Kendrick Lamar’s Story
I’m sure most of you recognize the name Kendrick Lamar. He’s an extremely accomplished rapper and is repeatedly labeled as the “greatest rapper of this generation”. Some of his most popular songs include Humble, DNA, Money Trees, and B**** Don’t Kill My Vibe. Kendrick was also featured in songs in the movie ‘Black Panther’.
He is a unique rapper. He chooses to live a lifestyle that isn’t seen often in the modern musical world.
Like many others, past experiences pushed him away from a violent, unhealthy lifestyle. During an interview in the Arsenio Hall Show, he opened up about his childhood and the lessons he learned from it. As a kid who grew up in Compton, California, he consistently witnessed gangs, drugs, and murders. He’d watch members of his family deal drugs, holding guns…
He saw his first murder when he was only 5 years old.
Growing up in an environment like this strongly affected Kendrick. Most children would be scarred for life, emotionally damaged and unable to shift their focus to the possibility of a better future. Kendrick was different. After growing up in a household filled with drugs and a town overpowered with gang violence, he decided he would step away from that path. He turned bad memories and scary experiences into powerful songs. He speaks his emotions through his lyrics. Music is his passion and his therapy. It has a distinct role in his identity.
“Some people use drugs, or violence, or whatever your vice may be, and you have creative people that may use music or maybe use style in expressing themselves—whether they are angry or happy, or sad”
Most importantly, Kendrick never touched drugs despite being surrounded by them for nearly his entire life.
Instead, he focused on his education and rapping career, leading him to a very productive future full of success. More than anything, he wants to inspire his listeners to live a drug-free lifestyle. He is a vocal and well-known advocate for clean living.
His strength and ability are inspirational. He is living proof that a better path is possible.
He did not let drugs destroy his future.
“I got a greater purpose, God put something in my heart to get across and that’s what I’m going to focus on, using my voice as an instrument and doing what needs to be done.”