Top 20 Kendrick Lamar Songs

Section.80 (2011)

Some musicians come out of the gate swinging, and he’s no exception. Although it may not have been the album’s lead single, “Rigamortis” put his skill on full display. In it, K. Dot proclaimed he’s better than the rest, and then proceeded to put his money where his mouth is. Over a jazzy beat, he spat flames calling out his peers, all while showing off his impressive flow and wordplay. Between asserting himself as the lifeline of the rap game and accusing his competition of stealing his style, it’s clear that he came in hungry to prove himself. While some would see something like this as merely bragging, it’s impossible to be mad when he backs up the claims with unadulterated talent.

Single (2012)

Originally written for “good kid, m.A.A.d city”, “Cartoon & Cereal” ended up being cut after having been spread around online. However, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a fan favorite. It put his storytelling ability on display, leading listeners down a twisted retelling of his youth, centered around seeing his once role models turn to lives of violence. The nearly seven minute runtime feels like it flies by in seconds, with the vocal distortion on the refrain adding an eerie vibe to the overall instrumental. It helped contribute to his reputation as a master of his craft, despite being excluded from the rest of his discography.

Section.80 (2011)

From the very beginning of his career, it was clear he had impact within his genre and within music as a whole. Even in his debut single, he wasn’t afraid to establish himself as the voice of the industry. After having been inspired by a dream featuring Tupac Shakur, Lamar felt emboldened to carry on his message, leading to the creation of “HiiiPoWeR.” It serves as both a bop and a religious movement, calling for people to uplift themselves amid a culture that seems bent on holding them down. He even highlighted those he felt had been silenced for attempting to spread a genuine message. It was immediate proof of his political knowledge, helping set him apart from several of his contemporaries.

Section.80 (2011)

Only Lamar could give a history lesson and call out glorified drug culture in one incredible number. Using the rising prominence of disorders like ADHD as a springboard, he discussed the casual drug use occuring in his generation. It perfectly explained why so many turn to substances as a way of coping with the society they were raised in, citing the crack epidemic in particular. He approached the issue empathetically by highlighting the casual existentialism that comes with growing up in a broken world, and how easy it can be to turn to self-medication. His signature rhythm helped keep the message from becoming heavy handed, creating a track that entertained and informed the audience all at the same time.

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

While he has no problem tackling large concepts, he's also adept at taking on smaller scale issues as well. Kendrick was a kid just like all of us, and as such, he had to deal with plenty of goading from friends. In “The Art of Peer Pressure,” he described the fear of being othered, and going with the crowd just to feel included. It’s something that practically everyone can relate to, even if their exact circumstances were different. Being able to capture a universal experience is no small feat, yet he did it effortlessly. He looked at the situation with a maturity beyond his years, noting how people’s personalities and values can change while hanging around the wrong people.

To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

You know someone is talented when they can restructure even the most mundane experiences into something deep and philosophical. Detailing an encounter with a man down on his luck, he took us on a ride through his mind as he struggled with his decision to deny a request for a dollar. He debated himself on helping versus enabling someone in need, and questioned his own role within his community. He made things even deeper by positing the conversation as a test for acceptance into Heaven, leading him to wonder if that would’ve changed his mind. It’s pure genius in musical form, revealing his intellectual side and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest lyricists on the modern scene.

To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

“To Pimp a Butterfly” is a multi-faceted project, containing some of this century’s most poignant songs, while also splicing in moments of genuine fun as well. “King Kunta” was a departure in the best way possible, proving Lamar’s versatility as an artist. The production alone is enough to get people moving, with key changes and beat switches keeping things fresh the entire time. He took the opportunity to blast everyone in his sights, from people who waited until he was popular to jump on his bandwagon, to rappers who supposedly utilize ghostwriters. It was the perfect reprieve from the somber themes of the rest of the record, and reminded listeners that he’s anything but a one-trick pony.

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022)

“Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” allowed listeners into Lamar’s mind in a way he never had before. It was as though he wanted to give his fans a look into his psyche – something that was most apparent in “Mother I Sober.” Featuring Beth Gibbons of Portishead, Lamar mused on his mental health and his struggles in healing himself. He brought his own familial trauma to light, focusing on his mother’s hardships, and how that caused her to project onto him in return. He also mentioned the generational abuse that his community has faced, and even called himself out for his own transgressions. It’s a sermon detailing his pain, ending with him freeing himself and his loved ones from the emotional chains holding them down.

Single (2024)

Beef is nothing new in hip-hop – in fact, it’s one of the core aspects of it. So when the West Coast entertainer butted heads with Drake, people knew they were in for a good show. While he easily took the Canadian star down with upbeat moments like “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us,” “Meet the Grahams” was the true standout. Over an ominous piano, he addressed every member of his opponent’s family, from his parents to his son. He eviscerated Drake, calling him a terrible person and implying he took part in horrific crimes – and even accused him of hiding a second child. While the claims haven’t been corroborated, they did start an immediate conversation, and established Kendrick as the winner between the two.

To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

One of the most powerful things a creator can do is uplift people with their music. Kendrick Lamar achieved this and more with the anthemic “I.” Serving as a proclamation of radical self-acceptance, he acknowledges the hardships he’s gone through, while highlighting how he’s maintained a positive attitude. He also encouraged others to release themselves from the thoughts of others, urging them to be themselves in spite of what they may think. The positivity extended all the way down to the cover, when he brought historical enemies together to showcase how love can overpower anything, even a rivalry spanning decades. He made it clear that despite his struggles, he wasn’t giving up anytime soon – and the jovial vibe served as concrete proof.

