Skip to content 
Kendrick Lamar, hailed as one of the greatest lyricists and storytellers in the hip-hop industry, has left an indelible mark on the genre. With a discography that spans thought-provoking narratives, social commentary, and unparalleled lyricism, narrowing down his best songs is no easy task. Here, we’ve compiled the 20 best Kendrick Lamar songs of all time, each representing a unique facet of his artistic brilliance.
“Alright” (2015)
Kendrick’s anthem of resilience, “Alright,” became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement. The track’s infectious chorus and powerful verses, laden with social commentary, showcase Lamar’s ability to merge activism with musical artistry.
“King Kunta” (2015)
In “King Kunta,” Lamar asserts his dominance in the rap game, drawing on themes of power, success, and racial identity. The song’s funky beat, clever wordplay, and unabashed confidence make it a standout track in his repertoire.
“DNA” (2017)
A sonic rollercoaster, “DNA” is an intense exploration of Kendrick’s identity and roots. The song’s raw energy, coupled with Lamar’s rapid-fire delivery, earned it a place among his best works, leaving listeners in awe of his unmatched lyrical prowess.
“HUMBLE.” (2017)
With its minimalist beat and commanding flow, “HUMBLE.” solidified Kendrick Lamar’s status as a cultural icon. The song’s catchy hook and unapologetic lyrics make it an anthem for self-empowerment and a testament to Kendrick’s versatility.
“M.A.A.D City” (2012)
“M.A.A.D City” delves into the harsh realities of Compton, Kendrick’s hometown, with cinematic storytelling and a haunting beat. The collaboration with MC Eiht adds an extra layer of authenticity to this gritty masterpiece.
“Swimming Pools (Drank)” (2012)
A nuanced exploration of alcoholism and peer pressure, “Swimming Pools (Drank)” showcases Kendrick’s storytelling prowess. The song’s haunting production, coupled with its introspective lyrics, earned it critical acclaim and commercial success.
“The Blacker the Berry” (2015)
Kendrick Lamar confronts issues of racial identity and hypocrisy in “The Blacker the Berry.” The song’s aggressive delivery and unapologetic lyrics make it a powerful commentary on the complexities of being black in America.
“Money Trees” (2012)
Collaborating with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar crafted “Money Trees,” a reflection on the pursuit of wealth and its consequences. The song’s hypnotic beat and introspective verses make it a standout track in his acclaimed “good kid, m.A.A.d city” album.
“PRIDE.” (2017)
In “PRIDE.,” Kendrick Lamar explores themes of humility, pride, and self-reflection. The song’s dreamy production and introspective lyrics showcase Kendrick’s ability to weave intricate narratives into his music.
“XXX.” (2017)
A politically charged masterpiece, “XXX.” features U2 and delves into the societal issues plaguing America. Kendrick’s poignant lyrics and the song’s dynamic shifts between aggression and introspection make it a standout track on “DAMN.”
“Poetic Justice” (2012)
A collaboration with Drake, “Poetic Justice” is a smooth and introspective track that explores the complexities of love. Kendrick’s poetic verses and the soulful production make it a timeless addition to his catalog.
“i” (2014)
“i” is a celebration of self-love and empowerment, featuring a soulful sample and uplifting lyrics. The song’s positive message and Kendrick’s infectious energy earned it critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance.
“LOYALTY.” (2017)
Teaming up with Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar delivers “LOYALTY.,” a reflection on the value of loyalty in relationships. The chemistry between the two artists, coupled with the song’s infectious hook, makes it a standout collaboration.
“ELEMENT.” (2017)
In “ELEMENT.,” Kendrick Lamar explores the harsh realities of his upbringing and the impact it had on his character. The song’s aggressive production and unfiltered lyrics showcase Kendrick’s commitment to authenticity in his storytelling.
