Kendrick Lamar is one of the most prolific and talented rappers of our time, and you can glean as much just from listening to his music and scraping the surface of his discography. Ever since his mainstream debutin 2012, it seems that he’s been putting out banger after banger without fail.
2017’s DAMN. was one of his most popular efforts, and it’s easy to see why. It’s an album executed with such flow and prowess that it’s hard not to get sucked in and hit repeat. And although some of his best songs are off of that album, he has plenty to explore beyond that effort, too. And with his newest album coming up this year in 2022, now might be the perfect time to consider his very best.
Kendrick Lamar has so many amazing songs, from the deep cuts to the smash hits that everyone knows. But if we have to choose, there are definitely a few masterpieces that come out on top time and time again. So, here they are.
The 5 best Kendrick Lamar songs:
5. ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’
‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’ is one of his more low-key popular songs. When you hear it, you will inevitably recognise it, but you might not always think about it when you consider Kendrick Lamar’s genius songwriting, especially after the length of his career. It’s off his good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe) album from 2012, and it still holds up.
This song is definitely something that brings back the 2012 nostalgia. Maybe those high school dances or beach trips with your favourite party songs blasting.
4. ‘Poetic Justice (Feat. Drake)’
Getting into his other mood on good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe), ‘Poetic Justice’ has a chill tone to it, but it still has a great lyrical flow. The Drake feature is also a staple of plenty of early-career rappers, and this is Kendrick’s move for it.
This song is honestly just catchy and fun, and it also leans on some of the classic sounds and references to pay tribute to some of the greats that came before him.
3. ‘F**kin’ Problems’
Okay, this song isn’t just Kendrick. In fact, this track has a smattering of people on it, including A$AP Rocky (the primary proprietor of the song), Drake, and 2Chainz. Yeah, plenty of cooks in the kitchen on this one.
But when it comes to collaborations, this is the creme de la creme. Featured on A$AP Rocky’s 2013 album LONG.LIVE.A$AP, it has a timeless beat and verses that fit together like puzzle pieces. Honestly just perfect.
2. ‘DNA.’
Getting into the fan favourite album that everyone loves, ‘DNA.’ is an extremely cool song, and it complements the other tracks on the album perfectly. Even so, it stands out among the rest with its intensity, its beat and lyrical flow.
It’s easily among the best of the album, which is saying a lot, considering that the entire album is considered a masterpiece overall. The switch in tone at the end is also to die for.
1. ‘HUMBLE.’
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Really? Of course, it’s his most popular song. Why are you wasting time putting it at the top of the list? Anyone can do that. Well, yeah. Anyone can do that because under a microscope, this song holds up. Not only is the beat unique and complex, but the lyrics are iconic and melodic, making for an instant classic.
This song more than broke into the mainstream, and although sometimes the big hits are overrated, I think it’s safe to say that ‘HUMBLE.’ is one of the rare cases of a song that deserves the hype, and maybe even a little more.
