Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper and songwriter widely regarded as the "King of West Coast Hip-Hop" and one of the most significant lyricists in the history of the genre. He gained massive critical acclaim with his 2012 major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, and became the first non-classical and non-jazz artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his 2017 album, DAMN. Known for his intricate storytelling and social commentary, Lamar has earned 27 Grammy Awards, making him the most-awarded rapper in the history of the Recording Academy.

The year 2025 marked a historic victory lap for Lamar, who headlined the most-watched Super Bowl Halftime Show in history following his viral chart-topping diss track "Not Like Us." His 2024 surprise album, GNX, continued his chart dominance with the SZA collaboration "Luther" and the hard-hitting singles "Squabble Up" and "TV Off." With a career defined by breaking records and pushing cultural boundaries, Lamar remains a singular force who has successfully transformed hip-hop into a respected form of high art.