Compton, California native Kendrick Lamar Duckworth grew up immersed in hip-hop culture and surrounded by gang activity. As a youngster, he gradually discovered an aptitude for writing stories, poems, and lyrics, which naturally led to rapping. He made a name for himself as K. Dot At the age of 16 in 2003, he issued his debut mixtape, The Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year. (Kellman, AllMusic) Lamar took influence from one of the best rappers to live, Tupac Shakur. Another rapper from Compton, who much like NWA was looking to act against the racial injustice shown towards people of color n Compton. Shakur impacted Lamar so much that he made the title of the song “The Blacker the Berry” after a line in one of Shakur’s songs.
Kendrick Lamar released several chart topping albums, “The Blacker the Berry” being from Grammy winning album, “To Pimp a Butterfly. Lamar has an unmatched mix of wordplay and compelling narratives that explain his internal conflict and bring an end to racism, while uplifting his community. Songs like “Hood Politics”, “The Blacker the Berry”, and “Mortal Man” explaining his life racism in Compton and how people of color should act towards racial injustice. Lamar’s previous work is an obvious testament to his future work and continues to inspire many people of color who experience racism. Kendrick’s political vision is deeply shaped by his upbringing in Compton and by a deep skepticism about leaders and power.
Kendrick Lamar released “The Blacker the Berry” and wanted the song to highlight how African Americans have suffered racial discrimination, prejudice, subjugation that is seen to this day. His words at the end of the song have been controversial, but his views reflect his upbringing in Compton and how there are systematic issues that he exposes through his rapping. Lamar has seen racism evolve through generations, which is why he says, “When we don’t have respect for ourselves, how do we expect them to respect us?” This is a different perspective against racism that would be beneficial for people of color.