Three Lessons Solopreneurs Can Learn From Kendrick Lamar's Best Week Ever

Kendrick Lamar has long been celebrated for his lyrical brilliance and his unique ability to craft messages that seamlessly blend art, culture, and commerce. But February 2–10 wasn’t just another week on his calendar. It. Was. Legendary! From dominating the GRAMMYs to delivering a breathtaking Super Bowl performance, Lamar solidified his status not only as a musical powerhouse but also as a master strategist. 

At first glance, it might seem like solopreneurs and Grammy-winning artists inhabit entirely different worlds. But I’d argue there’s plenty that Lamar's February playbook can teach anyone looking to elevate their brand or business. Here are three powerful lessons solopreneurs can take away from his recent moves.

Lesson One:  Feel the Inspo and Have the Courage to Share It

"Not Like Us" was released on May 24, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in Lamar's career. The track, inspired by an ongoing feud with another rapper, elevated Lamar to an entirely new level of fame and recognition (which is saying something since he’s received more than 200 awards, including a freaking Pulitzer Prize in 2018). 

"Not Like Us” dominated the Billboard charts, becoming his first solo number-one single since 2017's "Humble." The song's success wasn't just about its sharp lyrics or catchy beat, it became an anthem for authenticity and individuality, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Its impact extended far beyond music, solidifying Kendrick's place as one of the most influential voices in hip-hop.

But what made "Not Like Us" truly stand out was its emotional core. The song was more than just a clapback; it carried a raw, unfiltered energy, starting from a feeling and building into something unforgettable. It was a reflection of Lamar's ability to channel personal experiences and emotions into his work, creating art that strikes a chord.

As solopreneurs, we can take a page from Lamar's playbook. We may not have the support or resources of a large team, but we do have our unique perspectives, experiences, and emotions to draw from. These can be powerful tools for inspiration and motivation.

Don’t hesitate to dig deep and tap into your feelings. Let those emotions guide your creative process and fuel your work. Whether through music, writing, visual art, or another medium, expressing what you feel can lead to meaningful projects that resonate with others. Just like "Not Like Us," your authentic voice could be the key to something truly impactful, but only if you have the courage to share it. 

Lesson Two:  Diverse Perspectives and Collaborative Efforts 

As a solopreneur, it’s easy to think singularly. YOU are the business, and the business is an extension of you. But greatness requires diversity and a willingness to include others.

Creativity doesn’t grow in a vacuum. Lamar has openly shared that his music is a product of eclectic influences, from 1970s jazz and underground poetry to conversations with close friends. His ability to combine those diverse influences created something completely new and groundbreaking. He doesn’t limit himself to a single source of inspiration and that is exactly what makes him great.

This approach extends to the execution of his ideas. He doesn’t go it alone. 

There were many unforgettable moments during the Super Bowl halftime show, but Lamar brilliantly enlisted allies to amplify his impact. He aligned his artistry with cultural icons such as Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, SZA, and, of course, MUSTTTARRRDDDDDD. 

The lesson for solopreneurs: To grow, you need to draw inspiration from a variety of sources and be willing to include others in the execution. 

Whether that means exploring industries outside your own, learning from peers with different skill sets, or simply looking at everyday moments through a curious lens, diversity fuels innovation, and thinking outside the box can help you find unique solutions that set your business apart. 

Imagine how much richer your ideas could be or how much further your impact could go if you broadened the scope of where you look for inspiration and partnered with others who aligned with your vision. Creativity is contagious, and it thrives when you’re willing to explore beyond the familiar.

Lesson Three: Campaign Thinking Is Key 

In a ten-day period between Feb. 2 and 10,  everyone and their grandma (or Grammy) was talking about K. Dot. He swept the Grammys where he won all five of his nominations for “Not Like Us” (Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video), then one week later had tongues wagging with his epic Super Bowl half-time performance.

Whether you loved it or loathed it, you heard about it. You saw the clips, you saw the memes, maybe you suddenly craved hot Bavarian pretzels (with mustard), or found yourself searching for the Serena 2012 Olympics win. 

And since the Super Bowl, the chatter has only grown. All for a song that was released ten months ago.

Since the half-time performance: 

• Kendrick announced an extended tour. 

• The album GNX has climbed back to the No. 1 spot in the Billboard 200 albums chart. 

