No one has garnered as much attention as Kendrick Lamar in recent weeks. The accolades and praise keep flowing in. Some people point to “Not Like Us” as his magnum opus, marking his success and noting its origins as a diss track. This achievement is merely the fruit of a meticulously nurtured foundation. Kendrick has cultivated this foundation organically, honing his skills through personal practice and formal education, including time spent at UCLA. For those curious about the legitimacy of his rumored attendance there, the institution has confirmed that the creative has refined his craft at their esteemed university.
Lamar and Polishing the Pen
Polish only comes after building, and Lamar has been honing his craft for years. He didn’t just start writing verses to defeat an opponent; he’s been using his pen to give voice to complex narratives for a long time, drawing from his own experiences as well as those of his people, his community, and a broader audience.
Lamar has made the most of his 37 years. Though he started where many do, he has risen and excelled. While much of this can be attributed to his talent, one cannot overlook the importance of nurture. The seeds of his success were planted in his youth as he was crafting stories long before transforming them into lyrical narratives under the pen name K Dot.
On His Way Up
Lamar’s initial encounter with mainstream success occurred in 2012 with the release of his project “good Kid, m.A.A.d City.” However, this was merely a step in his ongoing journey. He persisted in proving to the world that he was far from a one-time sensation. Lamar represented the essence of a modern poet with a penchant for depth and symbolism in his works. He was eventually recognized for these qualities. As noted by Biography,
“He made history when his record DAMN. became the first of its genre to earn a Pulitzer Prize in 2018.”
Distinction Earned
Those familiar with what it takes to earn a Pulitzer understand that these awards are reserved for the most esteemed and accomplished individuals in the literary world. However, it wasn’t this achievement that had the entire global population buzzing, drawing attention to this young artist. It was his bold display of confidence during his message at the 2025 Super Bowl that stirred more than just controversy.
At first glance, his message at the 2025 Super Bowl appeared to be a repetition of his response to a rap battle with Drake, but that was only a small part of the narrative. This moment cemented his skill in weaving deeper, more powerful messages into his art through an artistic presentation. It’s not just about the music; there’s much more to unpack here.
K. Dot Levels Up
Recently, a photo has been circulating on social media showing Kendrick Lamar in a classroom, reportedly taken on the UCLA campus. Some were surprised, while many praised the virtues of an artist demonstrating intellectual depth. Others questioned the authenticity of the photo, wondering if it was genuine or simply a staged photo op.
Kendrick Lamar and UCLA: The Confirmation
UCLA has confirmed that this is not a publicity stunt—Lamar truly did attend the University. As an X account notes,
“The University of California, Los Angeles, confirmed K. Dot’s attendance via Twitter, noting that the pictures are from 2022. But the lesson remains the same—UCLA is where you level up.”
For those familiar with hip-hop artists, this isn’t particularly unusual.
Artists earn their titles for a reason. Many achieve this distinction due to their diverse talents or unique ability to deliver messages in unprecedented ways. A significant number of artists have pursued or are currently pursuing higher education.
Hip-Hop Community and Education
Success in the entertainment industry demands more than just talent; it requires intelligence. This isn’t to say there haven’t been many who are seen as lacking business acumen. However, an equal number are recognized as intellectuals who have pursued advanced studies. This group includes Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Megan Thee Stallion, Ludacris, and Childish Gambino—just a few who have walked the hallowed halls of higher learning.
What is particularly intriguing about Lamar’s continued focus is the surprise it elicits. Considering Kendrick Lamar’s body of work and accomplishments, his intellect and level of education should be unquestionable and hardly surprising. Yet, here we are.
Lamar and the “Us”
As we wrap up a month dedicated to celebrating and highlighting African-American history, it’s important to remember that excellence doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s not just a product of talent, skill, or ability alone. Instead, excellence arises from a combination of factors—a fusion of hard work, study, and talent. This blend is what has allowed Kendrick Lamar to achieve his high level of creativity. One last thing worth noting is that such a combination is a common thread within the community.
Written by: Renae Richardson
