Follow the Leaders: Kendrick Lamar

The West Coast golden child hits the Hip Hop Awards stage!

Follow the Leaders: Kendrick Lamar - With every generation of hip hop there comes a universally respected golden child whose backbone is rooted in lyricism and a fundamental understanding of rap's history. The '80s had Rakim, the '90s had Nas and the early 2000s had Kanye West. For this generation, the next artist to seemingly come from that mold appears to be Kendrick Lamar. A Compton native who draws inspiration from other hometown rap legends, Lamar makes it clear that he is a scholar first and that his destiny as an artist following in their footsteps is simply history in the making. (Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images)

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Follow the Leaders: Kendrick Lamar - With every generation of hip hop there comes a universally respected golden child whose backbone is rooted in lyricism and a fundamental understanding of rap's history. The '80s had Rakim, the '90s had Nas and the early 2000s had Kanye West. For this generation, the next artist to seemingly come from that mold appears to be Kendrick Lamar. A Compton native who draws inspiration from other hometown rap legends, Lamar makes it clear that he is a scholar first and that his destiny as an artist following in their footsteps is simply history in the making. (Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images)

Kendrick Matters - Kendrick Lamar took his show on the road in the fall of 2012 as the headliner of BET's Music Matters Tour, hitting 26 dates with supporting acts, including Stalley, ScHoolboy Q and more.  (Photo: Aaron Davidson/FilmMagic)

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The K.Dot Era - Originally going by the name K.Dot, Lamar released several independent albums from the time he was in high school well into his early adulthood. Eventually more established artists would catch on to his music and create a moderate buzz. After dropping K.Dot as his stage name in favor of his government, he would release his self-titled EP, Kendrick Lamar EP.(Photo: Aaron Davidson/FilmMagic)

Black Hippy - The name for this indie super-group might throw you off, but the lineup has four of the Left Coast's most promising up-and-comers: Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q and BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher alum Kendrick Lamar. They've leaked a few dope freestyles, and Jay Rock recently promised that their first album will drop next spring. (Photo: Top Dawg Entertainment)

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The Black Hippy Movement - From left: Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q. Kendrick Lamar is one-fourth of the Cali supergroup Black Hippy. All four were signed to indie label Top Dawg before receiving major label attention. (Photo: Interscope)

Compton's Own - Kendrick Lamar teamed with mentor Dr. Dre for the first ever performance of their collaborative effort, the Scoop DeVille-produced "The Recipe," live on stage during night three of Coachella.(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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The Great Leap - In 2010, Kendrick received a huge career push when rap legend and fellow Compton native Dr. Dre stated that he wanted to work with the burgeoning rap star. The mixtape which caught Dre's attention, Overly Dedicated, was well-received by music critics everywhere. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

"Black Boy Fly" - This track alone justifies the extra three dollars for the deluxe edition of the album. Kendrick Lamar is at his introspective best, breaking down crabs-in-a-barrel jealousy and poignantly name-dropping Compton heroes the Game and Arron Afflalo over mournful Rhodes chords.   (Photo: Solomon Scott / BET)

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Cover Material - With the cosigns pouring in, Lamar eventually got picked to be part of the XXL Freshmen Class cover in 2011. (Photo: Solomon Scott / BET)

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Best Live Performer: Kendrick Lamar - To see Kendrick Lamar perform is to grasp a spellbinding look at hip hop’s future. Through elite talent, a seasoned stage presence well beyond his years and a genuine connection with his diverse fan base, K. Dot leaves no doubt as to why he commands the respect of his peers and supporters alike. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

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Legacy - Eventually, Kendrick would be joined on stage by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, who deemed him the next King of the West. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

Photo By Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella

Black Hippy Assembles - 2011 was also the year that Kendrick's crew, Black Hippy, began to break through. Also featuring his TDE labelmates Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul, the foursome released a series of banging freestyles and collabos. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

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m.A.A.D. Buzz - Kendrick's follow up to Overly Dedicated, Section .80, was also met with positive reviews. Released on iTunes, the album received over 5,000 downloads and built heavy buzz for his upcoming major label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d, city. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

"Good Kid" - Pharrell unleashes one of his spookiest, bluesiest beats yet, absent the computer-love synth bloops his work with Chad Hugo is known for. His hook channels Roy Ayers' "We Live in Brooklyn Baby," while Kendrick, the titular good kid, raps of unwanted run-ins with the gang members and corrupt cops that help make Compton a "m.A.A.d. city."   (Photo: Landis/PictureGroup)

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Kendrick Matters Pt. I - Kendrick Lamar appeared at the 2012 SXSW Music Festival for the BET Music Matters Artist Showcase. His performance drew much praise and would set the template for his tour.(Photo: Landis/PictureGroup)

In the Spotlight - Lamar took a break from working on his debut album to appear in one of the the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards cyphers. (Photo:  Brad Barket/PictureGroup)

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Cypher Alumni - Kendrick Lamar staked his claim at last year's Hip Hop Awards when he participated in the Cypher. Holding his own amongst the likes of B.o.B., MGK, Tech N9ne and Big K.R.I.T., Lamar rounded out the event with his dose of West Coast flavor. (Photo: Brad Barket/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo:  Brad Barket/PictureGroup

Kendrick Takes Over\r  - Music Matters' Kendrick Lamar hits the stage as the host of BET's 106 & Park. The Compton hip hop artist has become a breakout star due to his potent lyrics and young music genius, which he shared with yesterday's audience.\r(photo: John Ricard / BET)

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Kendrick Matters Pt. II - In late August 2012, Kendrick stopped by 106 to let fans know he would embark on a 23-city tour through BET's Music Matters franchise. Since the tour has began, he has been greeted with sold out shows and met fans from all parts of the country. (Photo: John Ricard / BET)

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For the Fam - Despite much of the attention that Kendrick has received, he continues to promote Black Hippy as a group and movement. Their appearance at Rock the Bells was a breath of fresh air and gave fans hope for renewed interest in the Left Coast. (Photo: C Flanigan/WireImage)

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For the Fam - Despite much of the attention that Kendrick has received, he continues to promote Black Hippy as a group and movement. Their appearance at Rock the Bells was a breath of fresh air and gave fans hope for renewed interest in the Left Coast. (Photo: C Flanigan/WireImage)

Born Ready - With all eyes on the West Coast wunderkind, Kendrick continues to ride his wave of success with a performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Tune in October 9 at 8P/7C to watch hip hop's next superstar tear it up!  (Photo: John Ricard / BET)

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Born Ready - With all eyes on the West Coast wunderkind, Kendrick continues to ride his wave of success with a performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Tune in October 9 at 8P/7C to watch hip hop's next superstar tear it up!  (Photo: John Ricard / BET)