Kenny Duckworth is one of the most important people in the life of one of the best-known rappers in the world, Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick’s powerful words and music that challenge our minds are made possible by much of his father’s inspiration and influence, Kenny Duckworth. Let’s see how Kenny Duckworth lives, his contribution to Kendrick’s success, and how his life defines the path of the rapper.
Quick Facts About Kenny Duckworth
| Full Name | Kenny Duckworth Sr. |
| Birthdate | 1955 |
| Occupation | Various jobs, including working at KFC |
| Husband/Wife | Paula Oliver |
| Education | N/A |
| Age | 70 years and 5 months old |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Grandchildren | Uzi, Enoch |
| Children | Kendrick Lamar (son), Kayla Sawyer (daughter), Kenneth Duckworth Jr. (son), one younger son (born in 2002, name unknown) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Growing Up in Chicago
Kenny Duckworth grew up and was born in Chicago, Illinois. He lived in a rough neighborhood called the Robert Taylor Homes, which is a public housing development on the South Side of Chicago. Life wasn’t so simple there. Kenny experienced poverty, violence, and institutionalized inequality. Living under these difficult circumstances influenced his attitudes and experiences.
Gang Life and Turning Things Around
When Kenny was younger, he was affiliated for a short time with the Gangster Disciples, one of Chicago’s street gangs. But his life changed when he met Paula Oliver, the future wife. Paula encouraged Kenny to realize that a life in the gang was not the life for him. She persuaded him to leave the gang and relocate to California to begin anew.
Relocating to Compton, California
In 1984, Kenny and Paula left the Chicago life behind. They traveled to Compton, California, looking for something greater. They were not exactly flush with funds upon arrival but set out determined to create something more. Kendrick’s aunt Tina provided them a home and aided in getting established there.
Life in California was tough, but Kenny and Paula both strived to take care of their family. They worked anywhere they could. Kenny worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and Paula worked at McDonald’s. They did whatever needed to be done to ensure their kids were fed.
The Connection with Top Dawg
During his work period at KFC, Kenny connected with someone important for his later acquaintance, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, who would later play a huge part in Kendrick Lamar’s life. At the time, he was a notorious chicken shop robber, but Kenny took him under his wing. He even handed over extra biscuits to him, which, as one will find out later, formed a good part of this connection.
According to one account, this good deed saved Kenny from death. Tiffith had planned a robbery, but upon seeing the goodness in Kenny, he did not rob the KFC. As fate would have it, that random meeting between Kendrick Lamar and Tiffith led to him signing Kendrick with Top Dawg Entertainment, an independent label which helped kickstart his music career.
Impact on Kendrick Lamar’s Music
Kenny’s life experiences greatly impacted Kendrick. His father’s struggles and teachings influenced Kendrick’s worldview and his music. Kendrick has referenced his dad in numerous songs, such as “Father Time” and “Duckworth.”.
In his song “Duckworth,” Kendrick narrates how his father’s generosity toward Anthony Tiffith altered their lives. This song is a perfect illustration of how Kendrick’s music shows the lessons his father imparted to him. Kenny’s actions influenced Kendrick’s career directly, and Kendrick never forgot how his dad contributed to his future.
READ ALSO: Kendrick Lamar Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More
Family Life and Children
Kenny and Paula Duckworth have five kids, one of which is Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick was born in 1987, and his parents were very hard-working from a very young age, wanting to provide for him the best life they could. No matter what difficulties they had, they always provided for their children. Kenny and Paula’s close-knit family unit was a major contribution to Kendrick’s success.
