Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is one of the influential hip-hop artists of his generation. Born on June 17, 1987, Kendrick came into this world in Compton, California. Their parents, Kenneth “Kenny” Duckworth and Paula Oliver, have played a substantial part in his life as well as music.
Kenny Duckworth, Kendrick’s father, had a tumultuous past. He was once involved with the Pirus gang but turned his life around after a life-threatening incident2. Kenny became a street evangelist, dedicating his life to helping others and spreading positivity. His transformation from a gang member to a community leader has had a lasting influence on Kendrick, inspiring themes of redemption and transformation in his music.
Paula Oliver, Kendrick’s mother, is a strict Christian and also a former teacher. Growing up in the Christian household largely influenced Kendrick’s spirituality. Her faith and teachings show through Kendrick’s work. For example, Kendrick’s albums “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “DAMN.” take most of their themes from redemption, faith, and spiritual growth. Paula is also an author that helps him understand the world of storytelling and expression.
Kendrick’s being brought up in Compton, a city with such rich history due to gang violence and all sorts of influences on hip-hop, really shows in his music. He credits his parents with creating a sense that helped him go through his artistic journey.
Kendrick has siblings, including Keisha Askew, his half sister; Kayla Duckworth, the younger sister to Kendrick; and Kenny Duckworth Jr., a brother. The death of his brother, for instance, to the mythical world of gang violence left heavy marks in Kendrick and partly inspired some of the early work.
Born in Compton, growing up amidst the ruckus of the 1990s and 2000s, Kendrick Lamar was profoundly exposed to gang culture, poverty, and racial inequality. However, all these struggles and realities find a reflection in his rapping voice. Focusing on his musical career while honing his skills until he emerged as one of the best rappers to walk the world’s stage.
The path that Kendrick Lamar walked to prominence is underpinned by his upbringing, experiences, and family life, which have shaped not only his craft but also his worldview. From these experiences, his parents influence can be seen in his music, making Kendrick Lamar a great artist who turns out to be a great storyteller of the experiences of Black America.