Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, known as Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper born on June 17, 1987 and grew up in Compton, California. Being from Compton, he has seen things that no child should see but succeeded to overcome it. Kendrick Lamar is known as a modern day hero because he is inspirational, compassionate, and generous. Kendrick Lamar is an inspiring person and can be said to be one of the best and talented rappers in today's generation. As a kid, he has seen many things. Kendrick witnessed his first murder when he was just eight years old, his family wasn’t the richest and had trouble finding places to stay, and has seen a lot of gang violence but instead of being harmed or frightened by it, he was more influenced and inspired by it. Kendrick wrote and released his first mixtape at the age of 16 which brought interest in record labels around him. He then got his first record label with Top Dawg Entertainment and went on to create more music. Kendrick Lamar has been nominated for the Grammys a numerous of times and has won most of them. He is inspirational because he had a lot of struggles as a kid, growing up in one of the cities with …show more content…
the biggest crime rate and made it to the top. Kendrick Lamar is a compassionate person.
Being nominated for so many awards is an amazing accomplishment for anyone. Kendrick Lamar has said in a recent interview, “ I want all of them, because it is not only a statement for myself, but it is a statement for the culture.” What Kendrick means by that and what he does is speak for the people of not only Compton but African Americans in general. He then said, “ They’re all important, because of the foundation the forefathers laid for me. Nas didn’t get a chance to be in that position, Pac didn’t either. So to be acknowledged and to actually win, it is all for them.” Kendrick is also known as one to speak for the people. In a lot of his music, he explains a lot about how it was to grow up in a poor neighborhood and how not only African Americans are seen, but diversity in
general. Other from being inspirational and compassionate, Kendrick Lamar is also very generous. He has donated thousands of dollars to Compton and Compton schools and is trying to encourage Compton civilians and students to stay in school, all though many of them look up to him already. By doing that, the Mayor of Compton gave Kendrick the Key to the City in return. He also goes back to Compton to visit with his family and the civilians to tell them stories of things he has done, places he has been, and people he has met, hoping that that will make them want to do that too and stay on the right track. Kendrick Lamar is a modern day hero because he is inspirational, compassionate, and determined. He is inspirational, compassionate, and determined because from having troubles as a kid and growing up in Compton, he still made it to the top, he gives credit to ones who have inspired him and speaks for the black society, and he has donated thousands to his childhood city of Compton to help keep students in school so they have a good future as well.
“You take a record and use it to empower yourself” having growing-up in the Westside of Chicago in a neighborhood fill with violence, Lupe make a lot of records that show listeners that even with the odds against him that he use his struggle to better himself.
Reality melted around me as I poured through album reviews and rankings, seeing the amount of praise and reverence his work holds, I was blown away. I watched interviews from artists I’d been a fan of for years, claiming that Kanye was their inspiration. I read analysis pinpointing how each of his albums opened up new sub genres in hip hop, how he completely changed the stigmatism of the art, allowing for new creative freedom, opening the doors for artists like Drake, Tyler the Creator and Chance the Rapper just to name a few. He had been right under the surface all along. He paved the way for my generation of artists to walk on, and I had been blissfully ignorant, skipping along his path.
Kanye Omari West, rapper, producer, professional celebrity, and with an ego to match, has forced himself into the limelight of the music industry. Kanye West has made a lasting impression on all of those around him, whether it be a good one or bad. With seven full length albums, a multimillion record label company, and a successful fashion business all under his belt, it’s fair to say that Kanye has done his fair share of creating. Over the last twelve years Kanye went from a young Chicago kid just trying to get his flows off, to one of the most decorated musicians of all time. With over 20 Grammy’s and 3 of his albums ending up on the Rolling stones “500 greatest albums of all time”. He has continuously created, entertained, and spoken his mind for years. Whether it be “George Bush does not care about black people” or “Taylor imma let you finish, but Beyoncé had
Kendrick Lamar is known for his controversial lyrics discussing popular and historic political issues. Recently winning the Grammy for best music video of the year, he typically uses his music videos as a paratext to further elaborate on his thought provoking songs and to point out issues in society. His Grammy winning video, “Humble,” does an exceptional job of highlighting the increasing conformism in society and suggests nonconformity as a way in which an individual can rise above it. The increasing conformism that Kendrick Lamar is critical of is a type of ideology. An ideology is a system of values upheld by a group and the values effect the group’s actions and goals. A conformist ideology can be defined by one following the popular route
On a lighter note, he explains his inspirations for his dream of making music in the song ‘Juicy.’ Biggie’s writing went in depth to show his audience where he came from and to also inspire other artists working their way up in the music industry. Lastly, Kendrick Lamar’s piece Good Kid m.A.A.d City is a coming of age story from the perspective of teenage Kendrick living in Compton, California. This album shows the dark side of Kendrick’s life, as well as his lighter moments of aspiration. There are vivid depictions of violence that he endured as a teen, as well as the influence of money and power.
