3 Defining Kendrick Lamar GQ Magazine Covers: From Controversy To Creative Control

Few artists in hip-hop history command the respect and scrutiny of Kendrick Lamar, and his relationship with high-profile publications like GQ Magazine is a perfect reflection of his career's arc. Over the past decade, the Compton native has graced the magazine's cover multiple times, with each feature marking a significant moment in his journey—from a rising star whose profile caused a major industry controversy to an undisputed icon who dictates the terms of his own creative narrative. As of December 15, 2025, his features remain pivotal case studies in the intersection of celebrity, media, and artistic integrity.

This article explores the three most defining Kendrick Lamar covers and interviews with GQ, detailing the context, the controversy, and the evolution of his public persona, demonstrating why these features continue to be analyzed by fans and critics alike.

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth: A Brief Biography

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, is universally regarded as one of the most influential and technically proficient rappers of his generation. Named after The Temptations singer Eddie Kendricks, his early life in Compton heavily influenced his seminal work.

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• Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Born: June 17, 1987
• Birthplace: Compton, California, U.S.
• Label: Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Aftermath, Interscope
• Notable Albums: good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), DAMN. (2017), Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022)
• Key Achievements: Pulitzer Prize for Music (the first non-classical or jazz artist to win), multiple Grammy Awards, numerous platinum certifications.
• Affiliations: Black Hippy (with Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul)

1. The 2013 'Rapper of the Year' Cover: The TDE Controversy

The first major cover that cemented Kendrick Lamar's status as a mainstream force was the December 2013 "Man of the Year" issue, where he was crowned "Rapper of the Year." This feature arrived just over a year after the release of his critically acclaimed major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, and was intended to be a celebratory moment.

The Disrespect and 'Cultural Tourism' Accusation

Instead of being an unbridled celebration, the article, written by Steve Marsh, quickly spiraled into a controversy that highlighted the tension between a major media outlet and a fiercely protective artistic camp. Marsh’s piece focused heavily on the discipline and sobriety of Lamar and the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) crew, with lines that TDE’s CEO, Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, found highly offensive.

The core of the issue was the perceived misrepresentation and "cultural tourism" in the way Marsh framed the TDE team. Tiffith released a strongly worded statement, claiming the article was "racist" and "disrespectful."

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• Key Quote of Contention: Tiffith specifically refuted a statement in the article, saying, "To say he was 'surprised at our discipline' is completely disrespectful."
• The Result: In protest, Tiffith pulled Kendrick Lamar from his scheduled performance at GQ's annual Man of the Year party.
• Significance: This event established Lamar and TDE's unwillingness to compromise their narrative or accept superficial media portrayals, setting a precedent for his future press interactions. It became a viral moment, forcing a wider conversation about how mainstream media covers hip-hop artists.

2. The 'GQ Style' Cover: The Rick Rubin Dialogue

A few years later, following the monumental success of To Pimp a Butterfly and leading into the creative space that would birth DAMN., Kendrick Lamar appeared on the cover of GQ Style magazine. This feature, unlike the 2013 piece, demonstrated a significant shift in control and intention. The magazine paired Lamar with legendary super-producer and Def Jam co-founder, Rick Rubin, for the interview.

A Meeting of Masters on Process and Meditation

The conversation between Lamar and Rubin was a deep, philosophical dive into the creative process, a stark contrast to the biographical and sometimes sensationalist focus of the 2013 article. It was revealed that the two had never met before the interview, making the dialogue a genuine first-time exchange between two massive forces in music.

The interview explored complex topics, including:

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• The Creative Process: Lamar discussed his methods for writing and his commitment to the craft, emphasizing that he puts in enough hours to "pen a hundred-bar verse on the spot."
• Meditation and Spirituality: Both artists discussed the role of meditation and inner peace in their work, revealing a shared focus on mental discipline and clarity.
• Artistic Purpose: Lamar reiterated his desire for his music to not be classified, but rather to be seen as a reflection of his "true feelings, his true emotions, ideas, thoughts."

This feature was a masterclass in topical authority, using the magazine as a platform for an elevated discussion on artistry rather than celebrity gossip or controversy. It showed Lamar asserting his control by engaging with a peer and legend on his own intellectual and creative terms.

3. The Latest Feature: The SZA Interview and Vulnerability

In what is considered one of his most recent major features, Kendrick Lamar was again featured by GQ, this time in a conversation with his Top Dawg Entertainment labelmate and frequent collaborator, SZA. This feature highlights the evolution of Lamar's public persona, moving toward greater vulnerability and trust.

Trust, Chemistry, and Navigating the Beef

The choice of SZA as the interviewer was deliberate, providing an intimate, internal perspective that only a friend and long-time creative partner could offer. SZA spoke highly of their creative chemistry, noting that when working with Lamar, she "doesn't ask any questions" and trusts his creative instincts completely.

This interview delved into personal territory, exploring:

• Vulnerability: The discussion touched on personal aspects of Lamar’s life, including his childhood and the themes of vulnerability present in his music, especially in the context of his recent albums.
• Creative Trust: SZA detailed the depth of their professional relationship, emphasizing the mutual respect that allows them to push creative boundaries without friction.
• The Industry Landscape: More recently, SZA even had to navigate questions regarding the high-profile rap feuds, further cementing the feature as a current and relevant snapshot of the hip-hop ecosystem.

The SZA interview represents the final stage of Kendrick Lamar’s relationship with GQ: a position of complete authority. He and his team now choose the interviewer, the context, and the narrative, ensuring that the resulting piece is not "cultural tourism" but an authentic, unvarnished look into the mind of a modern icon.