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The 12 Best Kendrick Lamar Music Videos, Ranked

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Kendrick Lamar best music video still with 'Element,' 'Not Like Us' & 'Humble' stills
YouTube/Merle Cooper

Kendrick Lamar’s new song “Not Like Us” has upended the hip-hop landscape, and such a seismic single warrants an equally world-shaking music video. That’s what K. Dot provided with the supporting visual for “Not Like Us,” a four-minute celebration of not just his victory over one of the biggest stars on the planet, but also of his city, Compton, and LA culture in general.

Those elements often appear in Kendrick’s videography, which spans far longer than the obvious decade or so since he became a Grammy-winning, Fox News-terrifying, esoteric yet somehow ubiquitous fixture of pop culture. The following list was debated, discussed, and even outright dissed by my colleague Wongo and I (with our long-suffering editor, Phil, playing referee) until we got to his best — both in their visual representation of K Dot’s messaging and for their dynamic and memorable imagery.

Disclaimer: We left “The Heart Part 5” off this list over its use of deepfake AI — contrived and problematic technology on its own — that we believe aged poorly in hindsight.

12. “Michael Jordan”

The song that put Kendrick Lamar on the map in the city of LA. If the unofficial through-line of this list is how deeply Kendrick connects to his city through his visuals, this is where that line begins. It may not be as visually striking as other clips on this list, but it is likely one of the most thematically impactful — look no further than the fact that the then-relatively unknown Kendrick, considered something of a sidekick at the time to TDE’s “real” star, Jay Rock, shut down the 110 Freeway in Downtown Los Angeles to shoot much of this video. For non-Angelenos, this is vaguely akin to choking off the superior vena cava of the human heart. For a less heady comparison, consider this: The only other times this is done is to film major Hollywood productions like San Andreas and La La Land, or for major protests like the ones against police brutality in 2020 and advocation for a Gaza ceasefire. Basically, Kendrick was saying, “I AM LA. I am bigger than Hollywood. I am a world-changing event.” He wasn’t wrong. — Aaron Williams

11. “The Hillbillies” w/ Baby Keem

Though “Family Ties” launched it, “The Hillbillies” solidified the pgLang era of Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem’s careers. Released without much warning, the vlog-style Neal Farmer-directed video captures the true laid-back personas of both Lamar and Keem. Between time in London and Los Angeles (where Tyler The Creator joins them), Lamar and Keem do everything from dance outside a private jet, prance through a shopping mall, flex clothes and jewels, play video games, help Tyler tease news about Camp Flag Gnaw Carnival at Dodger Stadium, and more. Quirky camera tricks and numerous meme-worthy moments from Lamar and Keem add to the carefree and fun energy that the duo brings to the video, a rarity for the former when it comes to his visuals. — Wongo Okon

10. “B*tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

An early standout from Kendrick’s catalog, the video for “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” lays much of the groundwork for what will become recurring motifs throughout his videography: Striking, spiritualistic imagery (a funeral in a well-appointed church, with mourners dressed in white-on-white rather than the traditional black), an unexpected cameo from a Los Angeles legend (in this case, standup comic Mike Epps, who baptizes Kendrick in a “pool full a liquor,” a callback to another Good Kid, M.A.A.D single, “Swimming Pools”), and the abiding contrast/coexistence of communal celebration and solo introspection. A bonus highlight: The very 2010s unsubtle product placement shot, which scans as one of K. Dot’s most “here, damn” concessions to commercialism in a career full of them. — A.W.

9. “Element”

Kendrick Lamar’s promise to “make it look sexy” if he ever had to “slap a p*ssy ass n****” on “Element” hits a lot differently in the wake of his beef with Drake. Prophetic foreshadowing aside, “Element” is a prime example of the persona Lamar carries today: impenetrable, undefeatable, and unconquerable. Its visual, directed by Jonas Lindstroem & The Little Homies, captures Lamar in militant form. Nearly every time Lamar appears in the video, he is either standing above us or surrounded by a crew of supporters who are all on standby for a brutal fight. For three-and-a-half minutes, Lamar, bloody white t-shirt and all, embraces the boogeyman characteristic in a fine display of kingship in the rap game that resonates more than ever today. — W.O.

8. “These Walls” Feat. Bilal, Anna Wise & Thundercat

“It was Kendrick! Yeah, Kendrick Lamar!” Corey Holcomb proclaims this in the opening scene of the “These Walls” video which is actually titled “Behind The Walls: A Black Comedy.” The video, directed by Colin Tilley and The Little Homies, lives up to that title as we’re invited into a house party complete with drinking, drugs, fights, and loud music. In this one, Lamar doesn’t even rap the Grammy-winning song’s words until the very end. Instead, he enjoys a dance with a woman against a wall before breaking through it and falling into another room, all to continue the fun in another room. He also teams up with an overzealous Terry Crews to perform the Hit The Quan dance at a talent show. The colorful visual continues with a shift back to the party where Holcomb arrives to see Lamar with his lady, something that doesn’t entirely mind as he finds two for himself. The fun is short-lived for Holcomb who gets hauled away by two cops after he crashed into a police cruiser as he parked before entering the party. Comedic angle aside, the video, true to the song’s message, is a true visual representation of what occurs within the walls of the mind and a home as men like Kendrick and Holcomb aspire to explore the walls of a woman. — W.O.