DAMN. (2017)

Has there ever been a more triumphant return to the top? After the success of “To Pimp a Butterfly” in 2015, Lamar laid relatively low– until he came back with an undeniably explosive hit, “HUMBLE.” From the very first record scratch, you know you’re in for a good time – and he delivered on every front. It’s a testament to how hard he’s worked, all while bringing attention to his influence on the industry.A masterclass in flexing, it showed off the things he’d accrued without coming across as out of touch. The single was instantly iconic. It catapulted the rapper to new levels of fame, and secured his spot as one of the most revered musicians of the late 2010s.

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

While he has a deep love for rap and hip hop, he’s never been afraid of calling out artists who he feels don’t have the same respect. He came for his own peers, calling them out for prioritizing success over the art itself, leading them to care more about views and streams than their own message. He does so over a deceptively chill tempo, creating a perfect juxtaposition between that and the accusatory lines. The message is still relevant to this day, helping it become one of his signature creations despite having been released over a decade ago. It goes to show how much he cares about his work– something that has remained apparent throughout his career.

To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

In the mid-2010s, the United States was in a state of political unrest following a series of senseless acts of brutality carried out by the police. This led to the popularization of Black Lives Matter, with several songs becoming rallying cries– including “Alright.” It’s a moment of genuine activism in musical form, urging those who are oppressed to remain proud despite the constant adversity they face. It helped people feel even a bit of hope despite the hard times, encouraging them to keep fighting for what they believed was right. The fact that he was inspired from seeing struggle around the world made it all the more authentic, helping it become one of the most prominent protest anthems of the last decade.

To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

While “I” is all about loving yourself, this oppositional side showed that sometimes that is easier said than done. “U” is absolutely scathing, as he took us into the deepest recesses of his mind and showed us himself at his most vulnerable. He showed glimpses of his deepest insecurities, reinforced by the things he’s been told by himself and others. He exposed the guilt he felt leaving his family for fame, the imposter syndrome he faces regarding his own legacy, and feeling like a failure. It’s undoubtedly dark and unflinchingly honest, with a sobering ending that leaves the listener with lasting feelings of unease long after the track has finished.

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

If there’s one thing he excels at, it’s subverting expectations. A song with this title and energy may make a new listener believe it’s the perfect soundtrack for a party. However, a closer look at the words reveals just how wrong they are. He details the uncomfortable truths of alcoholism, even citing his grandfather as one of the earliest examples of seeing people numb their pain with the bottle. He also dabbles in themes of external pressure as well, with the chorus itself serving as a perfect parody of those influencing him to continue drinking. The addictive orchestration helped counteract the deeper meaning, creating a genuinely fun piece that ironically became a staple at clubs and house parties for years afterwards.

To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

At his best, Kendrick can make all of us look within ourselves and question the things we believe, and he holds himself to that standard as well. “The Blacker the Berry” was a fierce response to “I,” going deeper into the issues presented in that tune. He went in-depth on the history of racism in America and the world as a whole, mentioning the wider societal ills that have resulted in the culture we have today. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if he knew that what he was saying wouldn’t be popular. The repetition at the beginning of each verse was the perfect way of tying everything together, creating a divisive number that won him plenty of cred amongst his predecessors.

DAMN. (2017)

With inclusions like this, it’s no wonder “DAMN.” won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. “DNA.” is one of the most explosive tracks on the album, from his delivery to the insane instrumental behind it. He had the producer form the beat around his performance, creating a discordant sound that continuously escalates throughout. There’s a fierceness about his delivery that made the message cut even deeper, which was only exacerbated by soundbites claiming that hip-hop had become more detrimental than racism in recent years. Despite coming across as confrontational, it still had plenty of appeal among general audiences. It’s become a standout amongst his catalog, and has been featured in several movies, advertisements, and sporting events since being released.

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

One of the most impressive aspects of “good kid, m.A.A.d city” is that it’s one overarching tale told across the tracks.“Money Trees” serves as a reminder of where we are in the story, referencing previous tracks to make sure the audience is completely caught up. The hook immediately draws the listener in with a line that’s both clever and fun to sing, and it only gets better from there. It’s incredibly ambitious, as it runs the risk of seeming repetitive or boring. However, he handled it with ease, allowing his story-telling capabilities to take center stage. The spectacular verse from Jay Rock was the cherry on top, helping create one of his most beloved tunes to date.

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

Growing up in Compton is no easy feat. Plenty of creatives have referenced the city and the strife that comes with growing up there. Lamar’s lyrics are blunt, detailing violent events in his childhood that have affected his life in the long-term. He even went in depth on some of his own personal experiences, such as negative moments with drugs and his actions leading him to lose his job. Still, he presents the city and his actions through an empathetic lens, trying to make the listener understand the complex reasons behind its’ reputation without glorifying the violence that took place. “M.A.A.d City” was pivotal in his success, and helped close out his second record with a bang.

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

You’d think a song clocking in at over ten minutes long would overstay its welcome. However, the MC proved that he had no trouble holding people’s attention for that long. It’s a formidable piece, with multiple parts chock full of hard-hitting lines. The musician grappled with several dark thoughts, including horrific moments he experienced and questions regarding his own death. He even called out some of his past work and how his portrayal of the subject negatively affected their family, creating a moment of genuine self-reflection that left listeners in awe. It’s multi-faceted and emotionally intense, leaving fans with a greater sense of who he is as a person. While it isn’t his biggest hit, it’s undoubtedly the performer at his very best.

Which Kendrick Lamar song do you think has had the greatest impact on the genre? Let us know in the comments below.