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Born June 17, 1987 in the city of Compton, California, U.S, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is a 37 year old, acclaimed American rapper and songwriter. Lamar's family had moved to the city of Compton to seek refuge from Chicago's gang culture and crime ridden scene, although Lamar's father Kenny Duckworth had still associated with another gang in their new home.Raised in an area with a high crime rate, street activity and violence greatly influenced Lamar's life, although he never partook in any illegal activity. Lamar is best known for his artistic and complex approach for songwriting and lyrics, his poetic and creative approach to music sets him apart from others in the rap/hip hop scene. Most notable works include, "Damn", "To Pimp A Butterfly", and "good kid, m.A.A.d. city", he has also received many awards including several Grammy awards and a Pulitzer Prize. My first introduction to Lamar was during the end credits sequence to the film Black Panther in which his song "All the Stars" had played over the first credit sequence, this song was the first real song of Lamar's I can recall being my introduction to the artist.

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"HUMBLE" is one of Kendrick Lamar's biggest songs to date but it has a deeper meaning behind it. "HUMBLE" is a song detailing the struggles one is faced with due to their upbringing. Instead of denying their past, Lamar instead chooses to embrace it and actually brag about the success he has obtained, however, the song provides a statement for those who are successful, it showcases the ego that is created with a creators new found success. "Sit down, be humble" is consistently said throughout the song, the phrase is to serve as a reminder to not only other artists, but himself as well to always remind them of where they come from and where their roots lay. The phrase "sit down, be humble" is to remind people that what you have not everyone else in life can obtain, they need to bring themselves back to reality. 'Humble" stands as a way for Lamar to express his beliefs that people should learn to love and respect who they are and where they come from it showcases how Lamar's upbringing had influenced him and the way he acknowledges the struggles of a persons troubled upbringing can greatly influence the future they choose to pursue.

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"Now or Never" is a collaborative track by Lamar featuring Mary J. Blige. The track talks about the dreams a person has and the journey they go on to lead them to achieving their dream and to be successful, however, there comes many obstacles and blocks in their way to their goals. "Now or Never" is a song all about achieving your dreams and personal goals in life, it's about taking advantage of the moment and using this opportunity to your advantage hence the chorus singing "Now or Never". This song is one of the most relatable songs Lamar has made as it is something everyone in life can relate to, having a goal/dream in life. Gaining support from others in your journey is one of the most inspiring things one can receive, the lyrics state "Feel so good in what you do Helps somebody else get through That's why I do the best I can
Because I know how blessed I am". Without those that support you in life you would not be in the place where you are today and the place you'll possibly be in the future, this is one of my favorite parts about this song is the feeling of support and that drive you're given to continue pushing for your dreams, that overall sense of happiness is something I greatly enjoy about the song. The songs chorus provides a description of how one may feel when they are inspired and push towards their dreams, "I'm so high, I can touch the sky I know it's my time, and it's now or never Shine so bright, I light the night
And it feels so right, ain't nothing better". Overall I really enjoy the songs lyrics and the feeling of positivity, realness, and relatability the song offers.

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Kendrick Lamar grew up in the city of Compton, California. Compton is one of the oldest cities in Los Angeles county being established on May 11, 1888. Before being properly established, the city of Compton was originally apart of the Rancho San Pedro, in 1867 the land would become its own colony named after G.D Compton. In 1933, an earthquake caused extensive damage upon Compton leading to the city becoming heavily modernized as a result of the earthquake and leading to how the city of Compton is today. Over the years, gang behavior became prevalent throughout the city of Compton through several different factors one of the most notorious gangs being the Bloods and Crips. Kendrick Lamar grew up in an area dominated by gang culture and violence and these factors greatly influenced his life, Lamar's father had connections to several gang activities and other family members had a criminal history. Other incidents that influenced his life were the riots that spawned due to the brutal beating of Rodney King, this event plunged L.A into a state of violence and chaos and it greatly affected Lamar's community, he would use this period as a reference for his son m.A.A.d. City and Country Building Blues.

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Of the four main fundamental elements of hip hop, one that is the most infamous of the four is Graffiti. Graffiti is a form of visual communication primarily the unauthorized marking of public spaces using flashy, abstract, and overall visually unique writings mostly used to promote the artist, a group, or another figure. Many up and coming artists would tag themselves throughout different public spaces with graffiti typically consisting of a stylized spelling of their names or groups. Graffiti was/still is seen as a way of rebellion and a way of expressing oneself and sending a message. Many hip hop artists include real world issues and topics within their lyrics and graffiti allows for these views to also be displayed to the public with graffiti typically done (illegally typically) in public spaces.

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Lamar takes inspiration from many different artists lyricists, some artists include, Nas, Lil Wayne, 2pac and more. Many of these musicians helped influence Lamar's writing style and music, many of Lamar's songs are poetic in nature and this comes from Lamar's passion for poetry and writing. Lamar uses story telling in his songwriting, inspired by many rapper's from back in the day such as Nas and 2Pac who both use storytelling in their music and Lamar is no different. Lamar uses his music as a way to express messages and stories, Lamar as well credits Jay Z, 2Pac, Biggie, and Eminem as being among his most favorite rappers whom he credits them for being some of his biggest inspirations and it is easy to see their influence on Lamar's discography.

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One genre of music that Kendrick Lamar is greatly influenced by Jazz. Lamar has stated that he thinks like a Jazz musician in his song making process and often incorporates the genre into his music. Lamar's hit album "To Pimp A Butterfly" incorporates many jazz elements into the album, taking influence from many classic African American music genres. Lamar has also collaborated with several notable Jazz musicians such as Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington. Kendrick Lamar pushes the Hip Hop genre further and further by incorporating different genres into his music and offers a different listening experience for listeners, this can all be credited to his love of the Jazz genre.