Since the Superbowl Kendrick Lamar’s stock in the world has risen, and he is the most talked-about rapper in the world currently. Already considered one of the best rappers in his generation, Kendrick Lamar is going from strength to strength, especially with his upcoming tour to the UK, which is expected to sell out fully by the time he comes to perform in July according to Ticket Compare.
With the rise of Kendrick Lamar, it has left many are wondering what his top songs are and which ones are a generational tune. With six studio albums, there are plenty of songs to choose from.
- “Alright” (2015) – To Pimp a Butterfly
The song became a very poignant song during the Black Lives Matter movement and an anthem for change. With the entire album about dealing with inner demons and battling them for a higher purpose, Alright is the cornerstone song off the album to signify struggle.
Kendrick’s fighting attitude comes across in this record and makes the listener understand how much he has fought to be where he is and the injustice he still faces today.
- “DNA.” (2017) – DAMN.
Just as powerful as Alright, DNA explores more in social justice with Kendrick dissecting societal expectations and self-worth along the way through this 2017 track. Jumping through themes of love and lust, fear and faith, pride and humility, Kendrick takes his audience on a journey with his lyrical dexterity.
Kendrick is exploring the idea of his blackness and how he views it. Many have disagreed, which Kendrick shoots back at, but Kendrick sees his rap work as a way back against oppression in America.
- “HUMBLE.” (2017) – DAMN.
Kendrick, from the same album as the previous song, again explores themes of challenge. However, this time is the personal challenge of his own life compared to others, but then zigzags into personal boasts, which is fully deserved and recognised.
The minimalist beat makes this track even more of a classic to Kendrick fans.
- “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” (2012) – good kid, m.A.A.d city
Story time with Kendrick. A 12-minute track taking the listener on a journey with his lyrical sublimity. Kendrick bounces through ideas of mortality, memory, and forgiveness, flitting from one perspective to another.
This track shows off the talent of Kendrick and takes his fans into a different world.
- “Money Trees” (feat. Jay Rock) (2012) – good kid, m.A.A.d city
Laid-back and smooth, “Money Trees” reflects on the temptations and consequences of chasing wealth in the ghetto. Kendrick’s beat on this track is arguably one of the most memorable of his back catalogue.
There is a common theme to a lot of Kendrick’s tracks showing his struggle and rise, but this track shows how tough life was in the ghetto, Compton. With lyrics discussing robbery, hustling, drugs, violence, and simple living, Kendrick shows a life that many could never dream of.
- “Mother I Sober” (feat. Beth Gibbons of Portishead) (2022)- Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
The standout track from his 2022 album, at over 6 minutes it is a masterclass of a track. A less social theme in his track, but a personal, heartfelt exploration of deep feelings not being explored within his family, and hoping his children do not inherit his pain or feelings.
Three incredible verses about the generational curse is broken at the end in an eerie manner when his wife Whitney appears to take those feelings of guilt away from him.
- “FEAR.” (2017) – DAMN.
A prelude in many respects to the previous track mentioned. Kendrick discusses many stages of his life, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, where he has experienced major anxieties and difficulties. The structure and raw honesty make it one of his most introspective and profound song that Kendrick has released.
- “Swimming Pools (Drank)” (2012) – good kid, m.A.A.d city
Often confused with a party tune, but it is actually the opposite. Discussing the fear of peer pressure from others regarding alcohol and a cautionary tale about living a wild lifestyle. An incredibly complex song on his early album, and Kendrick’s use of internal monologue and layered voices adds complexity to the track.
- “Reincarted” (2024)- GMX
Empowerment at its finest! An amalgamation of genres and powerful black artists such as Jackie Wilson with his 40s style guitar and sampling the legendary 2Pac with his track “Made N—-z”, paying homage to the West Coast style of rapping and the aggressive nature of 2Pac.
A true classic from his latest album that is due to live on forever.
- “King Kunta” (2015) – To Pimp a Butterfly
Blending funk, West Coast swagger, and historical allusions, “King Kunta” is a celebration of empowerment and resistance. It’s a bold assertion of dominance in the rap game and a nod to African American history.
An edgy track that has a prickly feel to it and one that does not let up one bit.