The West Coast King: 5 Ways Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 Domination Redefined Hip-Hop

The year 2024 will be permanently etched in hip-hop history as the moment Kendrick Lamar reasserted his dominance, not just as a rapper, but as a cultural force. In a season of unprecedented lyrical warfare, Lamar executed a strategic, surgical, and ultimately seismic campaign that culminated in one of the genre’s most celebrated victory laps. This article, updated in December 2025, dissects the most recent, fresh, and impactful moments that cemented his status as the undisputed King of the West Coast and a global icon.

The events of the past year, particularly the highly-publicized feud, transcended mere music; they became a flashpoint for discussions on authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the very soul of hip-hop. From chart-topping diss tracks to a historic Juneteenth concert, Kendrick Lamar’s movements in 2024 were calculated masterstrokes that continue to shape the industry landscape today.

The Undisputed Profile: Biography and Essential Discography

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, has established a legacy that few artists across any genre can match. Rising from the streets of Compton, his narrative depth, lyrical complexity, and commitment to social commentary quickly set him apart from his peers. His early career saw him sign with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), where he became a key figure in the Black Hippy collective alongside Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul.

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His accolades are staggering, including a historic 22 Grammy Awards, making him the third-most awarded rapper in Grammy history. Most notably, in 2018, his album DAMN. made history by becoming the first non-jazz or classical work to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Music. This recognition underscored his transition from a rap superstar to a genuine literary and cultural figure.

• Real Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Born: June 17, 1987 (Compton, California)
• Key Studio Albums:
  • Section.80 (2011)
  • good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)
  • To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
  • DAMN. (2017)
  • Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022)
• Major Accolades: Pulitzer Prize for Music (2018), 22 Grammy Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards.

The 2024 Feud: The Cultural Earthquake of "Not Like Us"

The rap world experienced a seismic shift in early 2024 with the eruption of the long-simmering rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Canadian rapper Drake. This highly-anticipated lyrical battle began in earnest with Lamar’s verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” which directly challenged Drake’s perceived status in the rap hierarchy.

The back-and-forth escalated rapidly, featuring a series of intense diss tracks from both sides. Drake’s responses included "Family Matters," while Lamar delivered a barrage of tracks, most notably "Euphoria," "6:16 in LA," and the final, devastating blow: "Not Like Us."

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The track "Not Like Us" was not merely a diss song; it became a cultural phenomenon. Released on May 4, 2024, the song’s infectious West Coast beat and brutal, specific accusations—including claims of being a "groomer," "sellout," and "culture vulture"—resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. The track quickly dominated the charts, earning Kendrick Lamar the most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024. Its success was so overwhelming that it was widely cited as the definitive end of the feud, marking a significant win for Lamar and a "spiritual purge" in the hip-hop community.

The song's impact extended beyond music, becoming a political and cultural rallying cry. The repeated refrain, "They Not Like Us," was adopted in various social contexts, solidifying the track's place in the cultural lexicon and highlighting the deep-seated issues of authenticity and regional pride within the genre.

The Pop Out: Ken & Friends—The Ultimate Victory Lap

Following the chart success and cultural dominance of "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar staged his first major public performance since the feud: "The Pop Out: Ken & Friends." Held on Juneteenth (June 19, 2024) at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, the one-off concert was designed as a celebration of West Coast unity and a definitive statement of his victory.

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The event was a masterclass in topical authority, featuring a historic reunion of the Black Hippy members (Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul) and appearances from legendary West Coast figures like Dr. Dre, The Game, Tyler, the Creator, and Roddy Ricch. This gathering of Los Angeles heavyweights was a powerful visual and symbolic moment, confirming Lamar's status as the region's cultural leader.

The concert’s peak moment came when Lamar performed "Not Like Us" five times in a row, leading the entire arena in a triumphant, cathartic singalong. This deliberate repetition transformed the diss track into an anthem of communal pride, effectively turning a personal rivalry into a collective cultural moment. The concert was hailed by fans and viewers online as a legendary event, solidifying its place as a monumental occasion in hip-hop history.

The Enduring Legacy and Future of King Kendrick

Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 campaign has had a lasting effect on his legacy, demonstrating that his creative power and cultural influence are stronger than ever. The strategic use of his music to address industry politics and social themes, from the complexities of the music business to the exploitation of hip-hop culture, has only deepened his critical acclaim.

His ability to dominate the conversation and the charts in 2024—even without a full studio album release—underscores a unique position in modern music. He continues to be a benchmark for lyrical excellence and conceptual artistry, influencing a new generation of rappers. The success of "Not Like Us" and the spectacle of "The Pop Out" concert suggest that his career is now defined not just by albums, but by high-impact, culturally significant moments.

As of late 2025, the anticipation for his next move is immense. Whether it’s a new album that follows the introspective path of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers or a continuation of his role as the genre’s moral compass, Kendrick Lamar remains the most compelling and essential voice in contemporary music. His 2024 performance was a clear declaration: the King of Compton is also the King of the Culture, and his reign is absolute.