Kendrick Lamar is a rapper from Southern California who released his first mixtape at the age of 16. Growing up around the notorious Los Angeles town of Compton and getting involved in the world of rap and hip-hop helped instill within Lamar a penchant for storytelling and beat-making. Honing his craft as he grew up, Lamar would temper his wordy, complex flow with strong R&B elements to create a wholly original sound. As he made more and more music, Lamar eventually attracted the attention of Dr. Dre, another rapper from Compton, who would go on to executive produce Lamar's 2012 debut album, which was met with much fanfare and critical laudation.