• Two of Lamar's previous albums have also entered the Top 10. 

• With GNX, DAMN., and good kid, m.A.A.d city all in the top 10, Lamar is the first rap act with three albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 at the same time.

• Lamar’s streaming catalog earned 70.9 million official on-demand U.S. streams - a 153% increase from the previous Monday’s total. 

• “Not Like Us” rose a whopping 222% in daily streams, to 10.4 million on the following Monday. 

None of this is a surprise to Kendrick. He told us, "the blueprint is by me.”

His Super Bowl moment wasn’t just a one-off; it was part of a larger, well-thought-out strategy that builds anticipation and sustains attention for his ongoing projects. Each move was carefully planned to feed into the next, keeping the momentum going and ensuring his audience stayed engaged.

For solopreneurs, this approach is invaluable. Instead of thinking of your business in terms of isolated tasks or standalone projects, start thinking at the campaign level. This means viewing everything you do- every launch, email, social media post, or blog- as part of a larger framework designed to drive your bigger objectives. These objectives could include building your customer base, launching a new service, growing your brand’s influence, or establishing yourself as an industry expert. This shift requires moving beyond the daily grind of to-do lists and instead asking, “How does this action contribute to my long-term goals?”

Campaign thinking forces you to step back and see the bigger picture. It’s about creating a strategy where all your efforts, big or small, work together seamlessly. Think of it like a puzzle where every piece connects to form a cohesive image. Each opportunity, no matter how small, can be maximized to contribute to your overarching goals. It's about connecting the dots between different opportunities and making sure they amplify each other.

Last year, I put this into practice when I wanted to speak at a specific event in Pennsylvania. Instead of treating it as one isolated opportunity, I considered how I could turn this into something bigger. I started looking for other speaking engagements that were geographically or logistically convenient—either nearby or along my travel route from Florida. What began as one speaking engagement turned into a mini-tour, including four speaking events, participation in a summit, and an in-person networking and training opportunity. Because I planned at the campaign level, I was able to maximize my time, effort, and resources.

But it didn’t stop there. I leveraged those speaking engagements into additional virtual opportunities. That initial 30-minute presentation ended up being shared with more than eight different groups of women. The ripple effect of that one opportunity extended far beyond the original event. By thinking strategically and looking for ways to connect and expand on each opportunity, I effectively turned a single speaking event into an ongoing campaign that created sustained impact and reach.

The lesson here is simple: Don’t think of your business as a series of one-off tasks or isolated achievements. Think bigger. Think at the campaign level. When you align your actions with your long-term goals, you create a cohesive, intentional strategy that not only saves time but also amplifies your efforts. Each opportunity becomes a stepping stone to something greater, building momentum that keeps carrying your business forward. By consistently thinking at the campaign level, you’ll find yourself achieving more while working smarter—not harder.

The Takeaway

Kendrick Lamar’s February wasn’t just about entertainment—it was a masterclass in strategy, collaboration, and execution. These same principles can transform your solopreneurial journey, helping you take your work to the next level and amplify your impact in ways you never imagined. Whether you’re crafting a new product or building your personal brand, there’s so much to learn from his approach.

Here’s how to apply them to your own journey:

1. Draw Inspiration and Share Boldly: Great work starts with inspiration. Find what lights that spark for you- whether it’s music, art, or simply everyday moments- and channel it into your work. Then, don’t hold back. Have the courage to share your unique vision with the world. Bold ideas resonate, and the right audience will connect with your authenticity.

2. Embrace Collaboration and Diverse Perspectives: Even the most talented individuals know the power of collaboration. Kendrick’s success is rooted in surrounding himself with diverse voices and perspectives that challenge and expand his thinking. Don’t be afraid to invite others into your process. Seek out team members, mentors, or collaborators who can bring fresh ideas to the table and help you refine your vision.

3. Think Like a Campaign Strategist: Behind every great project is a solid plan. Approach your work like a campaign strategist—set clear goals, map out actionable steps, and execute with focus and precision. A detailed strategy, paired with thoughtful timing, can take your efforts much further than improvisation ever will.

Success doesn’t just happen by chance; it’s built through intention, effort, and learning from the best. Ready to take your business to the next level? Start applying these lessons today and watch your growth take off.

I'd love to hear which lesson you will take to heart and apply now.