Top 10 Kendrick Lamar Songs

Don’t let hip-hop clichés and the title fool you.. Through an array of incredibly expressive lyrics, K. Dot addresses the state of his reality and confronts the issues of hip hop culture. Originally intended to feature the vocal stylings of one Lady Gaga, this collaboration never saw the light of day due to scheduling and creative differences. Kendrick did manage to land a verse by Jay-Z on the track’s remix, while the song’s music video condemned the glorification of “molly” in hip hop culture.

Produced by J. Cole, this socially conscious track kicked off the “HiiiPoWeR” movement and established the rapper as powerful voice not only in the hip-hop community, but in the music industry as a whole. Lyrically, Kendrick Lamar breaks down the role of a figure in society, and how peace of mind can easily be lost in a money-hungry world. By channeling Martin Luther King and dropping Kanye references in the song’s chorus, the Compton-born musician offered a call-to-action for those willing to make changes through hard work and dedication.

#8: “The Blacker the Berry” To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

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Believe it or not, Kendrick Lamar took a lot of flak from die-hard fans after releasing the radio-friendly “i,” but he came out swinging with his follow-up single and challenged everybody to re-examine what it means to be hypocritical. In fact, each verse of “The Blacker the Berry” begins with the statement “I’m the biggest hypocrite of 2015,” as Kendrick delivers a story about racial injustice and those who inadvertently, or ignorantly, contribute to the problem. Frustrated and self-aware, the MC closes the lyrical assault with a bang.

Filled with reflective lyrics of hope and plenty of sadness, this song allowed Kendrick Lamar to confront his past and address a rather unimpressed listener. With the striking opening verse, the MC fulfills his promise to a Compton friend who lost his brother to violence before losing his own life in the same manner. By verse two, Kendrick Lamar references his 2011 track “Keisha’s Song,” and a woman who didn’t enjoy the public display of her sister’s story. By the end, K-Dot offers an explanation and looks for a deeper meaning in life as his fame continues to grow.

#6: “King Kunta” To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

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Ok, now it’s time to get funky. Kendrick Lamar upped the ante with this upbeat track by chronicling the proverbial weight of being the King. The opening words announce the upcoming lyrical smack down, as Mr. Lamar poses a most logical question to those who suddenly jumped on his bandwagon. Sampling Ahmad Lewis and referencing Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”, Lamar brought the party back to his hometown of Compton for the song’s groovy music video.

#5: “A.D.H.D.” Section.80 (2011)

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Here’s a song that doesn’t glorify drug use but explores why children of the 80s crack epidemic have a hard time coping - especially in the inner city. Armed with a phenomenal lyrical flow, Kendrick Lamarexamines his generation’s need to self-medicate and their refusal to address problems that began long before they were born. “A.D.H.D.” symbolizes a constant haze of contention, as it’s always easier to temporarily ease one’s pain when the future remains unclear.

#4: “Money Trees” feat. Jay Rock good kid, m.A.A.d. city (2012)

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“It go Halle Berry or Hallelujah” – now how’s that for a memorable hip-hop hook? As a “day-in-the-life” story and a conceptual ingredient to the album as whole, “Money Trees” chronicles several events ofKendrick Lamar’s life from bragging to his friends to getting down with Usher’s 2004 song “Burn.” Featuring a killer sample of Beach House’s “Silver Soul” and an impressive verse from fellow rapper Jay Rock, “Money Trees” is a serious stand out track from Kendrick’s major label debut.

#3: “I” To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

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With fame comes fortune, and this inspirational Kendrick Lamar single represents a significant change in the artist’s sound and image. After growing up in a gang-infested community, the rapper brought together the unlikeliest of people for the cover art and proclaimed that self-worth is far more important than playing somebody else’s violent game. While the album version of the track is far more abstract and fits perfectly with the themes of the album, the single version is a neo soul jam that never fails to get us moving.

#2: “m.A.A.d. city” feat. MC Eiht good kid, m.A.A.d. city (2012)

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Expressing the stark reality of growing up in Compton, this startling track conveys the inherent madness of Kendrick’s “mad city” and the psychological framework that one constructs out of necessity. Much like Compton artists who came before him, Kendrick Lamar addresses the idea that a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover, and that its pages may unveil a harrowing story if society is willing to pay attention. “m.A.A.d. city” took the MC all the way to the Grammy Awards stage and stands as a pivotal track on one of hip-hop’s most critically acclaimed albums. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Backseat Freestyle” good kid, m.A.A.d. city (2012) “Black Boy Fly” good kid, m.A.A.d. city (2012) “Poetic Justice” feat. Drake good kid, m.A.A.d. city (2012) “Rigamortus” Section.80 (2011) “Alright” To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

It’s a history lesson, a cautionary tale of alcoholism and the song where Kendrick Lamar communicated with his subconscious. Soaked up in a bottle of booze, Kendrick Lamar gets faded in “Swimming Pools” and contemplates not only the art of peer pressure, but the possibility that alcohol will ultimately end his own life. Through a genius lyrical foundation and unforgettable rhymes, the new King of hip-hop once again highlights the importance of personal identity while reminding that it’s ok to swim a little bit, however you should NEVER let anyone force you into the pool. So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Kendrick Lamar song? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.