Kendrick Lamar, widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of his generation, has always been known for his introspective lyrics and deep understanding of social issues. However, what many fans did not know until recently was that he also pursued higher education. In a surprising revelation, it has been confirmed that Lamar attended UCLA in 2022 to study psychology.

This information came to light after a former classmate shared images of Lamar in a lecture hall, sitting attentively and taking notes. The classmate, unaware of Lamar’s celebrity status at the time, described him as “kind and humble”, saying they only realized who he was after seeing other students asking for photos.

“I didn’t recognize him at first. I just saw people taking pictures and decided to take one too. Later, someone told me he was Kendrick Lamar,” the former classmate said.

Kendrick Lamar’s Secret College Journey at UCLA

Did you know that Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential rappers of our time, once attended UCLA to study psychology? Many fans were completely unaware of this until a former classmate recently shared photos of Kendrick in a lecture hall from 2022.

The images, which quickly went viral on social media, show Lamar paying close attention in class and taking notes on his phone. The student who posted them described the rap icon as “kind and humble”, admitting that they didn’t realize who he was at the time.

“I just saw people asking for photos, and I took some too. It wasn’t until later that someone told me who he was,” the student shared.

UCLA Confirms Kendrick Lamar’s Enrollment

After the images gained traction online, UCLA confirmed Kendrick Lamar’s time at the university. In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the university wrote:

“Photos from 2022, but the lesson stays the same—UCLA is where you level up.”

Despite this confirmation, Kendrick Lamar has not publicly addressed his time at UCLA, nor has he revealed whether he completed his studies.

This revelation has sparked curiosity among fans, who now speculate how his academic experience might influence his music. Psychology, a subject focused on human behavior and cognition, aligns well with the deep storytelling and analytical themes found in Lamar’s lyrics.

Kendrick Lamar’s Record-Breaking Super Bowl Performance

While fans were digesting the news of Kendrick Lamar’s college studies, the rapper was making headlines elsewhere. Earlier this month, he became the first solo rapper in history to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, following his 2022 performance alongside hip-hop legends like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent.

His 2025 Super Bowl halftime show shattered records, attracting 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show and TV event in history. The previous record-holder was Michael Jackson’s 1993 halftime performance, which had 133 million viewers.

Setlist and Special Appearances

During his historic performance, Lamar delivered an electrifying set, performing 11 of his biggest hits, including:

“Not Like Us”
“Euphoria”
“Luther” (featuring SZA)
“All The Stars”

Fans were also treated to unexpected guest appearances, including:

Mustard
Samuel L. Jackson
Serena Williams, whose brief cameo drew widespread attention after she performed a Crip Walk during Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us.”

The performance solidified Lamar’s place not only in hip-hop history but also in pop culture history, as he became the centerpiece of the biggest television event ever recorded.

Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance on the Billboard Hot 100

Beyond his Super Bowl performance, Kendrick Lamar continues to make waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where his latest release, “Luther” (featuring SZA), has climbed to the No. 1 spot, replacing his own song, “Not Like Us”, which had held the top position.

With this milestone, Lamar has now earned his sixth No. 1 single—four of which have come in the past 12 months. Currently, he holds four of the top five positions on the Billboard Hot 100:

#1 – “Luther”
#2 – “Not Like Us”
#4 – “TV Off”
#5 – “Squabble Up”

His ability to dominate the charts at this level is a testament to both his influence and the continued demand for his music.

The Impact of Kendrick Lamar’s Psychology Studies on His Music

With his UCLA studies in psychology now public knowledge, many fans are wondering how this academic pursuit may have influenced Lamar’s recent projects.

Throughout his career, Kendrick Lamar has been recognized for his deep storytelling, introspective lyrics, and social commentary. His albums, from “good kid, m.A.A.d city” to “To Pimp a Butterfly”, have explored complex themes including identity, trauma, racial injustice, and personal transformation.

Studying psychology could have provided Lamar with additional frameworks for understanding human behavior, cognition, and emotions—elements that already define his songwriting. His ability to weave psychological and philosophical concepts into his music may now be even more refined, leading to even more thought-provoking albums in the future.

Kendrick Lamar’s Legacy and What’s Next

With record-breaking achievements, continued chart dominance, and now an academic background in psychology, Kendrick Lamar’s career trajectory is unlike any other artist in modern music.

 With his chart success, a record-breaking Super Bowl show, and now the revelation of his college studies, Kendrick Lamar’s legacy continues to grow. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next for the Compton rap icon.

His Super Bowl performance further cements his position as one of the most influential artists of the decade, while his Billboard success highlights his ability to stay ahead of trends in the industry.

The news of his college studies adds another layer to his already complex persona. While many rappers focus on business ventures or acting careers as side pursuits, Lamar’s decision to study psychology at one of the most prestigious universities in the United States demonstrates a different kind of ambition—one rooted in knowledge and personal growth.

Fans are now left wondering what the future holds for Kendrick Lamar. With his recent chart success and the cultural impact of his Super Bowl performance, he is at a pivotal moment in his career. Will he release another album influenced by his academic studies? Will his newfound understanding of psychology shape the way he tells stories through music?

Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar is far from done making history.

What are your thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s decision to study psychology at UCLA? Do you think it will influence his music moving forward? Share your thoughts below.