Kendrick Lamar, the critically acclaimed rapper and songwriter, is known not only for his groundbreaking music but also for his distinctive style, particularly his hairstyles. Lamar's ever-evolving hairdos have become as iconic as his lyrics, often reflecting his personal growth and artistic journey. Let's delve into the world of Kendrick Lamar's hairstyles, exploring their significance and how they've changed over the years.
Kendrick Lamar's Early Hairstyles: The Cornrows and Fades
In the early stages of his career, Kendrick Lamar sported a classic hip-hop look - cornrows and fades. This style, popularized by many rappers in the late 90s and early 2000s, was a nod to the genre's roots. The cornrows, often lined with beads, were a symbol of pride and cultural heritage, while the fades gave a clean, sharp look.
Lamar's cornrows were typically parted down the middle, with the hair on the sides and back faded short. This style was a staple for him during the release of his first studio album, "good kid, m.A.A.d city" (2012), and his early appearances on TV shows and award ceremonies.
The Afro: A Symbol of Empowerment and Awareness
In 2015, Kendrick Lamar made a significant change to his hairstyle, growing out his hair into a full Afro. This style, often associated with the Black Power movement, was a powerful statement about his cultural identity and a symbol of empowerment.
Lamar's Afro was not just a fashion statement; it was a political one. It coincided with the release of his album "To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015), which explored themes of black empowerment, self-awareness, and social justice. The Afro, with its natural, unapologetic look, was a visual representation of these themes.
Variations of the Afro
- The Curly Top Fade: Lamar often paired his Afro with a fade on the sides and back, leaving the top curly and full. This style, seen in the "Alright" music video, added a touch of elegance to the Afro.
- The Afro Puff: For a more casual look, Lamar would sometimes tie his Afro into a puff at the top of his head. This style was a nod to the natural hair movement and a celebration of black beauty.
Kendrick Lamar's Hairstyles in the DAMN. Era: The Locs and the Buzz Cut
With the release of his album "DAMN." in 2017, Lamar introduced two new hairstyles - locs and a buzz cut. The locs, a style where the hair is allowed to form into dreadlocks naturally, were a continuation of his exploration of his African heritage. They also symbolized growth and maturity, reflecting the themes of his album.
The buzz cut, on the other hand, was a stark contrast to his previous hairstyles. It was a clean, simple look that allowed Lamar's facial features to take center stage. This style was seen in the music video for "HUMBLE." and was a departure from the more elaborate hairstyles of his past.
Kendrick Lamar's Hairstyles Today: The Man Braid and the Top Knot
In recent years, Kendrick Lamar has been seen sporting two new hairstyles - the man braid and the top knot. The man braid, a long braid that starts at the top of the head and goes down the back, is a style that Lamar has worn in various forms over the years. It's a style that's both practical and stylish, perfect for a busy rapper on the go.
The top knot, a style where the hair is tied into a knot at the top of the head, is a more recent addition to Lamar's hairstyle repertoire. It's a style that's both casual and cool, reflecting Lamar's laid-back, yet confident, persona.
Kendrick Lamar's Hairstyles: A Reflection of His Artistic Journey
Kendrick Lamar's hairstyles are more than just fashion statements. They're a reflection of his artistic journey, his cultural identity, and his personal growth. From the cornrows of his early career to the locs and buzz cuts of his more mature albums, Lamar's hairstyles have evolved with him, always staying true to who he is as an artist and as a person.
Lamar's hairstyles have also had a significant impact on popular culture. They've inspired countless fans to embrace their natural hair and to express themselves through their hairstyles. In this way, Lamar's hairstyles are not just a part of his personal style, but a part of a larger cultural conversation about identity, expression, and empowerment.
