Kendrick Lamar albums ranked in order of greatness as he headlines Super Bowl 2025
It's been fourteen years since Compton -born Kendrick Lamar first grabbed the music world's attention, and he's held it firmly in his grasp ever since. Now widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time, he has collected a staggering array of accolades that range from 17 Grammys to becoming the first artist outside of classical or jazz to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, for 2017's Damn.
On February 9, Lamar will take to one of America's biggest stages as he headlines the Super Bowl for the first time. In anticipation, we're taking the opportunity to look back at how each of his six studio albums to date have shaped his staggering artistic legacy.
6. Section.80 (2011)
Lamar's debut studio album captured the sound of a young man with potential to burn finding his voice. The rapper, just 24 when the record was released, was already a flawless vocalist whose percussive flow delivered his deceptively simple and expressive rhymes straight to the listener's ear. 'I know some rappers using big words / To make their similes curve,' Lamar explained on 'Poe Mans Dreams (His Vice)'. 'My simplest s*** be more pivotal.'
As well as proving Lamar's talent as a performer and lyricist, Section.80 showed off his burgeoning talent for telling stories that work simultaneously on multiple levels. The album weaves together the tales of characters Tammy and Keisha, two young women mistreated by men who eventually find solace and comfort in each other, while also finding space for pointed political commentary.
'You know why we crack babies? / Because we born in the Eighties / That ADHD crazy,' Lamar raps on standout track 'A.D.H.D', one of several songs – including 'Ronald Reagan Era' – which he uses to paint a picture of the impact President Reagan's policy of allowing crack cocaine to flood into Los Angeles' Compton neighbourhood had on the children, like Lamar, who were growing up there. Potent and visceral, Section.80 marked out Kendrick Lamar as an artist impossible to ignore.
5. Damn (2017)
For his fourth album, Damn, Lamar brought in a couple of high-profile guests: Rihanna, who raps her way through the radio-friendly single 'Loyalty', and perhaps more surprisingly, venerable Irish rockers U2, who turn up in unconventional fashion on 'XXX'. Nevertheless, the spotlight never really leaves Lamar, who delivers an expansive record that combines a timeless old school rap sound with frequent nods to the future.
By this point in his career, Lamar could confidently say he was the greatest rapper alive, a fact he alludes to on the outstanding autobiographical closing track 'Duckworth': 'It was always me versus the world / Until I found it's me versus me.' The album produced his single biggest hit, the enormous 'Humble', as well as making history by winning the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
The Pulitzer committee used plenty of their own big words to describe the album, calling it 'a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.'
4. GNX (2024)
When Lamar dropped his sixth studio album out of the blue last November, it made headlines around the world. Not only was the release itself a surprise, but so was the rapper's willingness to take shots not just at his old sparring partner Drake but also the likes of Snoop Dogg (for posting a link to one of Drake's tracks) and Lil Wayne (who was apparently upset not to land the Super Bowl set himself). There was also time for romance, helped along by a pair of duets with SZA.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Following the success of 'Not Like Us', his chart-topping diss track aimed at Drake, GNX captured Lamar in feisty form as he took aim at all comers over a sound indebted to classic West Coast rap. Arguably not as complex or ambitious as his previous albums, GNX nevertheless lands every single punch.
3. Mr Morale & the Big Steppers (2022)
A deeply introspective album good enough to top most artists' discographies, Mr Morale & the Big Steppers cemented Lamar's status as the defining poet of his generation.
In a five-star review for The Independent, Ben Bryant praised the record as 'a surprising meditation on fatherhood, family and friendship.'
'Mr Morale & The Big Steppers is a sheaf of songs delving into conflict and reconciliation,' Bryant added. 'It is anchored in Lamar's own life, right down to a cover that features the first confirmation of the birth of his second child, Enoch. He has earned this moment of reflection.'
2. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012)
The record that made the whole world sit up and take notice. 2012's Good Kid, M.A.A.D City marked Lamar's major label debut and had the features to match, with guest appearances from the likes of Jay-Z, Drake and Dr Dre as well as Dre, Pharrell and Hit-Boy on production duties.
It spawned hit singles 'Swimming Pools (Drank)' and the irresistible 'B****, Don't Kill My Vibe' and earned four Grammy nominations, including for Album of the Year. But really all of that was incidental to the power of the record's central story. Billed as a 'Short film by Kendrick Lamar' on the album cover, the deeply autobiographical record told the tale of Lamar's teenage years on the gang-controlled streets of Compton with profound clarity.
Lamar's storytelling is so finely wrought that it came as no surprise when a university in Georgia added the work to its curriculum alongside other coming-of-age tales such as Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. 'I think Kendrick Lamar is the James Joyce of hip-hop,' said Professor Adam Diehl. 'In the complexity of his storytelling, in his knowledge of the canon, and in his continuing focus on the city of his upbringing – Compton."
1. To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
Lamar's politically charged masterpiece. While it's still primarily a staggeringly great rap album, musically Lamar expanded his sonic palette to encompass a broad spectrum of African-American music from jazz and funk to soul – including an introductory appearance from Parliament and Funkadelic visionary George Clinton.
