar has periodically retreated from the spotlight, opting for introspection over commercial trends. His 2022 concept album about therapy explored vulnerability and healing, diverging from the high-energy hits that initially propelled him to stardom. Yet, his rivalry with Drake, culminating in the release of “Not Like Us” brought him back to the forefront of popular culture. The song’s sharp lyricism, including the line “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A Minor,” became an instant fan favorite.
In November 2024, Lamar released his sixth studio album, GNX, named after the Buick muscle car that debuted the year he was born. The album is both a victory lap and a tribute to Los Angeles, filled with references to Compton, the I-10 freeway, and Spike Lee films. It underscores Lamar’s continued evolution as an artist who remains deeply connected to his roots.
