Evolution of Kendrick Lamar's Style Journey

Kendrick Lamar Winning the Fashion Beef
Where streetwear meets sophistication, and Compton's grit transforms into high-fashion allure
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BY Anni Leppälä

In the realm of hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar isn't just a lyrical genius; he's also a style icon whose fashion choices reverberate far beyond the music industry.

From his humble beginnings in Compton to his rise to superstardom, Kendrick has continuously pushed the boundaries of fashion, blending streetwear aesthetics with high-fashion sophistication in a way that's uniquely his own.

Some controversy has been spreading surrounding his clout. But one thing is for certain and that is that he is always going to have fashion clout.

The Early Years

Credit: @kendricklamarworld

Kendrick Lamar's style journey began against the backdrop of Compton, where he embraced a laid-back West Coast vibe infused with urban grit.

Credit: @kendricklamar

Hoodies, baggy jeans, and classic sneakers were staples of his early wardrobe, reflecting both his surroundings and his personal journey as an artist navigating the complexities of life in South Los Angeles.

The Rise to Fame

As Kendrick's star began to ascend with the release of his critically acclaimed albums like "good kid, m.A.A.d city" and "To Pimp a Butterfly," his fashion sense evolved in tandem with his musical prowess.

Credit: @parsons

He started experimenting with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and statement accessories, showcasing a newfound confidence and sophistication on red carpets and magazine covers alike.

The Maverick Visionary

Kendrick Lamar at Saturday Night Live, New York, October 2022. Credit: NBC

What truly sets Kendrick Lamar apart in the world of fashion is his fearless approach to experimentation and self-expression.

Kendrick performed alongside Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem at the 2022 Super Bowl. Credit: Kevin Mazur

Whether he's rocking a tailored suit with a twist or embracing avant-garde streetwear ensembles, Kendrick consistently challenges conventional norms and blurs the lines between genres, genders, and cultures through his sartorial choices.

Kendrick Lamar wearing a sweat suit by the British - Jamaican designer; Martine Rose, at the 2023 Grammys. They released a collaboration in November 2023

The Legacy Continues

Credit: @jojoruski

As Kendrick Lamar's influence extends far beyond the realm of music, his impact on fashion remains indelible.

Credit: @kendricklamar

Kendrick Lamar Collaborations

From collaborating with iconic brands like Nike and Reebok to gracing the covers of fashion magazines like GQ and Vogue, Kendrick continues to shape the conversation around style, identity, and individuality in the 21st century.

Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather in 2016. Credit: sneakerfreaker.com

Since his first collaborative sneaker release in 2015, he has worked on a total of 12 collaborations.

Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez Kenny 1 in 2018. Credit: sneakerfreaker.com
pgLang x Converse Chuck 70 and Pro Leather. Credit: sneakerfreaker.com

Kendrick Lamar with Chanel

Virginie Viard teamed up with top collaborators for today's Chanel haute couture show.

She worked with Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free to create a short film called "The Button," released alongside the collection.

This whimsical and intriguing film explores the concept of "time and transmission." Lamar and Free, who are partners in the independent communication and production company pgLang, shared their thoughts on the project backstage.

Kendrick Lamar, Dave Free, Anna Mouglalis, Margaret Qualley, Naomi Campbell, and Virginie Viard. Credit: Malick Bodian / Courtesy © Chanel
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