Lyrically, the record was partly inspired by Lamar's tour of South Africa, during which he visited Nelson Mandela's jail cell on Robben Island, as well as by the United States' own re-energised Black rights movement. The album addresses itself to the African-American experience with nuance and deep, existential analysis, but it's as personal as it is political. In an essay published in medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry, Cambridge professors Akeem Sule and Becky Inkster described Lamar as the 'street poet of mental health', noting that the record deeply explores topics of addiction, anxiety, depression, and resilience.
In December 2019, The Independent named To Pimp a Butterfly as the best album of the preceding decade. 'Centrepiece 'Alright' is now a civil rights anthem, but To Pimp a Butterfly plays less like a statement than a bad dream,' wrote critic Jazz Monroe. 'Conflicted introspection, vexed empathy and political irreverence meet pitch-black humour that jolts you awake, with the sense that without this music, we'd be lost.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
This Dublin hotel features in Michelin Guide to best boutique hotels
The Georgian Townhouse's tagline is "Style Stays Here". On entering the sunken bar is already buzzing with visitors helping themselves from the well-stocked honesty bar. This was Christened the "conversation pit" by original designer and owner Sam Stephenson. The Dublin architect had invited the great and good from Ireland's public life to sit here for colourful parties and social events. Seen as something of a rebel in the swinging 60s his innovation and spirit are everywhere here. Time has been kind to the minimalist style. Staff are friendly and helpful, we were offered homemade cake and coffee on arrival after a walk from the city centre. Sleeping Matters A double room at Number 31 (Image: unknown) Each of the 22 rooms has its own sophisticated style and character summoning Art Deco, Classic Hollywood and the Jazz Age. Our elegant suite was decorated in a rich light green colour and there was plenty of room to find your own space. We spent a comfortable afternoon here before going out for dinner. Luxury bedding and a Super King-sized bed added to a relaxing night's sleep after travelling and walking around the city centre. Nice Touch Featured in the Michelin Guide to Ireland's best boutique hotels, it also offers a stunning garden. The path runs between the mews and the townhouse. I enjoyed a morning coffee near the bronze statue of an angel which was resplendent under sunlight, falling Cherry blossoms in Springtime and colourful rows of flowers. At night guests warm themselves with a seat near the fire pit and enjoy a nightcap in the tranquil surroundings. The gardens at Number 31 (Image: unknown) Food For Thought Delia's breakfast was a real highlight and she delivered the perfect Irish mammy welcome with a smile and a cooked fry-up. We sit at a table arranged like a traditional farmhouse. The food is sourced from local ingredients, I opted for the delicious Eggs Benedict which was followed by Delia's signature dish of baked cranberry and orange nut loaf. Her homemade granola served with yoghurt and fruit was also popular. Drink In The Sights For music fans, Windmill Lane Recording Studios is a popular attraction. It's perhaps closely associated with U2 and no fan of the Dublin four-piece will be disappointed but other classic records such as Kate Bush's Hounds of Love were partly recorded at the studios. I was given a detailed tour that featured stories about the resident ghost as well as former owner Van Morrison. Recent visits include The Edge and Bruce Springsteen. Right in the centre of Dublin is The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience which even contains its own U2 room, the tour featured an international audience who enjoyed getting involved and asking questions. We were even invited to a live jam session. When there were no takers, a rendition of Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix from my school days came in handy. Getting There I flew with Ryanair from Edinburgh into Dublin, prices vary depending on when you book but can start as low as £14.99. A cab from the airport to the city centre is around €30. An Aircoach bus ticket from the airport costs approximately €12 for a return and stops close to the hotel. I also travelled around Dublin on the Do Dublin Hop-on Hop-off tour. Rooms as the hotel start at £212 and includes breakfast, for further information visit Ryanair and Aer Lingus/Emerald Airlines service Glasgow and Edinburgh - Dublin and you can fly with Loganair and Aer Lingus/Emerald Airlines from Aberdeen too For more information please visit
The Guardian
a day ago
- The Guardian
TV tonight: how Serena Williams nearly became a punk guitarist
11.10pm, BBC One The Williams sisters are almost always approached as a pair, sharing a destiny from early childhood. In this series, Serena tells her own story – though, of course, Venus chips in. The opening episode looks at the influence of their father Richard, who saw tennis as his family's passport out of Compton. But Serena initially had other ideas: she is a Green Day fan and fancied herself as a punk guitarist. 