Feb 27, 2016 Just imagine that Kendrick Lamar still released KLEP, OD, Section.80, GKMC and TPAB but he still went by his old stage/street name "K.Dot". Do you think he would still be as respected by such a large audience and fan base for his "conscious" lyrics, songs and concepts? Would he still be as popular as he is amongst people who aren't usually fans of Hip Hop or would people judge him differently because of his name? I'm just wondering if a rapper's name can affect people's initial (or even long-term) perception of them. Several rappers have changed their names throughout their careers to be taken more seriously or rebrand their image. Also, some rappers have put certain people off of listening to their music, or created misleading perceptions, because of their name (e.g. Joey Bada$$).
Feb 27, 2016 I honestly dont think his name would effect any perception of him. Kendrick Lamar and K.Dot aren't exactly "aggresive names" if he had a name such as Uzi or something then maybe he would be percieved differently. Name changing once you've "made it" really doesn't do anything but confuse people tbh
Feb 27, 2016 That's very true. K.Dot isn't really an aggressive or controversial name. I sometimes wonder that because it sounds very generic people may have thought Kendrick was just another generic rapper with not much to offer or who doesn't have much to say. In comparison, the name Kendrick Lamar sounds more "intelligent" and approachable if that makes sense.
Feb 27, 2016 Yeah I get you, K. Dot does sound more urban tbh.. He still kinda goes by K. Dot like people still refer to him as it (i do anyway lmao)
Feb 27, 2016 I don't think using K Dot would have affected his career.. Kendrick Lamar does sound more mature though
Feb 27, 2016 Kendrick Lamar is definitely a better name, it sounds more personal, it gives the idea that the artist has nothing to hide
Feb 27, 2016 I don't think K. Dot would make much of a difference. If he had a name with "lil" or "young" before it it may have.
Feb 29, 2016 It is an interesting idea, not only does it put him out there, he's not hiding behind an alias or stage name and so he might be seen as more down to earth. K. dot is more the name of a rapper, Kendrick Lamar could be in any genre really.
Feb 29, 2016 I like K.Dot, I don't think it would've made much of a difference with his success, however, Kendrick Lamar is more of a distinct name in Hip-Hop, it flows well and he has created an image with that brand. Gotta love Cornrow Kenny!
