THE song's title is Lamar's actual surname, Lamar being his middle name. The song tells the true story of Lamar's father meeting Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in a rough area, years prior to Lamar getting signed to his record label.
What Is the Story Behind "DUCKWORTH." by Kendrick Lamar?
"DUCKWORTH."
is the last track on Kendrick Lamar's album DAMN., and it shares one of the most surprising true stories from his life. The song explains how a single moment—something that happened before Kendrick was even born—could have changed everything for him, his family, and even his music career.
A Chance Encounter
The story is about two real people:
Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith — the founder of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the label that eventually signed Kendrick.
Ducky (Kenneth Duckworth) — Kendrick's father.
Years before Kendrick became famous, Top Dawg was involved in street life in Los Angeles.
One day, he robbed a KFC restaurant. Coincidentally, Kendrick's father, Ducky, worked at that same KFC. During the robbery, Ducky stayed calm, was respectful, and often offered extra food to people in the neighborhood—something Top Dawg remembered.
Because of Ducky's kindness, Top Dawg decided not to hurt him during the robbery.
It was a small moment, but it mattered.
Why This Story Matters
Years later, when Kendrick started rapping, he ended up joining Top Dawg Entertainment—the same label founded by the man who once robbed the restaurant where his father worked.
If that robbery had gone differently, Kendrick suggests he might not be alive, or his life could have taken a completely different path.
The song shows how one small act of kindness can create a ripple effect that changes the future.
The Bigger Message
"DUCKWORTH."
is not just a story about luck or coincidence. It highlights:
How choices can shape destinies
How violent environments affect people's lives
How Kendrick's success is tied to unexpected events
It's one of Kendrick Lamar's most personal and reflective songs, revealing a real-life story that many fans did not know until the album came out.