Kendrick Lamar

When Kendrick Lamar won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Music, the world took notice. This was no ordinary rapper. Lamar’s songwriting transcends the boundaries of music, exploring themes of race, identity, social justice, and more. He has something to say, and people stop to listen—and to reward his work with one of the most prestigious awards in the United States.

From the release of his first mixtape in 2004 to his outspoken advocacy on social justice issues, including racial inequality, police violence, and the struggles of Black communities in America, Kendrick Lamar is anything but ordinary. His music reads like poetry, tackles pressing issues, and combines a variety of styles and genres to create his unique sound. He is not afraid to speak his mind, both in his lyrics and in the public forum. And he is dedicated to evolving as an artist as the world around him changes, making him a dynamic icon who has and will continue to make a lasting impact on hip-hop and the whole music industry.