Today, Aug. 22, is the birthday of Los Angeles rapper Dom Kennedy, who now turns 34.

Born Dominc Hunn, Dom has made it his mission to put on for independent rappers. While attending Santa Monica College, Dom began his rap career in 2008 thanks to the help of his cousin. In 2010, Dom dropped his breakthrough mixtape Westside with Love. Dom went from being a regional rap name to an Internet sensation thanks to over 100,000 downloads and critical acclaim.

By 2011, Kennedy dropped his debut album, From the Westside with Love, II. With features from ScHoolboy Q, Big K.R.I.T. and more, the LP peaked at No. 15 on Billboard's US Independent Albums and No. 19 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Many labels attempted to sign Kennedy as his buzz grew, but the Leiment Park MC chose to remain indie and even started his own label, Other People's Money. Always one to rep the home team, Dom has worked with West Coast cohorts like Cassie Veggies, Nipsey Hussle and Kendrick Lamar over the years. Now, with three albums under his belt, Kennedy is a major player in the independent game.

Check out Dom's latest release, a collab EP with Hit Boy, Half-A-Mil 3 EP.

Happy Birthday, Dom!

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