A Compton rapper with thoughtful lyrics first got noticed for his 2011 album Section.80. His 2015 album, To Pimp a Butterfly, brought him widespread fame and seven Grammys over two years.

Before Fame

At sixteen, he released his first mixtape, inspired by watching Tupac and Dr. Dre’s “California Love” music video eight years earlier.

Trivia

His second album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, won Album of the Year at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards and hit #2 on U.S. charts.

Lifestyle

He has five siblings and credits his parents for raising him with a socially conscious outlook. In 2015, he got engaged to his high school sweetheart, Whitney Alford. They have a daughter, Uzi, and a son, Enoch. Whitney has also contributed vocals to his albums over the years.

Associated With

He has worked with Dr. Dre on several songs, including “The Recipe.”