Bumbershoot

Inspired by DMX’s debut album, Kendrick Lamar began writing rhymes when he was 13. At age 16, he stepped into a recording booth for the first time, where he found not only his voice, but a safe haven from the violent gang wars going on in his neighborhood. Lamar's profile continued to rise when Snoop Dogg, The Game and Dr. Dre labeled him "The New King of the West" and XXL Magazine gave him a coveted spot on their "2011 Freshman" cover. In 2012, his major label and gold-certified debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, was welcomed with critical acclaim, making year-end best of album lists that included Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and NPR.