Which Record Label Is Kendrick Lamar Signed To? Current Label & History
Kendrick Lamar is primarily signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Aftermath Entertainment, with distribution through Interscope Records. He first signed with TDE in 2005, which marked the beginning of his professional music career.
In 2012, Lamar expanded his record label affiliations by signing a joint venture deal with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records while maintaining his connection with TDE. Aftermath Entertainment, founded by Dr. Dre, operates as a subsidiary of Interscope Records.
This unique arrangement means Kendrick Lamar's music is released through multiple channels:
• Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) - His primary label • Aftermath Entertainment - Secondary label • Interscope Records - Distribution partner
The partnership has proven highly successful, with Lamar releasing several critically acclaimed albums through this label structure, including "good kid, m.A.A.d city" (2012), "To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015), "DAMN." (2017), and "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" (2022).
In 2022, Lamar also launched his own company, pgLang, which he describes as a "multilingual collective" focusing on music, film, and other creative endeavors. While pgLang operates independently, it doesn't affect his existing record label arrangements with TDE, Aftermath, and Interscope.
For clarity, Kendrick Lamar's discography continues to be released through the collaborative effort of all three labels: Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records, making this one of the most successful multi-label partnerships in modern hip-hop.