The Story of Kendrick Lamar Through 20 Songs
Let’s take a look back at the brilliant career of the rapper. He truly is an artist who has shaped an era of music, leaving a profound influence on hip-hop culture — and this shows no sign of stopping.
Rising From Compton
In 2012, Kendrick released the classic album good kid, m.A.A.d city, which not only retold the history of hip-hop but also created entirely new artistic values. Alongside addressing typically dry social issues, the rapper explored diverse themes — from art, society, and his hometown of Southern California, to Black culture, masculinity, and faith. Yet, his music remained engaging and accessible, never preachy, instead sparking reflection in listeners.
Growing up in Compton, once the center of West Coast hip-hop in the 1990s, Kendrick’s works carry the imprint of that era and that place, heavily influenced by DJ Quik, Tupac Shakur, and Dr. Dre (his former label head). However, he mastered adapting to the constantly evolving streaming era, allowing his music to reach all kinds of audiences.
In a 2017 interview with Zane Lowe of Apple Music, Kendrick said:
“I want to change the way people think and feel about music. That excites me. When I was a kid, I listened to JAY-Z, Eminem, and Pac, but I didn’t fully understand it. Years later, as I learned and grew, those songs really amazed me.”
A Voice for a Generation
If good kid was a personal story recalling the haunting memories of his childhood in Compton, then To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) shifted focus toward communities, especially African Americans. Inspiration seemed to stem from the killings of Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and others. Kendrick explained:
“I wanted to shed light on what’s happening in my community, in the world, and to the people I care about.”
The album’s complexity could overwhelm listeners, but that ambition transformed Kendrick from just a “great rapper” into the voice of an entire generation. He connected past and present, blending live jazz with electronic G-funk, militant protest rap with soulful grooves of the 1970s.
Initially titled Tu Pimp a Caterpillar as a tribute to 2Pac, the album’s resonance transcended any single message. Its moral depth was too layered to reduce to a slogan. These qualities made it profoundly influential — the more you dug into the details, the more you uncovered Kendrick’s sharp worldview.
He reflected:
“This record and its message must live on with time, like the way artists like Talib, Jay, Common, and Ice Cube did back in 1991. Fifteen years later, I listened back and learned so much. I hope this album impacts not just the present generation but also the future.”
Earning the Crown
The album DAMN. (2017) made Kendrick the first rapper to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, a milestone that showed how far hip-hop had come in popular culture. Known as a highly emotional performer, Kendrick used DAMN. to dive deeper into the human psyche, exploring intense emotional states. Each track embodied a feeling — from loyalty and lust to pride.
Unlike To Pimp a Butterfly, the album didn’t tackle political themes as directly. Yet, in another way, it was groundbreaking — creating space for Black artists to express emotions as freely as their white counterparts. Kendrick embraced inner contradictions, turning them into sources of artistic inspiration.
He explained:
“No matter how confident I am, I want my music to meet a certain standard of compassion and empathy — like Pac’s music did. Anyone can make songs, but if I don’t feel them myself, the listener won’t either.”
Becoming a Leader
Like Alexander the Great, who wept when no worlds were left to conquer, Kendrick allowed himself some rest after DAMN.’s massive success. He quickly transitioned to a behind-the-scenes role, curating and co-producing the soundtrack for Marvel’s Black Panther (2018). The project, featuring SZA, The Weeknd, Future, Anderson .Paak, and others, was a global triumph that brought his vision to life.
Soon after, Kendrick reached other milestones: becoming a father, founding the creative company pgLang, and enjoying the fruits of his work. In 2022, he returned with Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, diving even deeper into questions of identity, even more powerfully than before. The launch of pgLang also showed his ambition to move into executive roles, just like his idols once did.
He admitted:
“I’m passionate about hip-hop. I don’t care what era people come from — I’ve listened to it all. When I hear someone say they’re the best, I reply: I don’t make music just to craft a hot verse, hook, or bridge. I simply want to create all the time, that’s it.”
A Worthy Reward
Most importantly, Kendrick can make you fall in love with hip-hop all over again. That doesn’t mean he only borrows from the past. Instead, he constantly reinvents classic hip-hop forms — from battle raps (Not Like Us), to protest anthems (Alright), to wordplay that channels both pain and joy.
This versatility showcases the richness of rap. Younger audiences admire Kendrick’s energy, while older fans connect through echoes of legends like JAY-Z, 2Pac, Outkast, DJ Quik, and styles from across America. With his unmatched talent and vision, he fused these influences to craft GNX (2024). With its West Coast party vibe infused with G-funk and hyphy, the album was his most locally flavored and least “philosophical” release yet.
Once again, he set high standards for himself, always willing to give everything back to the culture. He declared:
“Music isn’t a game, or just a way to make quick money and leave. For many people, music is life itself.”
Kendrick Lamar’s Musical Evolution Through 20 Songs
To understand Kendrick’s journey, here are 20 songs that define his artistry:
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HiiiPoWeR – early glimpse of his visionary mindset.
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Swimming Pools (Drank) – balancing commercial success with dark themes.
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Money Trees – storytelling rooted in Compton life.
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Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe – blending smooth production with sharp lyricism.
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Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst – one of his deepest storytelling tracks.
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i – a message of self-love and resilience.
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King Kunta – funky and rebellious.
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The Blacker the Berry – confronting systemic racism.
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Alright – the anthem of modern protest.
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DNA. – lyrical brilliance paired with raw energy.
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HUMBLE. – balancing confidence with irony.
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LOYALTY. (feat. Rihanna) – mainstream appeal with depth.
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FEAR. – meditative and philosophical.
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All the Stars (with SZA) – cinematic and uplifting.
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Pray for Me (with The Weeknd) – epic storytelling for Black Panther.
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N95 – a critique of society’s masks.
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Father Time – emotional exploration of masculinity.
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United in Grief – raw emotional honesty.
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Not Like Us – a recent anthem of resilience.
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GNX (2024) – celebration of West Coast sounds with a modern twist.
Each track reflects not only Kendrick’s evolution but also the changing landscape of hip-hop and society.