Rap music has given me personally something to look up to. Not a role model but hope of continuing my dreams because rappers successfully made it. “For what’s money without happiness, or hard times without the people you love” is from a song called “Love Yourz” by J. Cole. He clearly understands how there is “beauty in the struggle and ugliness in the success” because he’s lived that life. Other songs such as “2Face” or “The Autograph” were instantly relatable to me because he has been through several struggles from the beginning of his childhood. Cole’s father left when he was six leaving his mother and younger brother alone. Cole became “the man of the house” but becoming a rapper is not as easy as it seems. Cole’s messages in these two songs are relative because I too, have had several issues with my mother and father creating a sense of lonesome. Hearing music like Coles helped me overcome my
Throughout America’s history there have been countless influential leaders that have proudly been American. Those have held positions of politicians, soldiers, and . Kanye Omari West has opened the eyes of today's generation and still continues to shape American history. His musical influence has transformed the lives of countless people. Inspiring many to stand up and fight for what they believe in is something Kanye West continues to do even today.. Also, opening the eyes of many to racial injustice towards African American citizens. I’ll further elaborate my claim in the following paragraphs using historical evidence.
“Kanye Ran onto the stage saying, ‘I'm sorry, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!’” (Top 10 Outrageous Kanye West Moments), says Kanye West at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards after Taylor Swift had just won “Best Female Video.” People that are like this have typically not always been this way. They were probably raised as a polite and respectful person before they were exposed to fame and fortune, and other “celebrities,” making them feel like they are the only people on the planet. Causing them to do things like that. Although, Kanye West is an amazing musician based on his 14 Grammy Awards and multiple albums going “Double-Platinum” (Manheim, James M., and Carol Brennan). He fell victim to fame and fortune, and turned into an arrogant and overconfident person making him more popular and praised among media. But looked down upon by everyday people. Kanye Omari West, born on June 8th, 1977, is a world famous rapper who, like all other celebrities, started out like a nice person who made nice music for nice families to listen to. West was a confident and competitive person even as a child, “He was determined even then to get out of his crib and be free, even if he split his head in the process—and he did. He has fought ever since to do exactly what he wanted to do—no matter what,” says Donda West, his mother in her book, Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Superstar. By the time West was ten, he was already creating his own raps, and according to the people around him, he was pretty good at it even at that young of an age. (Manheim, James M., and Carol Brennan) West was not too interested in school as he grew up, but he was able to get by because of his talent. If he dropped out of one ...
Tupac Amaru Shakur born in East Harlem section of Manhattan in New York City. His birth name was Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16 1971. His both parents were members of the Black Panther Party. Tupac Shakur was a vocal participant during the East Coast and West Coast hip hop rivalry. He went to High School in California and Maryland. His career brought him back to New York City. Forget about his education and family background, thinking about how he put himself into his career so successfully. To succeed and accomplishment that made him in legacy…..
Both a rapper and an MC, Tupac Shakur was a very famous artist during his short time on Earth. Better known as “Makaveli” or “2pac,” Shakur influenced many young teens and adults his age. 2Pac was born in East Harlem, NY during June of 1971. The name Tupac comes from a revolutionary leader who was killed after leading a revolution against the spanish in the 18th century. Most of the family Tupac was raised around were involved with crimes, drugs, and charge convictions. His first job in the industry as an MC was with a hip-hop group Digital Underground. Along with being an MC for this group, he was also a backup dancer and roadie. He was also featured on the group’s song for a soundtrack to a movie called “Nothing but Trouble.” He went on to record both an EP and full studio album with Digital Underground before leaving to pursue his own solo career. His first album “2Pacalypse Now” did not receive mainstream hype at it’s time but did feature artists such as Nas, Eminem, and the Game. It also reached Gold status by the RIAA. His next album, “Strictly for my Ni***z” Hit ...
