(He'd already received four other Grammys pre-telecast, making him the biggest winner of the night.) He later brought the house down with a politicized performance of "The Blacker the Berry" and "Alright" that fused spoken word, live jazz, traditional African dance and a reference to the death of teen Trayvon Martin. Lamar was nominated for a whopping 11 Grammys later that year and won the first award of the 2016 show, specifically for Best Rap Album. Butterfly was another highly acclaimed outing known for its funk-laden mix of bravura, community politics and vulnerability. In 2015, Lamar released his next album, To Pimp a Butterfly, featuring artists like Bilal, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams, among others. But I dared myself to do that, to stand out." 'To Pimp a Butterfly' and 'DAMN.' "At first, I was scared to show fear because you can never be sure how people will perceive you. "That's the most interesting story to me," he told the British newspaper The Guardian. Lamar remains popular for his sharp observations of street culture, often examining the psychology of the victims of crimes. The bold claims in the controversial verse rapped by Lamar brought about a vibe that was reminiscent of the classic hip-hop era, drawing appreciation from critics, rappers and fans alike. Although the track was penned by another artist, Lamar's verse drew attention because of his challenge to several other popular names in the hip-hop world, including Drake, J.
The thought-provoking lyrics on his debut album caught the attention of hip-hop critics as well, with MTV naming him the "Hottest MC" of 2012-putting him in the company of other rappers who have earned the title, including Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye West.Īdditionally, critics took note of Lamar's verse on the song "Control," by rapper Big Sean. Lamar's appeal to the masses didn't stop there. This solidified his fan base, not only among hard-core hip-hop heads, but also among college students and fans of alternative rock. ( Lady Gaga recorded a song with Lamar for the album, but it ultimately was not included due to "creative differences.") Hit singles like "Swimming Pools (Drank)" and "Poetic Justice," and the rapper's emergence as a talent to watch, cleared the way for him to make major American television appearances while promoting the album, including Saturday Night Live, Late Night With David Letterman and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. In October 2012, Lamar's highly anticipated major-label debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, was released to wide acclaim. Now the quiet, observant kid who made good grades in school was poised to become rap's newest superstar. Aftermath was distributed by major label Interscope (Universal Music), which would have the marketing, sales and distribution muscle to take Lamar's career to the next level. Dre signed him to his independent record label, Aftermath Entertainment, alongside more established rap stars Eminem and 50 Cent (in a joint venture with Top Dawg). Titled Section.80, it was released exclusively on iTunes.Īs the buzz on Lamar continued to build, Dr. That same year, Lamar released his first full-length independent album under Top Dawg Entertainment. He also put out a fourth mix tape, Overly Dedicated. In 2010 Lamar dropped the K-Dot tag and began using his own name.
Lamar and these other performers eventually formed their own rap collective, Black Hippy.
He went on to release two other acclaimed mix tapes, Training Day (2005) and C4 (2009), steadily working with other up-and-coming West Coast rappers like Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q. The project was enough to get Lamar a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment, a respected California independent label and feeder to major labels. At age 16, in 2003, he circulated a mix tape called Youngest Head Nigga in Charge, which drew a lot of interest in his native Southern California and beyond. He adopted the moniker K-Dot and began performing his lyrics as a rapper. Lamar's family was directly touched by the violence of the streets, yet he remained thoughtful and soft-spoken, ever the keen observer, even as a child.
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