Ranking Kendrick Lamar’s top 100 tracks.
A definitive ranking of the greatest hip hop catalog of all time.
artwork by Eliana Schiller.
Kendrick Lamar is one of hip hop's most talented stars. With a myriad of successful albums, Grammy wins, and even a Pulitzer Prize, Lamar has cultivated a legendary reputation amongst fans. Amongst music critics, debate continues to rage over which of Lamar’s tracks is his strongest: ranking them is no simple task. The consistency of his discography is only rivaled by the likes of old school legends like Jay-Z and contemporaries like Ye (fka Kanye West). No song on this list (which includes nearly every song from his major albums, select tracks from Black Panther: The Album on which Lamar prominently features, singles in which he is a primary artist, and a handful of tracks from his mixtapes) is particularly weak. Instead, this list is by and large defined by its greatness. (One last note: the remixes for both “The Recipe” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” won’t appear on this list due to their vast similarities to their original tracks. Neither track excels or disappoints significantly more than their original versions, so for all intents and purposes, each can be thought of at the same ranking as their counterparts.)
100. “untitled 04 | 08.14.2014.”
Like many tracks that didn’t make the cut for this list, this song isn’t really a “Kendrick song.” It’s clearly not meant to be listened to outside of the context of untitled unmastered, and for good reason. It is a thoroughly uncompelling listen with a strange structure and distinct lack of Lamar’s presence.
99. “Don't Don't Do It!” (with N.E.R.D.)
A single from N.E.R.D 's eponymous album, “Don’t Don’t Do It” sees Kendrick provide a short, weak verse that is disconnected from the rest of the track.
98. “Growing Apart (To Get Closer)” (feat. Jhené Aiko)
A Jhené Aiko feature single handedly saves this song from placing near the bottom of the list. Her lines compliment Kendrick’s quite nicely, and the instrumental even moreso.
97. “R.O.T.C. (Interlude)”
Composed of Overly Dedicated’s strongest wordplay, “R.O.T.C.” is both powerful and catchy, albeit still held back by the record’s overall production failures.
96. “Savior (Interlude)”
Perhaps the most controversial ranking thus far, “Savior (Interlude)” transitions well into “Savior.” Alone, however, this interlude doesn’t do much, though Baby Keem’s feature is more than memorable.
95. “Purple Hearts” (feat. Summer Walker and Ghostface Killah)
“Purple Hearts” is emblematic of the sonic shift many of Kendrick’s songs have taken since To Pimp a Butterfly. Here, we have an R&B track masquerading as a rap song, complete with a decent Summer Walker feature and a pleasant appearance from Wutang’s Ghostface Killah.
94. “Crown”
Catchy beyond belief, “Crown” spends four minutes hyping up the listener before it ends, in many ways failing to sonically climax.
93. “The Heart Part 2”
To say this is the weakest in Lamar’s “Heart” anthology says so much about the strength of the collection. Kendrick lays out the reality of the struggle of living in Compton and keeps the listener emotionally invested for its entire run time. Its only major downside is a painfully repetitive beat.
92. “Tammy's Song (Her Evils)”
The story of women who have become so disillusioned with men that they instead begin to form relationships with other women, “Tammy’s Song” is crass but impactful.
91. “My People” (feat. Jay Rock)
A collaboration between Jay Rock and Lamar, “My People” is a reflection on the state of the Black community. Its lyrics, particularly Rock’s, are thought provoking even as the instrumental itself leaves much to be desired.
O(verly) D(edicated) (2010) cover.
90. “Chapter Six”
A beautiful feminine voice repeating “hey” serves as the foundation for this dreamy beat, contrasted by haunting lyrics critiquing Reagan-era policies leading to violence experienced by young Black men.
89. “Count Me Out”
Serving as the representation of Lamar’s emotional shift in the narrative of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, “Count Me Out” is emotionally impactful, though the middle of the track contrasts too much from the beginning and end.
88. “Mortal Man”
Though many of Kendrick’s fans love this track, the conversation Lamar has with Tupac at the end of the track feels too forced and uncompelling for “Mortal Man” to be ranked any higher. It has an uncanny feeling to it and is somewhat out of place from the rest of the project. It’s still undeniably impressive and memorable.
