To Pimp a Butterfly
Jazz-funk masterwork
The 2015 opus fusing jazz, funk and Black political consciousness is routinely named one of the greatest albums of the 21st century.
Kendrick Lamar Albums, Ranked
The most decorated rapper of his generation, from Compton concept records to a Pulitzer.
Ranked on critical acclaim, award recognition (Grammys, the 2018 Pulitzer Prize), and canon standing among his studio catalog.
S
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Compton coming-of-age film
His 2012 major-label debut, a cinematic 'short film,' is a modern classic that has sold over 3 million US copies.
DAMN.
Pulitzer-winning record
2017's DAMN. made history as the first non-classical, non-jazz album to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
A
Section.80
Breakout independent debut
His 2011 debut studio album introduced a generation-defining voice and built the buzz that Dr. Dre soon signed.
untitled unmastered.
Beloved TPAB offcuts
The 2016 collection of To Pimp a Butterfly-era demos was warmly received and still topped the Billboard 200.
B
GNX
Surprise victory lap
The 2024 surprise release rode his cultural peak to #1 and strong reviews, though framed as a leaner, less ambitious project.
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
Divisive therapy double LP
The 2022 double album was ambitious and won the Grammy for Best Rap Album but split critics as uneven and overlong.
C
Black Panther: The Album
Curated blockbuster soundtrack
The 2018 companion album he curated and anchored produced the Oscar-nominated hit 'All the Stars' but is a various-artists project.
D
Overly Dedicated
Raw early mixtape
His 2010 mixtape shows real promise but is the least polished and least essential release in his available catalog.
◆ Ranked on Tier Deck · browse all 296 lists · Privacy · Terms