• Faith: Christian
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  June 17, 1987

Kendrick Lamar is a songwriter and rapper. He’s considered one of his generation’s most influential hip-hop artists due to his socially conscious songwriting and progressive music styles.

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. Growing up in one of America’s most notorious neighborhoods, Lamar was exposed to the realities of street violence, but he also witnessed the community's resilience and strength. His parents had relocated from Chicago to escape the city's gang violence, hoping for a better life. Raised in a household heavily influenced by hip-hop, Lamar was drawn to music from a young age. He attended Centennial High School, where he excelled academically despite the challenges of his environment.

Lamar's early exposure to the music of Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre, especially their hit "California Love," had a profound effect on him. These West Coast legends became his heroes, influencing the direction of his career. His upbringing in Compton would later inspire much of his lyrical content, focusing on social issues, racial injustice, and personal growth.

Kendrick Lamar's journey into the music industry began when he released his first mixtape at just 16 years old. This caught the attention of local labels, and soon after, he signed with Top Dawg Entertainment. His breakthrough came with his 2011 album, ‘‘Section.80," which received critical acclaim for its storytelling and political undertones.

Lamar's next album, ‘‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’" (2012), solidified his place as one of the top artists in hip-hop. The album is often regarded as a modern classic, praised for its vivid depiction of life in Compton. Following this, Lamar released ‘‘To Pimp a Butterfly’" (2015), which incorporated elements of jazz, funk, and spoken word, pushing the boundaries of rap. This album earned him widespread critical acclaim, including a Grammy for Best Rap Album.

In 2017, Lamar made history with ‘‘DAMN" which earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making him the first non-classical, non-jazz artist to win the prestigious award. The album featured hits like “HUMBLE” and explored themes of faith, morality, and personal struggle. To date, Lamar has won 17 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded rappers of all time.

In September 2024, it was announced that Kendrick Lamar would be headlining the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Is Kendrick Lamar Religious?

Kendrick Lamar identifies himself as a Christian. Throughout his career, Kendrick Lamar has often referenced his Christian faith, weaving it into his music and public statements. One of his most well-known songs, "Faith" explores his relationship with God and the moral complexities he faces as an artist and a person. In interviews, Lamar has openly discussed his belief in God and how it influences his worldview.

In an interview with The New York Times, Lamar said, “I’m not one of those dudes that be like ‘Oh, yeah, I know how good I am,’ but I also know the reason why I’m so good is because God’s blessed me with the talent to execute on the talent, and the moment that you start getting lost in your ego, that’s when you start going down.”