Kendrick Lamar Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Kendrick Lamar’s Net Worth?

With a net worth of $140 million, Kendrick Lamar stands out as an American rapper who ranks among the most popular and highest-paid artists globally. Throughout his career, he has earned over $250 million, and in the year 2018 alone, his earnings reached $60 million, placing him among the top entertainers for that year. As of now, he has secured 17 Grammy Awards from 47 nominations and won a Pulitzer Prize for his acclaimed album “Damn.”

Lamar’s rise in the music industry began gaining traction following the release of his debut mixtape, “Youngest Head Nigga in Charge (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year),” in 2003, which caught local interest and paved the way for a contract with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE).

His projects that followed, “Training Day” (2005) and “C4” (2009), highlighted the evolution of his style and showcased his lyrical abilities. Yet, it was the 2010 mixtape “Overly Dedicated” that signaled his breakout on the national scene, earning critical praise and introducing his reflective narrative approach. His first studio album, “Section.80” (2011), further established his reputation within the hip-hop community, with themes centered on social issues affecting African Americans.

The major-label debut, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012), achieved monumental success, receiving accolades for its narrative depth, storytelling, and production quality. Including hits like “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” the album was not only commercially successful but solidified Lamar’s position as a prominent figure in the industry.

The release of his third studio album, “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015), marked another critical and commercial milestone. The album creatively blended jazz, funk, and soul while addressing themes of racial dynamics, personal challenges, and social issues, earning him multiple awards, including several Grammys. Lamar sustained this momentum with “Damn” (2017), which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making history as the first artist outside the realms of classical and jazz to achieve this honor.

In addition to his albums, Lamar’s influence resonates through his dynamic live performances, collaborations with various artists, and his role in curating the soundtrack for the film “Black Panther,” featuring the hit song “All the Stars.”

Early Life

Kendrick Lamar, born Kendrick Lamar Duckworth on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, began his rapping journey during elementary school, drawing inspiration from his idols Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre. Three years prior to his birth, his parents relocated from the south side of Chicago to Compton, following his father’s significant involvement in gang activity and his mother’s ultimatum to escape together. His mother named him after Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations. Despite challenging circumstances and their fight to survive financially, Lamar recalls fond childhood memories and was recognized as a straight-A student at Centennial High School in Compton, producing award-winning essays and remarkable test scores.

Career

At just 16 years old, while still attending high school, Lamar released his first mixtape (“Youngest Head Nigga in Charge”), quickly catching the eye of local record labels. He signed withIn the early 2000s, Top Dawg Entertainment signed him, leading to the release of another mixtape. By 2008 and 2009, he gained further recognition, notably appearing in Jay Rock’s music video for “All My Life (in the Ghetto)” and receiving a co-sign from Lil Wayne. After signing with Lil Wayne, he started using his real name, Kendrick Lamar, instead of his previous stage name, K. Dot. Following this, he dropped another mixtape and re-released an earlier project under his real name. Between 2010 and 2011, Kendrick toured extensively while releasing a well-received mixtape and an independent album. His debut major studio album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” was launched on October 22, 2012, via Interscope Records and Aftermath Entertainment. This album achieved over 1.1 million sales in the United States alone, securing the #1 spot on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the #2 spot on the “Billboard” 200 chart.

On his debut appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” Lamar performed the album’s lead singles, “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Poetic Justice.” Additionally, he featured in a digital short alongside Adam Levine and The Lonely Island, which inspired the single “YOLO.” In terms of collaborations outside of studio albums, Kendrick has lent his talents to numerous singles, working with renowned artists such as Big Sean, Robin Thicke, Drake, 2 Chainz, Birdman, and J. Cole.

In September 2013, Kanye West announced Kendrick as his supporting act for his first solo headlining tour in five years, promoting the album “Yeezus.” The following month, Lamar contributed to Eminem’s eighth studio album, “The Marshall Mathers LP 2.” In November of that year, he was recognized as Rapper of the Year by “GQ” magazine. Although nominated for seven Grammys in 2014, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year, Lamar did not win any awards. In May 2015, he participated in the remix of Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood,” which ascended to #1 on the “Billboard” charts, and their collaborative music video garnered both a Grammy for Best Music Video and an MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.

Released in 2015, his album “To Pimp a Butterfly” peaked at #1 on the “Billboard” 200 chart in the U.S. and gained #1 positions in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The album earned widespread critical acclaim for its innovative sounds, with many critics labeling it as “groundbreaking” for Lamar’s unique approach to bending hip-hop conventions. At the 58th Grammy ceremony, Kendrick secured five Grammys, including Best Rap Album for “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

Lamar’s subsequent album, “Damn,” debuted in 2017, achieving #1 on both the “Billboard” 200 chart and in Canada. His most successful single, “Humble,” topped the “Billboard” Hot 100, US R&B/Hip-Hop, and US Rap charts. Other notable singles from Lamar include “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “DNA.” By May 2017, “Damn” received platinum certification. At the 60th Grammy Awards, Kendrick clinched wins for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Best Rap/Sung Performance. From June 2017 to June 2018, Lamar accumulated nearly $60 million from his various projects.

Following the triumph of “Damn,” Lamar produced and curated the soundtrack for Marvel’s “Black Panther,” which was celebrated across the board by critics.

Audiences and critics alike acknowledged his talent. For the song “All the Stars,” he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Following that, in 2022, Lamar unveiled his fifth studio album, “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” By 2023, the “Big Steppers Tour” shattered records, earning over $110.9 million from 73 shows and selling nearly a million tickets, becoming the most lucrative rap tour ever.

Lamar made his television acting debut in July 2018 on the Starz drama series “Power,” portraying a Dominican drug addict named Laces. His close friend and collaborator, 50 Cent, who served as the executive producer, advocated for Lamar’s casting. The performance garnered critical acclaim from both reviewers and audiences.

Kendrick Lamar Career Earnings By Year

• 2013 – $9 million
• 2014 – $9 million
• 2015 – $12 million
• 2016 – $19 million
• 2017 – $30 million
• 2018 – $60 million
• 2019 – $39 million
• 2020 – $5 million
• 2021 – $10 million
• 2022 – $10 million
• 2023 – $20 million

Total: $223 million

Accolades

Kendrick’s accomplishments include 17 Grammy Awards and recognition on the “Time” 100 List of the Most Influential People, along with two civic honors. His album “Damn” received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, marking a historic moment as he became the first non-jazz or classical artist to achieve this honor. Renowned for his insightful lyrics and rhymes, Lamar has been featured on numerous publications’ lists of the greatest rappers of all time. He has sold over 70 million records in the United States alone, with three of his studio albums being part of “Rolling Stone’s” 2020 ranking of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Personal Life

In 2015, Lamar got engaged to Whitney Alford, and they share two children: daughter Uzi and son Enoch.

Kendrick has transitioned from being a cannabis user to embracing a devout Christian faith. Although he initially expressed intentions not to vote in the 2012 presidential election, he later changed his stance, announcing plans to vote for Barack Obama.

Real Estate

• In 2013, Kendrick purchased a modest home in Eastvale, California, for $523,400.
• He acquired a home in a gated community in Calabasas for $2.65 million in 2017.
• In October 2019, Kendrick bought a property in Manhattan Beach, California, for $9.7 million.
• In December 2022, he made a purchase of $16 million in the Bel Air neighborhood of LA.
• Kendrick paid $8.6 million for a four-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, NY, in November 2023.
• Finally, in May 2024, he spent $40 million on a mansion in LA’s Brentwood neighborhood.