Kendrick Lamar is known for promoting peace over conflict, but beneath his cheerful lyrics lies a more nuanced reality. As a rapper, he embodies spontaneity as both a worldview and style, often blurring the lines between genres. His songs frequently explore contradictions, weaving together contrasting themes to create head-spinning narratives.
Born in 1987 in Compton, California, Lamar’s musical journey began at a young age. Influenced by gangsta rap legends like Dr. Dre and Tupac, he grew up listening to beats from around the corner from his childhood home. By middle school, Lamar was freestyling over DMX tracks at lunch, showcasing his early talent.
Under the name K.Dot, Lamar released his debut mixtape in 2003, drawing inspiration from The Game and Jay-Z’s beats. After signing with indie label Top Dawg Entertainment in 2005, he continued to hone his craft through three mixtapes. It wasn’t until six years later that Lamar grasped the fundamentals of songwriting, solidifying his reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Source: https://www.vulture.com/article/best-kendrick-lamar-songs-ranked-tracks.html