The Compton-based rapper, widely recognized for his introspective and thought-provoking lyrical style, first made waves in the music industry with his 2011 album Section.80, which earned him significant critical acclaim. Over time, the Compton-based rapper continued to build momentum, and by the release of his third studio album, 2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly, he had captured the attention of a much broader audience. This breakthrough not only solidified his place in modern hip-hop but also led to an impressive seven Grammy Awards between 2015 and 2016.
Long before fame found him, the Compton-based rapper was already deeply immersed in music. He dropped his first mixtape at just sixteen years old—eight years after being profoundly inspired by watching Tupac and Dr. Dre’s iconic “California Love” music video for the very first time. Growing up in a close-knit family, he has five siblings, and he often credits his parents for instilling in him a strong sense of social awareness and responsibility from a young age.
On a personal note, the Compton-based rapper got engaged to his high school sweetheart, Whitney Alford, in 2015—a relationship that has remained a cornerstone of his life. Together, they share two children: a daughter named Uzi and a son named Enoch. Whitney has also played a creative role in his musical journey, contributing vocals to several of his albums over the years, further deepening their personal and artistic connection.
His second album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, took home the Album of the Year award at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards and climbed to the #2 spot on the U.S. charts.