87. “For Free? (Interlude)”
A roaring saxophone sets a strong tone for this track. Kendrick explores the connection between Blackness and sexuality, all while creating a fun, memorable moment on TPAB.
86. “Auntie Diaries”
Controversial for its use of homophobic slurs, “Auntie Diaries” sees Lamar detail the story of his transgender uncle. Lamar develops the way in which he refers to his uncle throughout the piece, though many would argue that the piece is still problematic, especially given its title. Regardless, the song is impressive in the way in which the narrative is constructed and for tackling a subject considered taboo in the hip hop community.
85. “LOVE.” (feat. Zacari)
One of the main points of contention fans have with DAMN. is its embrace of pop elements in songs like “LOVE.” Regardless, this track succeeds in what it was meant to be: a mainstream hit. This doesn’t make it any more compelling for fans of Lamar, though.
84. “LOYALTY.” (feat. Rihanna)
Like “LOVE.,” “LOYALTY.” is clearly meant to appeal to mainstream audiences. The beat is a compelling listen and many of Lamar and Rihanna’s lines are memorable enough to be worthy of a listen every now and then.
83. “Black Boy Fly (Bonus Track)”
Rightfully left off of the original good kid, m.A.A.d city and shelved for the deluxe edition, “Black Boy Fly” is a compelling listen that is just a little too disconnected from the rest of the project. Nevertheless, the track is an interesting standalone piece with a catchy chorus and memorable themes explored in its lyrics.
82. “Rich Spirit”
“Rich Spirit” is an exercise in mediocrity, though mediocrity for Lamar is still leagues ahead of most other rappers. Its beat is bland and Lamar doesn’t engage with any particularly interesting themes save for a brief critique of today’s internet culture.
81. “Keisha's Song (Her Pain)” (feat. Ashtro Bot)
What “No Make-Up (Her Vice)” tried to be, “Keisha’s Song” confronts the realities of prostitution but fails to couple this with an engaging beat or fleshed out production.
DAMN. (2017) cover.
80. “The Heart Part 4”
This track expertly utilizes a sonic build up throughout its run to draw listeners in, resulting in a song that is captivating for the first few listens. Upon repeated listening, however, this captivation begins to wear away and flaws start to appear in Lamar’s lyricism.
79. “Worldwide Steppers”
“Worldwide Steppers” surprised many upon release. A track that features a Kodak Black intro and a distinct lack of a sonic climax, this song leaves something to be desired despite the strength of its production.
78. “GOD.”
As its name suggests, “GOD.” is heavenly in many ways. Its beat has a dreamy quality to it that seems to almost float in the background of the track. Lamar’s tone and vocals, on the other hand, are anything but.
77. “Poe Mans Dreams (His Vice)” (feat. GLC)
Similar to “H.O.C.” in its mellowness, this track once again sees Lamar tackle difficult topics with the support of a laid back beat. Notably, GLC’s feature differentiates this track from “H.O.C,” with his Chicago roots shining through his bars and complementing Lamar’s West Coast-influenced lyricism.
76. “For Sale? (Interlude)”
To call “For Sale?” an interlude diminishes the greatness of this track. While it isn’t strong enough to compete with many of Lamar’s other songs, it is an incredibly enjoyable track that is perfect to keep in rotation. Its upbeat nature creates an infectious joy and its complex musical structure is perfect for relistening.
75. “The Recipe (Bonus Track)” (feat. Dr. Dre)
Dr. Dre’s feature on “The Recipe” sets this track apart from many of Lamar’s other pieces. Like “Compton,” this is an unapologetic hometown anthem that explores parts of Lamar’s identity that are central to his life.
74. “Hood Politics”
With a production credit from longtime collaborator Thundercat, this track’s strongest element is its beat. Many elements of the instrumental are reminiscent of older West Coast tracks, featuring a prominent snare drum, a shrill synth, and Thundercat’s legendary bass guitar, all working together to create an awesome beat that supports Lamar’s aggressive bars.
73. “Silent Hill” (feat. Kodak Black)
A surprisingly enjoyable Kodak Black feature helps Lamar substitute his traditional conscious rap style in favor of a more light-hearted track.
