Kendrick Lamar had the support of his longtime love, Whitney Alford, way before he became a rap superstar.
The pair first met while in high school. While their connection started off friendly, it eventually turned romantic — and they’ve been together since.
“I wouldn’t even call her my girl. That’s my best friend,” Lamar said of Alford in a January 2015 interview with Billboard. “I don’t even like the term that society has put in the world as far as being a companion — she’s somebody I can tell my fears to.”
As Lamar began to rise to fame, Alford has been by his side for his biggest career milestones, from multiple album releases to big Grammy wins. In April 2015, Lamar confirmed that he and Alford were engaged. Four years later, the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Uzi. In 2022, they expanded their family with son Enoch.
Keep scrolling to see Lamar and Alford’s relationship timeline:
Early 2000s
While not much is known about the early days of Lamar and Alford’s relationship, the pair met while attending Centennial High School in their hometown of Compton, California.
January 2014
The duo made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 56th annual Grammy Awards. Lamar received seven nominations, including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Best Rap Album and more, but he walked away with zero trophies.
April 2015
During an interview with radio station Power 105.1, the rapper confirmed that he and Alford were engaged.
“Yeah, definitely,” Lamar said when asked if the rumors of their engagement were true. “I’m loyal to the soil.”
July 2019
Us Weekly confirmed that Lamar and Alford welcomed their first child, Uzi.
May 2022
Lamar and Alford revealed they secretly welcomed their second child, son Enoch, when the musician dropped the artwork for his album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The cover featured a photo of Lamar holding Uzi while Alford was sitting on a bed holding a newborn.
June 2022
One month after revealing they were a family of four, Alford took to social media to post a sweet Father’s Day tribute for Lamar.
“Today I am more than happy to celebrate the men in my life,” she wrote alongside a photo of her and Lamar with their two little ones. “I choose to celebrate them for stepping up instead of stepping out, for providing, for assisting us women, for healing, for showing up physically and most importantly for showing up emotionally.”
December 2022
Alford made a cameo in the music video for Lamar’s song “Count Me Out.”
July 2024
Lamar made the music video for his song “Not Like Us” a familiar affair as Alford and their little ones made a special cameo. In the clip, Lamar and Alford are seen dancing in their living room with their little ones.
