Kendrick Lamarhas been dominating mainstream rap for well over a decade.
Part of Lamar’s appeal as an artist is the narrative focus he brings to his work.
Most of Lamar’s studio albums have functioned as complete pieces of work that tell a story throughout.
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It isn’t easy to narrow it down, buthere are the ten best songs from Kendrick Lamar.
“The 2012 record explores Lamar’s youthful experience in retrospect and in earnest.
“Money Trees” unpacks the pull between “easy money” and more ethical behavior.
Lamar acknowledges that his choices in life, good and bad, have shaped the artist he is now.
“Money Trees” gets into the nitty-gritty details of what some of these choices actually entail.
But he also discusses the potential downsides of risky sex and engaging in a life of violence.
His strength to stay true to himself as a Black man make him a king.
This message is so essential to Lamar’s journey as an artist.
The notion of “just being yourself” is typically uncomplicated and trite.
The second half of the song is equally as challenging in terms of its content.
The funky 70’s melody equals the positivity of Lamar’s confident and optimistic lyrics.
This provides the painful but relatable see-saw upon which many of Lamar’s lyrics teeter.
The track cuts a striking contrast againstu, which is the next song onTo Pimp a Butterfly.
The songs almost feel like two sides of the same coin.
His prior work had gained him industry recognition and a record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment.
But,good kid, m.A.A.dcity would launch the Compton rapper into the mainstream.
“Backseat Freestyle” is bass-driven, youthful and confident.
The track’s composition and vocal variety epitomize the celebration of success and excess that the song is about.
The over-the-top bravado is intentionally absurd.
What is also profoundly potent is Lamar’s raw honesty and vulnerability.
This vulnerability is exhibited in the words themselves, and also the varied and theatrical vocal performance.
Lamar mixes the melody with an immersive soundscape that depicts a man in a drunken spiral.
While spiraling, his inner-dialogue is dominated by hate for others and for himself.
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