He may just seem like another rapper to you but if you actually listen to his lyrics you can see he’s not like any rapper out there. His name is Kanye West and he was born in Chicago Illinois. He grew up in the “ghetto” and learned to appreciate life. He didn’t learn to really, truly appreciate life until October of 2002. Driving back to his hotel late one night after a recording session, the new-coming rap/hip-hop artist was involved in a devastating, near fatal car accident. The crash left him with a broken jaw in three places and an appreciation for life. Just weeks after being released from the hospital he recorded his first major hit, “Through the Wire,” with his mouth still wired shut. He records every song like its going to be his last song and that makes every song better than the last. He’s not only a rap artist but also a producer. He has been responsible for being behind songs like Jay-Z’s Izzo, Girls, Girls, Girls, The Takeover, and 03 Bonnie and Clyde.
One of the many adversities he had to adapt to was the feuds of the East and West Coast. This influenced his songs and the way his fans depicted the East Coast, Bad Boys. He also had to deal with the way blacks were treated and looked at by the white community. Although his music brings up many controversy, he is undoubtedly a big part of the way African Americans are being depicted today. He reached the people not just through his music but by the constant protests for equality also while striving for the betterment of his the African American community. The way that society and media looks at African American people and hip hop music are all rooted from
Tupac Shakur was born on June 16 1971 and died on September 13, 1996 even though he died at a young age he did a lot with his life. Growing up Tupac mother and some of his family were part of a group called Black Panther Party later their ideas became part of his songs and poems. Growing up and moving around New York as much as he did make him have a hard childhood. Tupac mother taught him about radical politics, other than that Tupac saw his mother struggle with substance abuse problem. Growing up was never easy for him he was shot 5 time during a mugging and the next year got sentenced to 4 and a half year for sexual assault. In the 80s Tupac and his family moved to California where he joined a hip-hop group and had a hit song. After their hit song Tupac decide to go solo where he did great. In 2010 he had sold over 75 million albums making him one of the best-selling rappers to ever have live. His songs and poems were about major topics not just nonsense, they were about violence and hardship in inner cities racism and other social problems. On September 7, 1996 he was shot many times by a drive by and ended up dying 6 days later, but he lived on thought his poems and music and people still can relate to the stuff he wrote.
Lamar’s Grammy Award winning best rap album To Pimp a Butterfly has a deep meaning starting with the theory of the album relating to Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”. The novel which is based on an innocent Black male, Tom Robinson, who is being indicted for committing a crime he never did. In the novel, the mockingbird is an allusion for Tom, a man who has never hurt anyone, yet is on trial and facing a death sentence. In Lamar’s politically fueled album, with response to racism, feminism, violence, and police brutality he created a pro-black record and sings it like a mockingbird would, a harmless album referring to the growth of a “butterfly”. However, he is the “butterfly” and the series of songs refer to his growth and transformation from the inner-city kid of Compton to the world renown artist he is today. While writing the album To Pimp a Butterfly, Lamar pledged his dedication to bring positivity to his listeners. Through his own assessment of systematic problems facing the black community, he takes his music’s impact seriously. Since music is a truly powerful force, and “one of the most arresting facts Kendrick proved with the album is that music can be conscious and positive while still critically and commercially successful — something many rap fans have long insisted conscious rap could never achieve”
...ofound impact on the African American community in the United States. Rappers want to make people aware of the obstacles faced in urban society. Although the media reports the crime and violence, the rapper gives an overall view of the negative, as well as trying to produce the positive. The violence, sex, and drugs come with the rap music because that was apart of the lifestyle that the artist lives. Rap music educates people on what really goes on in some urban communities. Before people judges rap music, they should take the time to listen and try to understand what they are saying. It will be educating.