72. “The Heart Part 3”
Arriving right before good kid, m.A.A.d city’s 2012 release, “The Heart Part 3” offers insight into Lamar’s feelings surrounding the album. The track is excellent as a complimentary piece for good kid, m.A.A.d city, but struggles when it comes to replayability because of its dated feel. Nevertheless, it is an impressive addition to Lamar’s introspective series.
71. “untitled 05 | 09.21.2014.”
Like so many pieces on untitled unmastered, “untitled 05” features Thundercat offering a masterclass on bass. This serves as the foundation of the track, with lyrics from Bilal, SZA, Anna Wise, Punch, Jay Rock, and Lamar and an outstanding trumpet performance from Josef Limburger rounding out the star studded ensemble. The track is both relaxed and chaotic at points, creating a feeling of unease within listeners.
untitled unmastered. (2016) cover.
70. “Black Panther”
“Black Panther” is a great introduction to Black Panther: The Album. Its choice of instrumentation and the subject matter it tackles are tone setting both for the album and the film it accompanies. The song’s nontraditional structure provides a unique listening experience and makes it enjoyable to relisten to.
69. “Big Shot”
“Big Shot” is anything but an orthodox rap song. Lamar’s lines are sampled from his feature on Rich the Kid’s “New Freezer” which are laid over a beat that uses a flute as its foundation. This creates an intoxicating song that is impossibly fun, even if unserious.
68. “BLOOD.”
A story of Lamar meeting a blind woman (presumably the embodiment of Justice), “BLOOD.” appears to be a tame tale for the majority of its run time. Listeners are drawn in with intrigue as Kendrick offers to help the lady who he believes has lost something. She responds, “Oh yes, you have lost something. Your life-.” A gunshot then rings out before a clip from Fox News begins to play, serving as the intro for “DNA.” The song’s ability to captivate the audience is incredible and makes it a special piece within Lamar’s catalog.
67. “Compton” (feat. Dr Dre)
“Compton” is another hometown anthem collaboration with Dr. Dre. Much like “The Recipe,” Dre’s feature sets this track apart. Dre’s lyricism and flow somehow outpaces Lamar’s: not many MCs can say they’ve done that..
66. “The Art of Peer Pressure”
Split into two distinct parts, this track opens up with a short section that sees Lamar rapping about being peer pressured into using drugs, alcohol, and becoming violent when around his friends. This is placed on top of a lighter, high pitch beat. The song then transitions to a darker section that details a story of Lamar and his teenage friends going out at night and getting lucky that nothing horrible happened to them. The contrast between these two parts creates a track that generates a myriad of emotions for audiences.
65. “Now Or Never (Bonus Track)” (feat. Mary J. Blige)
A beautiful collaboration between Lamar and Mary J. Blige, “Now Or Never” occupies an incredibly unique spot on good kid, m.A.A.d city. It is both inspirational and relatable, using heavenly background vocals, a lovely piano, and Blige’s talented voice to create a joyous piece.
64. “The Blacker The Berry”
A gritty track, “The Blacker The Berry” is a harsh, unapologetic piece which is reminiscent of projects like Yeezus, with both projects featuring reggae artist Assassin. It is fiercely pro-Black and overt in its assessment of race relations. Even so, its lyrics are complex enough to make relistening to the track worthwhile and its beat rarely feels stale.
63. “i”
Originally hated by many upon release, “i” continues to be divisive because of its departure from Lamar’s traditional sound in favor of a rock aesthetic. Even so, its catchy chorus, elite production, and beautiful messaging demand respect.
62. “HUMBLE.”
Easily Lamar’s most well known song, “HUMBLE.” features some of Lamar’s most memorable lines. The song’s most impressive quality is its remarkably simplistic beat. The repetition it inhabits helps cultivate an atmosphere that inspires familiarity and confidence, compounded by Lamar’s boisterous bars.
61. “F*ck Your Ethnicity”
With an important message opposing racism and colorism, “F*ck Your Ethnicity” is a song about self-love and solidarity between communities, complemented by a wondrous instrumental and striking background vocals.
Section.80 (2011) cover.
60. “She Needs Me (Remix)”
“She Needs Me” is a great joint project between Lamar, Dom Kennedy, and Murs. Together, the three artists’ vocals are joined by an ethereal beat that seems to float upon the ear.
