PGLang, LLC (stylized as pgLang, an acronym for Program Language) is an American entertainment company founded by American rapper Kendrick Lamar and American record executive Dave Free, in 2020. The multidisciplinary company comprises a record label, production houses, advertising agencies, and publishing services. PGLang was launched on March 5, 2020, and is headquartered in Los Angeles.

History
American rapper Kendrick Lamar and American filmmaker Dave Free are creative partners who met while they were in high school. They signed to independent record label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2007; Free later assumed the role as the label's co-president, while Lamar became a minority owner. Through TDE, they directed music videos together under the collective name the Little Homies. On October 4, 2019, Rolling Stone reported that Free had departed TDE and was working independently, while helping American rapper Baby Keem begin his career.

Lamar and Free formally launched PGLang on March 5, 2020, as a "multilingual, artist-friendly, at service company." The company's mission statement reads:

In a separate press release, Free clarified that PGLang "is not a record label, a movie studio, or a publishing house. This is something new. In this overstimulated time, we are focused on cultivating raw expression from grassroots partnerships." Lamar simply stated in the press release, "Selfless. Reset." On January 13, 2021, PGLang announced an advertising campaign for fashion house Calvin Klein, with a series of seven short films written and directed by Free. The short films included appearances from Keem, singer Brent Faiyaz, movement artist Mecca Allah, rapper Travis "Taco" Bennett, and influencer Amber "Jstlbby" Wagner, among others. Keem released his debut studio album, The Melodic Blue, on September 10 through PGLang and Columbia Records, marking the company's first studio album release. Met with generally positive reviews from music critics, the album debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart. Its lead single, "Family Ties" with Lamar, later won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance.

On January 13, 2022, Deadline reported that Lamar and Free were producing a live-action comedy film with South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. On March 9, PGLang announced the signing of American rapper Tanna Leone in a partnership with Def Jam Recordings. Leone released his debut studio album, Sleepy Soldier, on April 27. On May 2, the company collaborated with lifestyle brand Converse on an advertising campaign and sneaker collection. Lamar released his fifth studio album, and final project under TDE, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers on May 13. The critically acclaimed album debuted atop the Billboard 200 and was later awarded the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. To promote the album, Lamar embarked on the Big Steppers Tour, which was presented by PGLang and sponsored by Cash App and Amazon Music. The company collaborated with Cash App for an advertising campaign on August 14, and with Amazon Music for a concert film on October 22.

Roster

Discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Films

Music videos

Campaigns

Accolades

Notes

References

2019 establishments in California
Advertising agencies of the United States
American companies established in 2019
American hip hop record labels
Clothing companies of the United States
Companies based in Los Angeles
Entertainment companies based in California
Film distributors of the United States
Film production companies of the United States
Kendrick Lamar
Mass media companies established in 2019
Music production companies
Music publishing companies of the United States
Privately held companies based in California
Record labels based in California
Record labels established in 2019
Talent agencies
Television production companies of the United States