'All my dreams weren't on the tennis court,' she says. Phil Harrison 8.35pm, BBC Two With their reunion concerts looming, what better time to revisit the couple of years when Oasis felt furiously essential. This compilation of the band's trips to the BBC leans heavily on their 1994-5 output – including buskers' favourite Wonderwall. PH 9pm, Channel 5 A feature-length documentary that investigates every aspect of the life of Prince William and reports as follows: everything he has ever done or said is almost unbearably brilliant. If you're a royalist, it's one long sigh of pleasure; if not, you'll feel as if you've taken mind-altering drugs. Jack Seale 9.25pm, BBC One In the final episode of this delicate Australian drama, the day of the 'last anniversary party' arrives, bringing with it the reveals of some long-held mysteries. As Veronika learns the truth of Alice and Jack's story, Deborah brings Thomas's crush on Sophie to light, while Margie and Enigma unearth Ron's secret plans. Nicole Vassell 10pm, ITV1 Stick-on beards, secret phones and scary latex masks are the order of the day in this far-fetched transatlantic thriller, first seen on Apple TV+. As it begins, five Britons find themselves linked to a high-profile kidnapping, with Uma Thurman adding a bit of Hollywood polish as the victim's mother. Hannah J Davies 10.25pm, Channel 4 The remarkable Rhod Gilbert filmed this standup set in Cardiff in 2022. It mined laughter from a difficult period in his life – he'd lost his mum, had a stroke and struggled with infertility. Sadly, a cancer diagnosis was just round the corner, which gives the show added poignancy. PH Piece By Piece, 8.25am, 4.20pm, Sky Cinema Premiere We've had Robbie Williams played by a CGI chimp so why not Pharrell Williams as a collection of small plastic bricks? This weird but joyous documentary from Morgan Neville uses Lego to encapsulate the life of the wildly successful Neptunes producer and musician. Williams having synaesthesia – he experiences sound as colour – means the film can go off on visual flights of fancy; the beats he creates becoming rainbow fireworks or vibrant waves. All this trippy imagery covers up the fact that his rise to stardom has been fairly frictionless, but contributions from Lego versions of Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg et al attest to his offbeat worldview and hyperactive creativity. Simon Wardell Saint Omer, 9pm, BBC Four Why would a mother leave her 15-month-old daughter on a beach to drown? That's the central question in French film-maker Alice Diop's murky, moving courtroom drama, as a young Senegalese woman, Laurence (Guslagie Malanda), is put on trial. Lecturer Rama (Kayije Kagame) attends in the hope of writing a book about it, but uneasy resonances with her own life – immigrant family, pregnancy, mixed-race relationship – throw her off-track. Even the evasive, inconsistent Laurence appears unsure as to why she committed such a horrific act. SW Men's Test Cricket: England v India, 10.15am, Sky Sports Main Event Day two of the first Test in the five-match series at Headingley, Leeds, with Shubman Gill captaining the visitors for the first time. Men's Tennis: Queens, 1pm, BBC Two The semi-finals of the grass-court tournament at Queen's Club. Racing: Royal Ascot, 1.30pm, ITV1 The final day of the meet, featuring the Jersey Stakes at 4.20pm. International Men's Football: European Under-21s Championship, 4.45pm, Channel 4 The first quarter-finals, as the winners of Group C face the Group D runners-up. The second quarter-final, between the winners of Group A and the Group B runners-up, follows at 7.35pm. Women's Golf: PGA Championship, 7pm, Sky Sports Main Event Day three of the major at Fields Ranch in Frisco, Texas.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Magaluf tourists stunned as they spot controversial A-list rapper browsing crisps in souvenir shop
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAGALUF tourists were stunned as they spotted a controversial A-list rapper browsing crisps in a souvenir shop. It was none other than Kanye West, who was spotted with wife Bianca Censori browsing the crisp aisle. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Magaluf tourists were stunned as they spotted a controversial A-list rapper browsing crisps in a souvenir shop Credit: Jam Press/Carla Ingham 4 It's been reported that Kanye and Bianca are currently staying on the Spanish Island for six weeks Credit: Jam Press/Carla Ingham 4 A passerby ended up filming the US star and his wife, who was wearing a black bodysuit and sliders Credit: Jam Press/Carla Ingham The US rapper was in all black, and had a wander around the shop, that also sells tourist gifts. Barmaid Carla Ingham had heard the rapper, 48, was out shopping with his 30-year-old wife from a workmate. She ended up filming the US star and his wife, who was wearing a black bodysuit and sliders. Carla said: 'My workmate Lucas first spotted him heading into the supermarket next door. 'So I started filming myself walking into the shop. 'I called out.' It's been reported that Kanye and Bianca are currently staying on the Spanish Island for six weeks. Bianca and Kanye, who were believed to have split after the Grammys stunt, seem to be going strong. The pair have been spotted all over Spain, with Kanye allegedly receiving treatment for his mental health in Mallorca after his vile antisemitic and hateful outbursts. Bianca Censori sticks her tongue in Kanye West's mouth during rare PDA moment in romantic sunset video--- The couple were last seen hand in hand at a McDonald's in Barcelona. Their sighting comes after it was revealed that Bianca has branched out with her own career path away from husband Kanye. The brunette beauty worked for Kanye while she was an architect at Yeezy in 2020, but hasn't been in the profession for the last few years. Instead, Bianca has posed around the world in shocking barely-there outfits, such as her naked dress at the Grammys in February. Kanye, who now goes by Ye, has been criticized for controlling his wife's every movement, but it looks like she's now going it alone. The U.S. Sun can reveal Bianca has set up her first U.S. company, Bianca Censori Inc. It was registered last month with the state of California. She is listed as CEO and secretary.