59. “County Building Blues”
A track mysteriously left off of good kid, m.A.A.d city, “County Building Blues” has an amazing groove to it. This track is an incredible sleeper pick to keep on rotation. It’s over four minutes of pure fun.
58. “good kid”
Brooding and dark, this track is representative of the shadowy narrative present throughout good kid, m.A.A.d city. The song can be a difficult listen due to its dark nature, yet this, coupled with a haunting musical arrangement supporting Lamar, make for one of the more memorable pieces in Lamar’s discography.
57. “Institutionalized” (feat. Bilal, Anna Wise, & Snoop Dogg)
Placed near the beginning of To Pimp A Butterfly, “Institutionalized” is somehow still a remarkably underappreciated piece. The track is rife with memorable bars and contains a beautiful melody. An unexpected appearance from Snoop Dogg only strengthens this track.
56. “LUST.”
“LUST.” begins with the beat oscillating sideways from ear to ear, effectively setting the uneasy tone found throughout the track. The song reflects the restless nature of lust itself by never seeming to resolve in the listener’s ear. Instead, the track seems to creep along, lending it a certain sinister quality.
55. “United In Grief”
The opening to Lamar’s most recent album, this track tackles the taboo subject of therapy in the Black community. The song is segmented into numerous distinct sections that each reflect the complex nature of Lamar’s mind and soul.
54. “Momma”
Taking a more relaxed approach, “Momma” sees Lamar detailing how his life has changed since finding success. The track features some of the strongest wordplay Lamar has ever showcased. The song is only held back by its ending, which sees the song shift completely for its last minute. While this section is itself enjoyable, the sharp contrast and brevity of the segment are a bit too jarring.
53. “Swimming Pools (Drank) [Extended Version]”
Though “Swimming Pools” can often be heard at parties, the song is actually a cautious tale about the dangers of alcohol. While its messaging is important, its execution is somewhat lacking as Lamar’s lines are somewhat unappealing after repeated listens. Regardless, the production and chorus make up for this and lead to a catchy, if often misunderstood, track.
52. “Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter's Daughter”
This opening track to good kid, m.A.A.d city is unforgettable because of Lamar’s unrivaled ability to weave impactful stories from his life into his music. Couple that with a first-rate bass line and eerie vocals, and Lamar has created a compelling introduction to his first studio album.
51. “Savior”
Lamar’s rebuttal to expectations that he act as a savior for Black people, this track is memorable for its unique opening and infectious beat. These elements complement Lamar’s voice and lyrics well and result in a notable track.
good kid, m.A.A.d. city (2012) cover.
50. “untitled 07 | 2014 - 2016”
With a production credit from Cardo, “untitled 07” is more akin to a trap song to anything else, especially considering its beat. The track is unique in Lamar’s catalog and demands at least a one time listen from every Lamar fan, though its latter half may befuddle many.
49. “ELEMENT.”
One of DAMN.’s more popular tracks, “ELEMENT.” features exquisite bars and production, though it begins to feel quite repetitive after repeated listens. Regardless, Lamar’s wordplay is impressive to behold.
48. “Alright”
“Alright” was an anthem for many Black Lives Matter protesters in 2015. While the track sacrifices innovation for mainstream appeal, it is nonetheless a compelling listen and monumental for its revolutionary spirit.
47. “Complexion (A Zulu Love)” (feat. Rapsody)
A staunch rebuttal of colorism within and outside the Black community, “Complexion” is a glorious track with a beautiful message. Rapsody’s feature is somewhat underwhelming and hurts the ranking of this track, but nevertheless this is a wonderful piece of music.
46. “Mr. Morale”
Opening with an exhilarating sample, this track is a must have on any gym playlist. Lamar evokes an incredible level of power throughout the song, culminating in a song that generates an unparalleled level of intensity.
45. “FEEL.”
Relatable to many, “FEEL.” sees Lamar divulging his innermost, well, feelings about his life. The song is a striking moment of vulnerability for Lamar and it’s quite engaging because of its intimate nature.
44. “Real” (feat. Anna Wise)
“Real” is one of many hits Lamar has made with Anna Wise, with absolutely gorgeous production. Its most impactful moment is in the inclusion of a hard hitting answering machine recording of Lamar’s mother giving advice to him in a moment of deep personal struggle.
