According to the latest Nielson Report, Hip-hop is now the most popular music genre in America. One of the artists most responsible for rap's mass appeal is Kendrick Lamar.
Photo by Kmeron
With 11 Grammys to his name and his latest album "DAMN" being named this year's Pulitzer Prize for music–a first for a record that isn't classical or jazz–the MC who sometimes refers to himself as "Kung-Fu Kenny" has mastered the songwriter's craft.
An artist can't achieve legend status in the music industry without being business savvy. Lamar also appears to be a smart real estate investor with a long-term strategy. "I really like to buy property...rather than buying things for the moment. Something that can last me a lifetime," Lamar said in a radio interview for San Francisco's Wild 94.9.
He reportedly still lives in a modest L.A. condo–to stay humble while purchasing other apartments, buildings, and houses throughout California to build his real estate portfolio.
For his lastest money-move, Lamar has purchased a 5,400-square-foot home in Calabasas for $2.65 million.
Calabasas (and nearby Hidden Hills) has become a music maker's mecca over the last few years. Music producer Rick Rubin keeps a studio there. Dr. Dre just bought a custom estate in Calabasas for $4.9 million. A recent episode of FX's Atlanta was inspired by Drake's party-ready Hidden Hills mansion. And Kanye West just announced he was moving the headquarters of his Yeezy sneaker line to the Calabasas Hills.
However, Lamar won't be eating at local hangout Banzai Sushi on the regular, he has no plans to live in his six-bedroom, six-bath home. The investment property features an ample backyard with swimming pool, hot tub, built-in grill and covered patio.
The home's spacious interior exhibits a comfortable theater room, an in-home gym, huge walk-in closets, and a master suite with a cozy double-sided fireplace.
The home was originally listed for $2.89 million, but Lamar negotiated and obtained the mansion below asking price. It's an inspiring story for the Compton-born 30-year-old, who has rapped about being a homeless as a boy, living out of motels.
"I got hustle though, ambition, flow, inside my DNA," Lamar raps on his breakout hit single off the last album.
Looks like this talented rapper-turned-real-estate-mogul has been putting his money where his mouth is.
