17 Best Songs to Get Into Kendrick Lamar: Unmissable Tunes

Hello, music enthusiasts and fellow DJs!

We’ve curated the ultimate list to dive into the profound world of Kendrick Lamar.

Our selection of his 17 most influential tracks will not only resonate with music lovers, but it’s also a definitive guide for DJs looking to remix some Kendrick magic.

Stay tuned!

Here are the best songs to get into Kendrick Lamar that you can check out:

List Of Best Songs to Get Into Kendrick Lamar

Best songs to get unto Kendrick Lamar in a list format:

1. “Alright” from “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“Alright” has become an anthem of hope and resilience. Driven by a jazz-infused beat and Lamar’s adept lyricism, the track exemplifies Kendrick’s unique storytelling ability.

2. “Humble” from “DAMN.” (2017, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“Humble” showcases Kendrick’s unmatched flow over a trap beat. Its catchy chorus and boastful lyrics resulted in it becoming one of his biggest hits.

3. “m.A.A.d city” from “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

An honest and raw narrative, “m.A.A.d city” paints a vivid picture of growing up in Compton, exploring themes of violence, survival, and community.

4. “DNA” from “DAMN.” (2017, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“DNA” is a fierce and proud assertion of Kendrick’s roots and identity. Over a hard-hitting beat, he celebrates his African-American heritage.

5. “Swimming Pools (Drank)” from “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

On “Swimming Pools (Drank)”, Kendrick grapples with the societal pressures around alcohol consumption. The track brilliantly balances introspection with a catchy hook.

6. “King Kunta” from “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“King Kunta” mixes funk influences with Lamar’s biting commentary on racial and societal issues, demonstrating his unique blend of social awareness and musical experimentation.

7. “I” from “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

In “I”, Kendrick delivers a heartfelt message of self-love and positivity over a smooth, Isley Brothers-sampled groove, showcasing his ability to blend multiple genres.

8. “Love” from “DAMN.” (2017, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“Love” is a softer, more melodic offering from Kendrick that touches on his romantic side, revealing the range of his lyrical content.

9. “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” from “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

This iconic track is a cool, laid-back groove about maintaining positive energy despite life’s obstacles.

10. “Poetic Justice” from “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

Featuring Drake, “Poetic Justice” is a smooth, romantic narrative about love in a troubled city.

11. “Fear” from “DAMN.” (2017, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“Fear” is an emotionally intense track where Kendrick explores his deepest anxieties and insecurities, providing a profound insight into his psyche.

12. “These Walls” from “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“These Walls” is a seductive and layered track that delves into Kendrick’s metaphorical ‘walls’ – love, lust and guilt.

13. “Money Trees” from “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

Featuring Jay Rock, “Money Trees” explores the allure and consequences of chasing money, an evergreen theme in hip-hop.

14. “The Blacker the Berry” from “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“The Blacker the Berry” is a fiery critique of racial tension, where Kendrick boldly confronts hypocrisy and injustice.

15. “Loyalty” from “DAMN.” (2017, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

A collaboration with Rihanna, “Loyalty” explores the theme of faithfulness in relationships and the music industry.

16. “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” from “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

This introspective track is a meditation on mortality, fame, and legacy – core themes in Kendrick’s discography.

17. “Complexion (A Zulu Love)” from “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015, Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records)

“Complexion (A Zulu Love)” is a beautiful celebration of blackness and unity, demonstrating Kendrick’s knack for crafting music with powerful social messages.

Fun Facts: Top Tunes to Get Into Kendrick Lamar

“Alright”

Interestingly, “Alright” became an unofficial anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Its hopeful message of resilience resonated with activists, leading it to be chanted at protests.

“Humble”

The music video for “Humble,” directed by Dave Meyers and The Little Homies, won the Grammy for Best Music Video in 2018, marking Kendrick’s first win in a major category.

“m.A.A.d city”

The song title “m.A.A.d city” is an acronym which stands for “My Angry Adolescence Divided” and “My Angels on Angel Dust”, which reflects Kendrick’s experiences growing up in Compton.

“DNA”

The second verse of “DNA” actually wasn’t part of the original song. Kendrick added it after hearing the beat switch that producer Mike WiLL Made-It had planned for the outro.

“King Kunta”

“King Kunta” is an ode to the rebellious slave Kunta Kinte from the novel and TV series ‘Roots’. The song reflects Kendrick’s feelings about the music industry and its parallels with slavery.

“I”

The live version of “I” won Kendrick his first two Grammy Awards – Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 57th Grammy Awards in 2015.

“Love”

“Love” was actually almost left off “DAMN.” Kendrick wasn’t sure the softer, more pop-leaning track would fit the album, but it ended up being one of its most popular songs.

“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

The remix of “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” features Jay-Z, and when Kendrick heard Jay’s verses, he was so excited that he started jumping over tables in the studio.

“The Blacker the Berry”

The title “The Blacker the Berry” is derived from the novel of the same name by Wallace Thurman, which explores colorism within the black community.

“Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst”

This song is a two-part track that totals over 12 minutes, making it the longest song on “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” and one of the longest in Kendrick’s discography.

That’s our journey through Kendrick Lamar’s epic discography.

These 17 tracks are an ideal starting point to appreciate the lyrical genius and unique style of this hip-hop maverick.

Thanks for reading.

TBone