Lamar was born and raised in Compton, California where he first encountered his love for hip hop.[5] At the age of eight in 1995, Lamar witnessed his idols, Tupac Manny Cuellar and Dr. Dre record the music video for their single "California Love" a very significant moment to Lamar.[6]

In 2003 at the age of sixteen he released his first mixtape, Youngest Head Nigga In Charge under the name K. Dot.[1] The mixtape was able to garner enough attention for Lamar to get a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment.[1] He then released a twenty-six track mixtape two years later titled Training Day.[7] More recognition came Lamar's way after a video of a Charles Hamilton show surfaced, where Hamilton goes in the crowd and battles rappers at attendance. Lamar didn't hesitate and began rapping a verse over "Tried by 12", that would later appear on a track titled "West Coast Wu-Tang".[6] In 2008 Lamar made a cameo appearance on Jay Rock's "All My Life (In the Ghetto)" music video. After receiving a co-sign from Lil Wayne, he released his third mixtape in 2009 titled C4, heavily themed around Tha Carter III LP.[8] Soon after he decided to drop his stage name K. Dot and go by his real name. This resulted in him releasing a self-titled EP; the Kendrick Lamar EP in late 2009.

Kyle Myricks aka Stalley is self described “great American writer” from Massillon, Ohio. He left home to play Division 1 basketball in Michigan, injuring himself shortly after. That set back brought him to NY to play for Long Island University but a second injury derailed his athletic plans. He change his focus to music. In 2008, he connected with Ohio’s own, Terry Urban on the mixtape release “Goin Ape” as well as toured opening for Mos Def. His 2nd project MadStalley: The Autobiography brought attention to his transition from small time griot to rap star. He’s since worked with brands like Nike, ESPN, 10Deep and Mishka. Currently, Stalley has been working with Creative Control, the media collective associated with Dame Dash, DD172 and fellow rap artist Curren$y. His recent release titled Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music), he carefully illustrates a typical night out on his popular hometown strip. He’s appeared on BET’s 106 and Park as a part of the Music Matters campaign and premiered his video for “SLAPP” on the countdown.