43. “Poetic Justice” (feat. Drake)
One of the last times Lamar collaborated with Drake, “Poetic Justice” is a wonderful song about love. Somehow, Drake manages to one up Lamar on this track, though both superstars are essential to the success of this enjoyable track.
42. “Blow My High (Members Only)”
A fun track that isn’t too heavy in its subject matter, this song is perfect to listen to while relaxing. The song brilliantly samples Jay-Z and UGK’s “Big Pimpin” and “4 Page Letter” by Aaliyah to create an amazing tribute to hip hop’s history.
41. “DNA.”
“DNA.” is hard hitting throughout its three minute timespan. Kendrick rarely releases such a grandiose track where he flexes his lyrical skills. He tears apart rhetoric espoused by Fox News in the process, culminating in a moment where he samples Geraldo Rivera and critiques his racist ideas.
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2023) cover.
40. “Father Time” (feat. Sampha)
In the spirit of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, “Father Time” dives into the topic of trauma, in this case that of fatherhood in the Black community. While Lamar is great here, the feature from Sampha is disappointing given its brevity and underwhelming contribution to the track. Regardless, the song is quite exceptional in the way in which it tackles such heavy topics with nuance.
39. “Kush & Corinthians” (feat. BJ The Chicago Kid)
“Kush & Corinthians” is extremely low-key despite its incredibly dark lyrics. Death is constantly broached, and yet the song leaves listeners vibing along to its beat.
38. “N95”
A track that dominated everything from radio to video game soundtracks in 2022, “N95” was inescapable for many. Its beat and lyrics are undeniably infectious and the song has a sonic quality that works to hype up listeners.
37. “Pray For Me” (with The Weeknd)
A collaboration with global superstar The Weekend, Lamar manages to share the spotlight and provide a rousing anthem for one of the biggest films of 2018.
36. “untitled 03 | 05.28.2013.”
Like many of Lamar’s tracks, this song features a fun, upbeat instrumental with impactful lyrics outlining the reality of race in the United States. Somehow, Lamar manages to turn this into an enjoyable track, utilizing a unique array of drums and background vocals.
35. “How Much A Dollar Cost”
A story designed to preach the importance of valuing human life and the experiences of others, “How Much A Dollar Cost” employs Lamar’s staple narrative-driven lyricism which culminates in a powerful cautionary tale.
34. “You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said)”
A beautiful bass line complements this song’s message of staying true to who you are. Add carefully curated background vocals and a contagious chorus? We’re left with a brilliant track.
33. “Ronald Reagan Era”
“Ronald Reagan Era” was an immediate highlight from Section.80. Its opening draws listeners in before Lamar begins to rap about the realities experienced by members of his community as a result of Reagan’s policies.
32. “Money Trees” (feat. Jay Rock)
A victim of Tik Tok’s stranglehold on popular music, “Money Trees” has garnered a reputation for being a basic piece in the canon of Lamar. Yet the track is popular for a reason: its beat and lyrics are incredibly alluring and infectious.
31. “YAH.”
This track utilizes a slower tempo and less dense instrumentation to emphasize Lamar’s bars. This results in a track where every one of Lamar’s words is deliberately chosen and equally important. Each line is memorable and catchy, leaving listeners in awe of what they’re hearing.
Black Panther: The Album (Music from and Inspired By) (2018) cover.
30. “P&P 1.5” (feat. Ab-Soul)
Easily the standout on O(verly) D(edicated), “P&P 1.5” is soft but powerful. The production value superpasses any other song on the album and Lamar crafts catchy lyrics and hard hitting bars to round out the piece. Ab-Soul also delivers a wonderful feature that only elevates the track.
29. “The Heart Part 1”
Lamar’s first entry into the “Heart” series is legendary more so for what it is than what it does. Nevertheless, the song is a masterpiece and arguably Lamar’s best work up to the time of its release.
28. “We Cry Together” (feat. Taylour Paige)
A track best listened to with headphones on, “We Cry Together” is a true feat in technique. The song is a back and forth argument between Lamar and Taylour Paige. Elevated by its accompanying music video, this song is amazing to experience, though may not be the best to keep on repeat for reasons obvious to listeners.
27. “All The Stars” (with SZA)
Fellow TDE member SZA joins up with Lamar on this track to create an emotionally deep mainstream hit. While lacking many of the lyrical elements Lamar’s fans have come to expect, the track more than makes up for it with a beautiful array of strings and a masterful performance from SZA.
