Kendrick Lamar - More than a Rapper

By Emily McCaslin

With Black History and poetry month both falling in February, what could be a better time than now to highlight an artist who has done so much for his community?

Rapper, songwriter, producer, husband, and father all represent the person who some consider to be one of the most influential artists of our generation. This person is none other than Kendrick Lamar.

Lamar has released four albums, won 13 Grammy awards and won the Pulitzer Prize in 2018. He was on the list of the top 100 most influential people by “Time” in 2016.

With this influence, he brings attention to problems facing our world today, such as racism and inequality. He is an activist and often explains how certain things need to be changed for the betterment of the community. He truly wants his life and lyrics to inspire people.

In the past, Lamar has donated a substantial amount of money to the Compton, California school district: the place where he grew up. He has also donated $50,000 to further their music program. 

 “My whole thing is to inspire, to better people, to better myself forever in this thing that we call rap, this thing that we call hip hop,” Lamar said while explaining his song “Control”. This song really lets people see his true passion, and it brought people towards him.

Ultimately, the message that he conveys is to love yourself. Don’t spend your time comparing yourself to others and don’t mind what other people say.

With this thought in mind, Kendrick Lamar is not like other celebrities. He appreciates what his hard work has gotten him and aspires to make a difference, giving back to his community in the best way he can.