Kendrick Lamar Albums Ranked: From Section.80 to DAMN.

By: Michael's Melodies

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Kendrick Lamar stands as a monumental figure in today’s hip-hop scene, continually serving us albums that are innovative and filled with profound thoughts. As a fan, it’s been a unique journey experiencing his music that blends compelling storytelling, insightful social commentary, and unmatched lyrical skill.

His music, rich with impactful narratives and innovative beats, has not only dominated my playlist but has also significantly influenced the music industry. Being part of the community that appreciates his work, it’s awe-inspiring to see how his tunes and words resonate and leave a lasting impact.

In this piece, I’ll be diving deep to rank Kendrick’s outstanding albums, considering elements like sales, critical reviews, and of course, what we, the fans, love. It’s interesting to explore each album’s essence, observing what makes each one a masterpiece in its own right.

For me, this isn’t just about listing the albums; it’s more of a reflection and appreciation of an artist who has consistently delivered music that challenges, entertains, and enlightens. It’s a chance to look back at Kendrick’s musical journey and see how his creations have shaped the sounds and thoughts of our generation.

Kendrick Lamar Albums Ranked

Section.80 (2011)

Kendrick Lamar’s debut studio album, Section.80, was released in 2011 and introduced the world to his storytelling abilities and keen social commentary. With tracks like “A.D.H.D.” and “HiiiPoWeR,” the album explored themes of race, inequality, and the challenges faced by his generation.

Sales: Approximately 746,000 copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 4/5 Fan Favorites: “A.D.H.D.,” “HiiiPoWeR,” “Hol’ Up”

Section.80 received critical acclaim and established Kendrick Lamar as a promising and socially conscious artist.

good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

Released in 2012, good kid, m.A.A.d city is often hailed as a hip-hop masterpiece. The album takes listeners on a journey through Lamar’s upbringing in Compton, California, and the challenges he faced. Tracks like “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “B****, Don’t Kill My Vibe” became anthems.

Sales: Approximately 1.8 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 5/5 Fan Favorites: “Swimming Pools (Drank),” “B****, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” “m.A.A.d city”

good kid, m.A.A.d city received universal acclaim and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

In 2015, Kendrick Lamar released To Pimp a Butterfly, a genre-blurring and politically charged album that explored themes of race, identity, and self-acceptance. With tracks like “Alright” and “King Kunta,” the album became a cultural touchstone.

Sales: Approximately 1.3 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 5/5 Fan Favorites: “Alright,” “King Kunta,” “The Blacker the Berry”

To Pimp a Butterfly received widespread critical acclaim and won multiple Grammy Awards, solidifying Lamar’s status as a visionary artist.

DAMN. (2017)

kendrick lamar damn.
DAMN. is widely known as Kendrick Lamar’s best album

DAMN., released in 2017, marked a departure from the jazz-infused sound of its predecessor. With tracks like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.,” the album showcased Lamar’s versatility and continued lyrical excellence. DAMN. is often regarded as Kendrick Lamar’s best album.

Sales: Approximately 4 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 4.5/5 Fan Favorites: “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.,” “LOYALTY.”

DAMN. received critical acclaim and won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making Lamar the first non-classical or jazz artist to receive the honor.

Kendrick Lamar Albums Ranked By Sales

Let’s take a closer look at Kendrick Lamar’s albums ranked by their respective sales figures:

  1. DAMN. (2017) – Approximately 4 million copies in the United States
  2. good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012) – Approximately 1.8 million copies in the United States
  3. To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) – Approximately 1.3 million copies in the United States
  4. Section.80 (2011) – Approximately 746,000 copies in the United States

Kendrick Lamar Notable Live Performances

Kendrick Lamar is known for his electrifying live performances. Some of his notable shows include:

  1. The DAMN. Tour (2017-2018) – A global tour in support of the “DAMN.” album, featuring elaborate stage designs and powerful performances.
  2. Coachella 2017 – Kendrick headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, delivering a memorable performance.
  3. Grammy Awards 2016 – Lamar’s politically charged performance at the Grammy Awards, featuring “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright,” received widespread acclaim.

Kendrick Lamar Top Tracks on Spotify

Kendrick Lamar’s music continues to captivate listeners on Spotify. Here are some of his top tracks on the platform:

  1. “HUMBLE.” – With over 1.7 billion streams, this track is a bold declaration of self-confidence.
  2. “Swimming Pools (Drank)” – With over 1.1 billion streams, this song explores the dangers of alcohol abuse.
  3. “DNA.” – With over 740 million streams, this track showcases Lamar’s rapid-fire delivery.
  4. “Alright” – With over 700 million streams, this anthem of resilience became an anthem during social justice protests.
  5. “LOVE.” – With over 660 million streams, this song delves into themes of love and relationships.

Kendrick Lamar Album Guests

Kendrick Lamar has collaborated with a diverse range of artists on his albums. Here are some notable guest appearances:

  1. Rihanna – Collaborated with Kendrick on “LOYALTY.” from the “DAMN.” album.
  2. SZA – Featured on “All the Stars” from the “Black Panther: The Album” soundtrack.
  3. Beyoncé – Joined Kendrick on “FREEDOM” from Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album.
  4. Dr. Dre – Collaborated with Kendrick on multiple tracks, including “Compton” from the “Compton” soundtrack.
  5. Jay Rock – Kendrick’s fellow TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) labelmate, who has appeared on several tracks with him.

Conclusion

Kendrick Lamar’s albums are a testament to his storytelling abilities, social consciousness, and artistic evolution. From the introspection of “good kid, m.A.A.d city” to the politically charged “To Pimp a Butterfly” and the chart-topping success of “DAMN.,” Lamar’s impact on hip-hop and music as a whole is undeniable.

Similar Artists

If you’re a fan of Kendrick Lamar’s music, you might also enjoy the work of these similar artists:

  1. J. Cole – Known for his introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes.
  2. Chance the Rapper – An artist who blends gospel elements with hip-hop and explores themes of faith and identity.
  3. Isaiah Rashad – A member of the TDE label, known for his lyrical prowess and unique style.
  4. Joey Bada$$ – An artist who pays homage to classic hip-hop while addressing contemporary issues.
  5. Vince Staples – Known for his sharp lyricism and commentary on race and society.