Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for his introspective lyrics and political commentary. His music blends jazz and other genres with West Coast hip-hop roots. Lamar signed with Top Dawg Entertainment in 2005 and released his debut album, Section.80, independently in 2011. The album caught the attention of Dr. Dre, leading Lamar to sign with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. He has won numerous awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for Music, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation.