The Rise And Rise Of Kendrick Lamar: His Story So Far

1. The Rise and Rise of Kendrick Lamar.

We break down exactly how Kendrick Lamar grafted his way to the top of his industry. This is K. Dot's story...

2. Kendrick Lamar was born in Compton, California.

His mother named him after singer Eddie Kendricks who was a lead singer in Motown group 'The Temptations' - music was always a big part of the family's life.

3. Aged eight, K.Dot witnessed Dr Dre and Tupac filming the video for ‘California Love’ in Compton.

His dad took him to see Tupac and Dr. Dre filming at the Compton Swap Meet, just round the corner from where he lived.

4. He released his first mixtape when he was just 16

In 2003, Kendrick dropped his first release, ‘Youngest Head N**ga in Charge (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year)’ under the name of K.Dot. The mixtape was shared around local high schools.

5. Kendrick's fream came true when he signed to California record label Top Dawg Entertainment.

His friend, Dave Free, now TDE’s co-president, sneakily played Kendrick’s mixtape to TDE founder Anthony Tiffith while pretending to fix his PC. Tiffith asked Kendrick to come to audition and he freestyled for hours for Tiffith who was impressed but remained pokerfaced.

6. Two years later he released his second mixtape, 'Training Day.'

'Training Day', released in 2005, featured mix of original productions and well-known beats. “In the next 26 tracks you will learn about the streets,” read the tag on the cover art. By this point, Kendrick seemed to be developing his own unique style having previously emulated the flows of Jay Z, Tupac and DMX.

7. Kendrick got a big break when he was asked to join The Game on tour.

He begun performing in front of bigger audiences as the opening act for The Game as well as featuring on his tracks “The Cypha” and “Cali N***az”.

8. Kendrick gained even wider recognition from a video of him battling NY rapper Charles Hamilton.

During a segment of Hamilton’s show he freestyles with fellow rappers in the audience, Kendrick stepped up and the two had a historic battle.

9. Lamar released his third mixtape in 2009

Titled ‘C4’, it features an opening track co-sign from Lil Wayne and a cover art tribute to Weezy’s ‘Tha Carter III’.

10. Kendrick eventually dropped his K.Dot moniker and starts using his real name.

“I [wanted] people to know who I am as a person and who I represent,” he explained to Hard Knock TV.

11. He released his self-titled EP in 2009, following the name-change.

That same year, Kendrick forms the group 'Black Hippy' with his TDE label-mates Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q.

12. After spending much of 2010 touring, Kendrick releases fourth mixtape, ‘Overly Dedicated’

It’s his first charting release, reaching 72nd place on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

13. Dr Dre came across K. Dot's 'Ignorance Is Bliss' video and he was impressed.

One of the mixtape’s tracks, ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’ makes its way to Dr Dre after being spotted by Eminem’s manager.

14. So Kendrick was introduced to Dre and started working with him on the long-delayed ‘Detox.'

“It came to a point where I had to really snap out of fan mode and become a professional because after we were introduced, he said he liked my music and I said that I’m a fan of his work,” said Kendrick of Dre in a recent radio interview.

15. XXL make Kendrick one of their 2011 ‘Freshmen’

He’s joined by fellow up-and-coming rappers CyHi the Prynce, Meek Mill, Mac Miller, Yelawolf and Big K.R.I.T..

16. Kendrick drops 'Section.80', his first independent album.

It goes on to sell 5,300 digital copies in its first week without any television or radio coverage.

17. The Game and Snoop tell Kendrick they are “passing the torch” to him.

While performing at a gig in Los Angeles, The Game comes on and tells Kendrick that’s he’s carrying the torch for West Coast hip hop. Later, Snoop Dogg, Game, Warren G, and Kurupt all appear on-stage to give Kendrick props.

18. In 2012, Kendrick signs a deal with Interscope Records and Aftermath Entertainment.

It marks the end of his career as an independent artist as he transitions to the majors.

19. ‘good kid, m.A.A.d city’ is released on October 22, 2012.

It debuts at number two, selling 242,122 copies in its first week and receives widespread critical acclaim.

20. Kendrick throws down the gauntlet with his verse on Big Sean’s ‘Control’

Kendrick vows to lyrically “murder” almost every upcoming rapper in the game, including: J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale, Pusha T, Meek Mill, ASAP Rocky, Drake, Big Sean, Jay Electronica, Tyler, The Creator and Mac Miller. He also calls himself the “King of New York”, much to the displeasure of many New York-based rappers.

21. In spite of all his success, at the 2014 Grammy Awards Kendrick was snubbed.

Despite receiving a total of seven nominations at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014, including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Best Rap Song, Kendrick comes away empty handed. Even Macklemore, who won Best Rap Album, concedes that Kendrick was “robbed”.

22. A year later, the Grammys finally gave Kendrick Lamar the recognition he deserved.

Kendrick wins both Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for his song “i” at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014.

23. Kendrick drops powerful second single ‘Blacker Than The Berry’ from ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’

The tracks deals some heavy topics including the legacy of slavery in the US, racism and black-on-black crime.

24. Kendrick drops second album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’

It’s released a week early on March 16, 2015. The album debuted atop the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and was labelled by many critics as a classic. The final track 'Mortal Man' features Kendrick asking Tupac questions and an old recording of a Tupac interview.

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