26. “XXX.” (feat. U2)
Two words describe this track: criminally underrated. Four striking sonic shifts, incredible narrative description, and an impressive U2 feature are central to the song’s success and differentiate the track from any other rap song out at the time of release.
25. “A.D.H.D.”
“A.D.H.D.” is a reflection on the impact of crack on the Black community in the ‘80s. Wonderous synths accompany Lamar’s dark lyrics and work together to create a heavy rap track that is still beautiful despite the sad realities explored through its lyrics.
24. “King's Dead” (with Jay Rock, Future, & James Blake)
Easily the highlight of Lamar’s Black Panther soundtrack, “King’s Dead” sees Lamar team up with long time collaborator Jay Rock, trap legend Future, and electronic crooner James Blake. This track is unique for Lamar in that it is very self-contained, with little connection elsewhere. Notably, the track was huge for Jay Rock, being his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and generating controversy for possibly sneak dissing Big Sean.
23. “untitled 06 | 06.30.2014.”
Ceelo Green’s feature is a welcome addition to this gorgeous track. Lamar and Green compliment each other quite well, and the addition of unique instrumentation such as a flute make for an intriguing listening experience.
22. “King Kunta”
“King Kunta” is rooted in the West Coast rap tradition. With hard hitting lines, evocative drums, magnificent background vocals, and one of Lamar’s greatest beat drops, the track is consistently underrated by casuals.
21. “Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe”
A great (though vastly overplayed) track, this song is perfect for mainstream fans. It’s not overtly political like Lamar’s work, yet doesn’t feel out of place within good kid, m.A.A.d. city or the rest of Lamar’s discography. Its production and lyricism are conservative but powerful, making it perfect to listen to on mellow nights.
“The Hillbillies” (with Baby Keem) (2023) cover.
20. “HiiiPower”
“HiiiPower” was one of Lamar’s first mainstream hits for good reason. It features beautiful production and features a level of conscious rap that has continued throughout Lamar’s later work.
19. “m.A.A.d city” (feat. MC Eiht)
“m.A.A.d city” showcases the dark underside of Compton as depicted throughout good kid, m.A.A.d city. Its production is almost as violent as its subject matter, invoking feelings of rebellion and retribution.
18. “DUCKWORTH.”
Before “DUCKWORTH,” I had never thought it possible to have a Shyamalan-esque plot twist on a rap track. On this song, Lamar expertly paints a viscerally descriptive picture of—spoilers—his record label’s founder coincidentally sparing his father’s life. Not only is the song so vivid, it also completely changes the way in which DAMN.’s story is understood: “Whoever thought the greatest rapper would be from coincidence?”
17. “Mirror”
Much like its predecessor, “DUCKWORTH,” “Mirror” is an incredible final track. Illustrating the themes of introspection and self-love found throughout Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, the song is powerful in its role as a definitive conclusion to the latest chapter of Lamar’s story.
16. “The Hillbillies” (with Baby Keem)
This track is certainly one of Lamar’s more controversial releases. It is incredibly unique in his discography with an unorthodox beat and humorous bars, underscoring a potential shift the rapper has taken since the release of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Nevertheless, its fun rhymes and beat make this track beloved for many die-hard fans.
15. “Die Hard” (feat. Blxst & Amanda Reifer)
Unlike most traditional rap songs that are built around percussion instruments like snares, a booming kick drum is central to this track’s success. “Die Hard” is constructed similarly to an EDM track with musical elements stacked on the kick, which creates a compelling multi-layered listening experience. Add in another masterful performance from Lamar and lovely features from Blxst and Amanda Reifer for an easy, breezy pop rap track.
14. “untitled 02 | 06.24.2014.”
Lamar here utilizes his trademark arsenal of unique vocal inflections to create a track that is at times shrill and at other moments hauntingly deep. Considering this was considered a throwaway, we can only imagine what other great tracks have been lost to us.
13. “Rigamortus”
Known throughout the hip hop community as Lamar’s most lyrically impressive song, this track sees Lamar take no breaths during any of his verses. The only way to fully comprehend the complexity of his lines during this song is to listen to the track while reading the lyrics. Even then, it’s virtually impossible to fully grasp what he’s saying without listening to it multiple times.
