Kendrick Lamar is a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper, a lyrical genius, and a cultural icon. But beyond his music, there’s a lot about him that’s shrouded in mystery. From his quirky habits to his unexpected inspirations, here are some weird and lesser-known facts about Kendrick Lamar that will make you see him in a whole new light.
1. Kendrick Lamar’s Real Name Isn’t Actually Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s full name is Kendrick Lamar Duckworth. The name “Duckworth” comes from his father, Kenny Duckworth. Interestingly, Kendrick’s stage name is a combination of his first name and middle name, Lamar.
He dropped “Duckworth” early in his career, but it’s still a part of his identity. He references his last name in the song DUCKWORTH. from his album DAMN., where he tells the story of how his father’s encounter with Top Dawg Entertainment’s CEO, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, could have changed his life forever.
2. He Was a Straight-A Student in High School
Before he was a rap superstar, Kendrick was a model student. He attended Centennial High School in Compton, California, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA. Despite growing up in a neighborhood plagued by gang violence, Kendrick focused on his studies and even skipped a grade. His dedication to academics shows that his intellectual depth and lyrical prowess didn’t come out of nowhere—they were cultivated from a young age.
3. Kendrick Lamar’s First Stage Name Was “K-Dot”
Before he became Kendrick Lamar, he went by the stage name K-Dot. Under this name, he released a series of mixtapes that gained local attention in Compton. He was only 16 when he dropped his first project, Youngest Head Nigga in Charge (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year).
The name “K-Dot” was a nod to his youthful energy and his status as a rising star in the rap game. He eventually dropped the name to embrace his real identity, but old-school fans still remember his K-Dot days.
4. He’s a Huge Fan of The Boondocks and Used It as Inspiration
Kendrick Lamar is a huge fan of the animated series The Boondocks, created by Aaron McGruder. The show’s sharp social commentary and unapologetic critique of systemic issues deeply influenced Kendrick’s music. He even sampled the show’s theme song in his track HiiiPoWeR from his 2011 album Section.80. The show’s themes of resilience, identity, and resistance resonate strongly with Kendrick’s own artistic vision.
5. Kendrick Lamar Has a Fear of Flying
Despite his global fame, Kendrick Lamar has a well-documented fear of flying. This phobia has caused him to miss major events, including the 2018 Grammy Awards, where he was nominated for multiple awards. To cope, he often travels by bus for tours, even if it means spending days on the road. His fear of flying adds a layer of relatability to the larger-than-life artist, showing that even superstars have their vulnerabilities.
6. He Was a Teenage Father Figure to His Younger Cousin
Kendrick Lamar’s younger cousin, Baby Keem, is also a rapper and producer. What many people don’t know is that Kendrick played a significant role in Keem’s upbringing. When Keem was just a kid, Kendrick acted as a father figure to him, guiding him through life and music. The two have since collaborated on tracks like Family Ties and Range Brothers, showcasing their deep bond.
7. Kendrick Lamar’s Lyrics Are Studied at Universities
Kendrick’s music isn’t just entertainment—it’s academia. His lyrics have been analyzed in college courses across the U.S. For example, Georgia Regents University offered a course called “Kendrick Lamar and the Making of Black Meaning,” which explored the themes of race, identity, and social justice in his work. His Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. is often cited as a modern masterpiece, blending complex storytelling with profound cultural commentary.
8. He Almost Became a Foot Locker Employee
Before his music career took off, Kendrick Lamar applied for a job at Foot Locker. He didn’t get the job, and in hindsight, it’s one of the best rejections in history. Kendrick has referenced this moment in his music, joking about how his life could have turned out differently if he had been hired. It’s a reminder that even the greatest artists face setbacks before finding their path.
9. Kendrick Lamar’s Favorite Food Is Cheesecake
In a 2012 interview with Complex, Kendrick revealed that his favorite food is cheesecake. He even joked that he could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This quirky fact humanizes the rapper, showing that even someone as intense and introspective as Kendrick has a sweet tooth.
10. He’s a Huge Michael Jackson Fan
Kendrick Lamar has cited Michael Jackson as one of his biggest influences. He’s often spoken about how Jackson’s ability to blend music with storytelling and performance inspired him to push the boundaries of his own art. In fact, Kendrick’s 2016 Grammy performance, where he appeared in chains and performed The Blacker the Berry and Alright, was a direct homage to Jackson’s iconic stage presence.
11. Kendrick Lamar Has a Secret Alter Ego Named “Kung Fu Kenny”
During the promotion of his album DAMN., Kendrick introduced the world to his alter ego, Kung Fu Kenny. Inspired by martial arts films and the legendary Bruce Lee, Kung Fu Kenny represents Kendrick’s fighting spirit and resilience. He even brought the character to life during his live performances, complete with martial arts choreography and cinematic visuals.
12. He’s a Private Person Who Rarely Does Interviews
Despite being one of the most famous rappers in the world, Kendrick Lamar is notoriously private. He rarely gives interviews and prefers to let his music speak for itself. When he does open up, it’s usually in a controlled environment, like his 2018 interview with Vanity Fair, where he discussed his creative process and the pressures of fame.
13. Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize Was a Historic Moment
In 2018, Kendrick Lamar made history by becoming the first non-classical or jazz artist to win a Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album DAMN. The Pulitzer Board described the album as “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.” This award cemented Kendrick’s status as not just a rapper, but a cultural force.
14. He’s a Perfectionist Who Records Hundreds of Takes
Kendrick Lamar is known for his meticulous approach to music. He’s a perfectionist who often records hundreds of takes for a single verse to ensure it’s just right. This dedication to his craft is evident in the complexity and precision of his lyrics, which are often layered with multiple meanings and references.
15. Kendrick Lamar’s Favorite Word Is “Compton”
Kendrick Lamar is proud of his roots, and his favorite word is “Compton.” He’s often said that Compton is more than just a city—it’s a mindset, a struggle, and a source of inspiration. His love for his hometown is evident in his music, where he frequently pays homage to the streets that shaped him.
Conclusion
Kendrick Lamar is more than just a rapper—he’s a poet, a storyteller, and a cultural icon. These weird and wonderful facts about him reveal the layers of complexity that make him one of the most fascinating artists of our time. Whether it’s his fear of flying, his love for cheesecake, or his historic Pulitzer Prize, Kendrick Lamar continues to surprise and inspire us.
What’s your favorite Kendrick Lamar fact? Let us know in the comments below!
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.