“YAH.” (2017)
“YAH.” offers a glimpse into Kendrick Lamar’s inner thoughts and struggles with his newfound fame. The laid-back production and introspective lyrics make it a standout track on his “DAMN.” album.
“Rigamortus” (2011)
Known for its rapid-fire flow and intricate wordplay, “Rigamortus” is a lyrical tour de force. Kendrick Lamar’s technical prowess and the song’s frenetic energy make it a standout track that showcases his exceptional skill as a wordsmith.
“Untitled 02 | 06.23.2014.” (2016)
Part of Kendrick’s “untitled unmastered” project, this track captivates with its raw lyricism and experimental production. The song’s exploration of racial tensions and societal issues adds depth to Kendrick’s already profound body of work.
“Wesley’s Theory” (2015)
Opening his “To Pimp a Butterfly” album, “Wesley’s Theory” sets the tone with its funk-inspired production and biting social commentary. The collaboration with George Clinton and Thundercat adds a layer of musical richness to this politically charged track.
“ADHD” (2011)
“ADHD” is a reflection on the distractions and challenges of modern life, featuring Kendrick’s signature rapid-fire delivery. The song’s jazzy production and insightful lyrics make it a standout track on his “Section.80” album.
“FEAR.” (2017)
Closing out his “DAMN.” album, “FEAR.” is a deeply introspective track that explores Kendrick’s fears at different stages of his life. The song’s soulful production and poignant storytelling make it a fitting conclusion to this list of Kendrick Lamar’s best songs.
You may also like: 20 Best Kelly Clarkson Songs of All Time (Greatest Hits)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is “Alright” considered one of Kendrick Lamar’s best songs?
“Alright” stands out as one of Kendrick Lamar’s best songs due to its powerful social commentary and anthemic quality. The song became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, and its infectious chorus, coupled with Kendrick’s poignant verses, encapsulates the artist’s ability to address societal issues while creating a memorable and impactful musical experience.
What makes “HUMBLE.” a significant inclusion in the list?
“HUMBLE.” is a significant inclusion in the list of Kendrick Lamar’s best songs because it showcases a different facet of his artistry. The track’s minimalist beat, coupled with Kendrick’s commanding flow, solidified his status as a cultural icon. Its catchy hook and unapologetic lyrics make it an anthem for self-empowerment and a testament to Kendrick’s versatility.
How does “M.A.A.D City” contribute to Kendrick Lamar’s legacy?
“M.A.A.D City” is a pivotal track in Kendrick Lamar’s discography as it provides a gritty and cinematic portrayal of his upbringing in Compton. The collaboration with MC Eiht adds authenticity, and the song’s haunting beat combined with Kendrick’s vivid storytelling elevates it to a masterpiece. It not only showcases his lyrical prowess but also establishes his ability to create immersive narratives through music.
What sets “i” apart from other Kendrick Lamar songs?
“i” stands apart from other Kendrick Lamar songs as a celebration of self-love and empowerment. The song’s soulful sample, uplifting lyrics, and infectious energy earned it critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance. It represents a departure from Kendrick’s more complex narratives, showcasing his versatility in delivering positive and uplifting messages.
How does “FEAR.” contribute to the thematic depth of Kendrick Lamar’s discography?
Closing out his “DAMN.” album, “FEAR.” contributes to the thematic depth of Kendrick Lamar’s discography by delving into his personal fears at different life stages. The soulful production and poignant storytelling make it a standout track, adding an introspective layer to his body of work. “FEAR.” encapsulates Kendrick’s ability to merge personal vulnerability with artistic expression, making it a fitting conclusion to this list of his best songs.
Kendrick Lamar’s discography is a testament to his unparalleled talent and impact on the world of hip-hop. From socially charged anthems to introspective masterpieces, each of the 20 songs on this list reflects Kendrick’s ability to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. As we continue to witness his artistic evolution, one thing remains certain – Kendrick Lamar’s legacy in music is firmly cemented, and these 20 songs stand as a testament to his enduring influence.