12. “Backseat Freestyle”
Rebellious to the core, “Backseat Freestyle” sees Lamar unleash a lyrical masterclass for over three minutes. The song is in many ways a spiritual successor to “Rigamortus.” Kendrick tones down the speed of his rapping in favor of hard hitting wordplay and a powerful instrumental base.
11. “untitled 08 | 09.06.2014.”
It’s incredible that this track wasn’t considered to be a good fit for To Pimp A Butterfly. One of Lamar’s more upbeat tracks, “untitled 08” is serially infectious. The song is incredibly refreshing as well, being more of a dance track than anything else.
To Pimp A Butterfly (2015) cover.
10. “family ties” (with Baby Keem)
A collaboration with his cousin Baby Keem, “family ties” is beloved within both fanbases for its production and rapid fire rapping. The song’s message of the importance of family is only emphasized by these two cousins sharing such a strong bond that it shines through their art.
9. “The Heart Part 5”
The most recent entry to the ‘Heart’ series is clearly its strongest. Utilizing a sample from Marvin Gaye’s 1976 “I Want You,” this song is an examination of what Lamar continually calls “the culture” in Black communities. It highlights its flaws and its positives, forcing the listener to reckon with Black culture like never before.
8. “Hol' Up”
This track is uncharacteristically refined for being on Section.80. The mixing is wonderful and, when combined with Lamar’s affinity for complex, rapid lyricism in his early career, creates an infectious track.
7. “Wesley's Theory” (feat. George Clinton & Thundercat)
Music legends George Clinton, Thundercat, and Kendrick Lamar join forces on “Wesley’s Theory” to create one of the greatest album intro tracks I’ve ever heard. Catchy beyond belief, this song is rooted in funk and jazz, creating a unique sound that also sets the tone for the album to follow. Even when observed only as a standalone track, “Wesley’s Theory” is more than magnificent.
6. “PRIDE.”
Famous for having been produced by Steve Lacy on an iPhone, “PRIDE.” is a beautiful track not only because of its beat, but also because of Lamar and Anna Wise’s vocals. Each word they speak is poignant and serves to develop the thematic landscape of both the track and DAMN.
5. “u”
Utilizing To Pimp A Butterfly’s staple elements of jazz in its production, “u” manages to lay extremely heavy topics over a beautiful beat. The most impressive moment comes in the latter half of the track, where Lamar plays the role of a drunk brother of one of Lamar’s deceased friends who is lashing out in his grief. Despite the slurred speech, the audience is left hanging on to every word as Lamar crafts a vivid, heart-wrenching story.
4. “Mother I Sober” (feat. Beth Gibbons)
On an already incredibly introspective album, “Mother I Sober” somehow manages to one up every other track. Easily Lamar’s most emotional track, it’s difficult not to be brought to tears upon first hearing it. Sexual assault is an extremely heavy topic, yet somehow Lamar is able to gently guide the listener through the stories in his life that deal with the issue in a way that leaves his audience feeling empowered in the face of these adversities.
3. “These Walls”
The production on this track is arguably the greatest of any of Lamar’s songs. Thundercat’s musical skill shines throughout, complemented by Anna Wise’s infectious lyrics. Combine that with Lamar’s striking rhymes and storytelling and you’re left with a truly beautiful piece of music.
2. “FEAR.”
Like many of Lamar’s greatest songs, “FEAR.” is defined by its narrative. As the title suggests, the track lists Lamar’s fears at ages seven, seventeen, and twenty-seven. Each glimpse gives insight into the realities of life experienced by those growing up in Compton and the anxieties held by those who manage to leave and find success.
1. “Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst”
Lamar’s most introspective song, “Sing About Me” follows the stories of two different figures in Lamar’s life and his response to their tales. Each story is incredibly raw, with a tragic ending coming at the end of each story. Halfway through the track, the song shifts dramatically. Lamar begins to rap about how his community is “dying of thirst,” a plight only alleviated through the acceptance of God’s holy water. His lyrics are thought provoking and hypnotizing, while the beat is sonically rich. This song is the peak of what Lamar has to offer.
edited by Lekha Masoudi.
cover art by Eliana Schiller.
album artwork believed to belong to either the publisher of the work or the artist.
