Kendrick Lamar's parents came from humble beginnings and worked their way to provide for their family. Now that their eldest son reached success, Lamar can't help but look back and be grateful for his parents' love and sacrifice.
Before Kendrick Lamar became the famous rapper the world knows today, he came from a middle-class environment. His parents, Paula Oliver, and Kenny Duckworth were simple people who worked hard to provide for their children.
Oliver and Duckworth raised their family in a home along West 137th Street, California. They knew their son was talented but worried about where Lamar's career would go.
Kendrick Lamar during the 2016 MTV Movie Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on April 9, 2016, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
The rapper would drive Oliver's van to the studio with the gas tank almost drained. At 22, Lamar was still living in his parental home with a slow career progression, whereas Duckworth had already saved up money to build a family at that age.
However, Duckworth had been through a lot before reaching stability in his life. Thanks to his wife, he got out of the gangster lifestyle.
Kendrick Lamar's Parents Moved from Chicago, Where His Father Was a Gangster
Kendrick Lamar's parents moved from Chicago's South Side to Compton, California, three years before welcoming him. Duckworth lived in Robert Taylor Homes and was a part of the street gang Gangster Disciples. Oliver gave her husband an ultimatum, making him choose between her and his gang.
Kendrick Lamar during the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 27, 2017, in Inglewood, California. | Source: Getty Images
With only $500, the couple moved to California. Both worked in fast-food chains: Kendrick Lamar's father at Kentucky Fried Chicken and his mother at McDonalds. Eventually, they saved enough money to get an apartment and start a family.
Kendrick Lamar's mother and father worked to give him a good childhood. However, Lamar was also exposed to riots in the neighborhood, especially when the LA police physically hurt Rodney King. Lamar recalled:
"We stop, and my pops goes into the Auto-Zome and comes out rolling four tires. I know he didn't buy them. I'm like, 'What's going on?'"
Kendrick Lamar during Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 23, 2017, in Indio, California. | Source: Getty Images
"We were all taking stuff. That's the way it was in the riots," Duckworth explained. Although his parents earned for their family, the rapper, and his siblings would rely on welfare. Lamar remembers living off food stamps and getting evicted from their home. At one point, he realized his father's work schedule didn't add up.
When he got older, he speculated Duckworth was making money off the streets. "They wanted to keep me innocent," Lamar said. "I love them for that."
Kendrick Lamar's Parents Helped Him Stay Out of Trouble
Thanks to his parents, Lamar escaped the problematic life. When he wasn't with friends, he focused on his music, which also helped him steer clear of trouble. Oliver allowed Lamar to stay out until morning because she knew his activities.
Kendrick Lamar's parents didn't come from Chicago's Black Panther side. They did their best to navigate challenges without putting pressure on their family.
Kendrick Lamar's Relationship with His Parents
Lamar has a good relationship with his parents, who remain supportive of his career. He once tweeted a screenshot of his conversation with Oliver, showing how loving, encouraging, and proud she was of her son.
Kendrick Lamar during the NCAA March Madness Music Festival Day 2 at Discovery Green on April 2, 2016, in Houston, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Lamar has written a song about his father, titled "Duckworth." He also once shared about his music producer almost robbing the KFC where Duckworth worked. Kendrick Lamar is now a dad, sharing a daughter with his fiancee, Whitney Alford.
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