BY: Alexis Eichelberger

With every new album, Kendrick Lamar has rocked the rap music scene. His last album, DAMN. was released in 2017 and immediately received rave reviews and rocketed up the charts. It also earned two Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album, the latter of which it won.

But Lamar’s yet to release another solo album. For months, speculation has been swirling about a new release. In early September, photos surfaced of an apparent music video shoot, and fans became hopeful about a new single. Funkmaster Thundercat also recently hinted at working with Lamar on a new project.

Nevertheless, Lamar has yet to confirm that any new songs are ahead. As our never-ending wait for new music continues, here are seven of K-Dot’s best tracks to enjoy.

 

HUMBLE

The lead single from DAMN. is essential to include on any list of Kendrick’s best tracks. Lamar’s first solo to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 received five Grammy nominations, winning four.

 

Poetic Justice (feat. Drake)

Lamar’s first album with a major label, Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, is still revered as one of the best rap records.  “Poetic Justice,” a fresh and clean collab with Drake, received such positive attention after the album release that Lamar officially released it as a single in January 2013.

 

King Kunta

To Pimp A Butterfly, Lamar’s third album, blended elements of rap, funk, jazz, and spoken-word music to create one individualistic album. The third single from the album “King Kunta” is a perfect example of that unique and brilliant mix. It’s certified platinum in the United States and reached number 58 on the Hot 100.

 

Backseat Freestyle

We return to Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City for this inclusion on our list of essential Lamar tracks. “Backseat Freestyle” was the third single from the album and is now certified platinum. The punchy beat and irreverent, boastful lyrics are quintessentially Lamar’s style and make this song a longstanding favorite among K-Dot fans. 

 

A.D.H.D.

This track from Kendrick’s sophomore album was almost unanimously considered one of the best songs in 2011. “A.D.H.D” has the kind of drug-infused theme that rappers come back to time and again, but Lamar puts his individualistic spin on the topic.

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To Pimp A Butterfly balances heavy contemplations of belonging and jubilant celebrations of self. This single is a prime example of the latter. It won two Grammys after its release in 2015 and is now certified platinum.

 

LOYALTY (feat. Rihanna)

We’ve included his collaboration with the incomparable Rihanna for our final track on our list of Kendrick’s fire tracks. “LOYALTY” was the second single released from DAMN. and won Lamar yet another Grammy Award.