Kendrick Lamar is one of the most talented rappers and lyricists of his generation, frequently cited as one of the greatest rappers of all time. He has even been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, being the first artist outside of the classical genre to receive it.

Kendrick’s latest album, GNX released in 2024, has received rave reviews from both fans and critics. Fans are especially excited, as Kendrick has just announced the US leg of his Grand National tour, accompanied by R&B singer, SZA. 

In the hopes that the rapper will soon announce a UK leg of the tour, we’ve compiled our list of Kendrick Lamar’s top ten songs of all time to show just how amazing his output has been over the years. While you’re here, you can register your interest with Seat Unique to make sure you secure your VIP tickets!

Register your interest in Kendrick Lamar VIP tickets

Kendrick Lamar’s Best Songs in Order

No. 10: ‘Squabble Up’

‘Squabble Up’ is one of the lead singles from Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, GNX. It has Kendrick’s classic West Coast hip-hop sound that he has become famous for, mixed with G-funk and even a bit of mariachi influences. 

The music video for the song is interesting too, as it contains easter eggs of references to California rap and hip-hop culture, along with African-American culture and various historical figures and movements. It’ll definitely be on the setlist for his new tour, so look forward to hearing this one live!

No. 9: ‘B**** Don’t Kill My Vibe’

One of Kendrick’s most-streamed songs, ‘B**** Don’t Kill My Vibe’ is also one that he often performs on tour. The song almost featured Lady Gaga but was ultimately released solo on Kendrick’s 2012 album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. 

In the song, Kendrick’s message can be interpreted multiple different ways. Perhaps he is speaking to the music industry, wanting to rise above all the drama. Perhaps he is speaking to himself, not wanting to kill his vibe with his own self-doubt and negativity. It is this layered lyricism that makes Kendrick’s songs so clever.

No. 8: ‘m.A.A.d City feat. MC Eiht’

‘m.A.A.d City’ is from the 2012 album with the same name, featuring MC Eiht who is a fellow Compton native and West Coast rapper. The song is about Kendrick’s upbringing in Compton, and the song uses a lot of imagery of gangs and violence. 

It is clear that Kendrick’s adolescence was filled with a lot of gang activity and drugs, which are themes present in a lot of West Coast rap songs. The song was met with critical acclaim for its cinematic and complex production, making it definitely one of Kendrick’s best songs. 

No. 7: ‘Alright’

‘Alright‘ is from Kendrick Lamar’s third album To Pimp a Butterfly, and has a much more hopeful nature than many of his other songs. The track was also co-produced by Pharrell Williams, another well-respected composer to make the beat of the song stand out even more. 

‘Alright’ became an anthem of the Black Lives Matter movement, when the chorus was chanted at rallies due to its catchy hook and messaging about rising above injustice in the world. The music video for the song also touches on these topics, showing police brutality towards an African-American man. 

No. 6: ‘Not Like Us’

If you were following the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake last year, you’ll know ‘Not Like Us.’ It was released as the fifth diss track towards Drake, and many regard it as the best in the feud. The track goes in on many accusations towards Drake, including sexual misconduct and fathering secret children.

Despite the song’s subject matter, it is a very lively and upbeat track. Strings create a catchy refrain, with additional snare drums and snaps making it club-ready but also aggressive in tone. The song gained massive popularity despite how quickly Kendrick released it, showing his talent for lyricism.

No. 5: ‘All The Stars (with SZA)’

‘All The Stars’ was released as part of the soundtrack for the film Black Panther and was majorly successful, even being nominated for a Golden Globe, Academy Award, and a Grammy. Kendrick is defiant, and accompanied by SZA’s smooth vocals, no wonder the song is so loved.

Lucky for fans of ‘All The Stars,’ SZA will be joining Kendrick on his Grand National tour in 2025. With other songs like ‘luther’ and ‘gloria’ together, the duo will be amazing to watch for a mixture of R&B vocals and impressive rapping. Register your interest now to get VIP tickets if they take the tour to the UK!

Register your interest in Kendrick Lamar VIP tickets

No. 4: ‘Collard Greens’ – Schoolboy Q

‘Collard Greens’ is a song by Schoolboy Q featuring Kendrick Lamar, with a wicked catchy hook and beat. It’s a fun song about getting wasted, with a bouncy bassline that makes it addictive to listen to. 

Interestingly, in Kendrick’s verse in the song he includes multilingual lyrics, rapping in Spanish and French despite not knowing the languages fluently. According to Lamar, he spoke to a Peruvian man at the studio to come up with the lines, which makes the song all the more unique. 

No. 3: ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’

This song is one of Kendrick Lamar’s breakthrough hits, bringing him mainstream popularity and also being his first to break into the UK charts. Among the accolades Kendrick received for the song are a Grammy nomination and two MTV Music Award nominations.

The lyrics of the song are about alcoholism, with Kendrick reflecting on his own struggles with alcohol along with other members of his family. The music video reflects this as well, with liquor bottles smashing and floating around Kendrick.

No. 2: ‘HUMBLE.’

‘HUMBLE.’ absolutely smashed everything Kendrick Lamar had done so far, becoming his second number one hit after his feature on Taylor Swift’s ‘Bad Blood.’ The piano and drum beat make the song catchy and memorable, with the simple lyrics of the chorus, “sit down, be humble,” making it perfect to shout at a club.

No. 1: ‘Money Trees’

‘Money Trees,’ featuring rapper Jay Rock, is a track about chasing wealth to escape poverty while also critiquing the illusion that money can solve everyone’s problems. Kendrick and Jay Rock grew up in Compton, and being well-versed in street life, know about the topic all too well. 

In contrast to the topic of the lyrics, the beat of the song is very laid-back, sampling a song by indie band Beach House to create a melodic loop that adds an interestingly melancholic note to compliment the introspective lyrics. It perfectly encapsulates Kendrick’s incredible songwriting ability, making this definitely Kendrick Lamar’s best song. 

Get Kendrick Lamar Tickets

Kendrick Lamar’s discography spans over a decade of incredible hits that are even better when you hear them live. If Kendrick and SZA decide to bring their Grand National tour to the UK, you definitely won’t want to miss it. 

You can register your interest with Seat Unique to be notified when the tour is announced, and you can be first in line when VIP tickets go on sale. Here at Seat Unique we’re officially partnered with venues to give you official VIP tickets that’ll give you unforgettable concert experiences. 

If premium seats, fast-track entry, access to hospitality lounges and bars, and complimentary drinks and nibbles sound good to you, don’t forget to register your interest to make sure you secure your place to see Kendrick Lamar on tour in 2025!

Register your interest in Kendrick Lamar VIP tickets