7. “Loyalty” Feat. Rihanna

“Loyalty,” Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna’s first-ever collaboration, is a standout on DAMN. for many reasons, one being the perilous visual the song received. For four minutes, Lamar and Rihanna flirt with many of life’s harmful dangers to prove that their love and loyalty to each other are unmatched. Rihanna taunts a man by spitting her gum on him, and when he angrily approaches her, Lamar is there to knock him out. He later dangles Rihanna off the roof of a building before they both lay on its edge as if they’re on ground level and not hundreds of feet in the air. The “Loyalty” visual ends with Lamar and Rihanna absorbing the blow of a tractor-trailer crashing into their car as Lamar does donuts in the middle of an intersection. — W.O.

6. “Count Me Out”

Though Kendrick Lamar’s video for “Count Me Out” isn’t as eventful as the other standout visuals in his videography, it excels by capturing the mindset that created< em>Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The visual begins with a conversation with his therapist, played by Oscar award-winning actress Helen Mirren, where the two laugh about Lamar stealing a woman’s parking spot and delve into a more serious discussion about his self-doubts. The Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar-directed video then splits into three screens with a visual of Lamar rapping the first verse of “Count Me Out,” another of Mirren listening intently, and a third that pairs images of pain, anger, fear, joy, strife, contention, and more to Lamar’s words. — W.O.

5. “N95”

“N95” is hands-down the best video to come down from the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers era for a multitude of reasons. It succinctly captures the erratic and chaotic atmosphere of the song and the album as a whole. Want to see and hear where Kendrick’s head was in 2022? Look no further than the “N95” video. Furthermore, from a more general standpoint, it’s just a sick visual. It juxtaposes itself over and over again in just seconds, going from Kendrick in full sprint as he evades an angry mob to watching the rapper gracefully scales down steps by a waterfall. He sits in peace and reads a pgLang magazine before a car tumbles by a clears out chairs just a few away from the one he sits in. Add in shots of Lamar doing burpees, floating over the ocean in a Christ-like position, hitting donuts in a car with Baby Keem, and more, and you have a visual worthy of a top-five slot in Lamar’s career. — W.O.

4. “Alright”

Arguably the best of Kendrick Lamar’s videos, “Alright” earns its place thanks in part to bearing the hallmarks of Kendrick’s videos — community, camaraderie, visual metaphors for resilience — and throwing in one of the best-sounding unreleased songs of Kendrick’s entire catalog. It’s still the only place to hear this song, which by itself should be enough of a recommendation for this video, but just for the sake of argument, “Alright” is also the recipient of the 2016 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song and was nominated for that year’s MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. — A.W.

3. “Not Like Us”

This is why we’re here, people. A visual representation of Los Angeles culture, of Kendrick’s rap dominance, of his hometown hero status, the video also doubles as a bit of a wake for that poor OVO owl. From smashing an owl piñata to putting a live owl inside a cage, the video reflects the song’s primary goal of burying Kendrick’s longtime foe Drake, while at the same time, uses the controversy as an opportunity to highlight K Dot’s hometown, from the Tommy The Clown and DeMar DeRozan cameos to its raucous, impromptu community gathering at Compton City Hall. — A.W.

2. “DNA”

The best videos in Kendrick Lamar’s career came from his DAMN. era. Look no further than the “DNA” visual for proof of this. Don Cheadle stars as an interrogator ready to give Lamar a lie detector test when he is shocked into the same rhythm as the rapper, rapping the lyrics of “DNA” as if they both wrote the song from the same experience of anger and struggle. The moment takes a mental toll on both men, but Lamar reigns supreme as Cheadle succumbs to Lamar and lets him go before falling to his knees in defeat. For the rest of the “DNA” video, we watch an erratic Lamar shoot dice with friends, recount past events, show off his Grammys, and more all while a group of girls drive a car recklessly through city streets – a conclusion that pairs perfectly with the song’s chaotic second half. — W.O.

1. “Humble”

“Humble” was the first single from Kendrick’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2017 album, DAMN., and its release heralded the largest leap the Compton artist had taken in public awareness in his career. It was his first solo No. 1 on the Hot 100, and it won Grammys for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and most relevant here, Best Music Video. The video is another Dave Free masterwork, incorporating more of the religious iconography that Kendrick has grappled with throughout his career, borrowing as much from the distinctive visual style of Hype Williams as from Leonardo da Vinci, whose “Last Supper” plays centerpiece to the point Kendrick makes lyrically on “Humble.” To this day, it is still the most-viewed video on his YouTube channel. — A.W.

Kendrick Lamar Essential Songs

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Kendrick Lamar has earned his place as one of the most influential voices in hip-hop. Since bursting onto the scene with his major label debut, Lamar has continuously pushed the boundaries of the genre, earning critical acclaim. His ability to weave personal experiences with broader societal issues has also garnered him numerous awards. These include multiple Grammys and a Pulitzer Prize, but also established him as a cultural icon. Kendrick’s music resonates deeply with listeners, addressing themes of identity, struggle, and poetry.

Additionally, Kendrick Lamar has delivered a series of essential tracks that showcase his evolution as an artist and his impact on the music industry. From the introspective narratives of good kid, m.A.A.d city to the revolutionary fervor of To Pimp a Butterfly and the introspective yet accessible DAMN., Lamar’s discography emphasizes versatility and depth. In this exploration of Kendrick Lamar’s essential songs, we’ll dive into the tracks that have defined his career, highlighting the lyrical brilliance and cultural significance that make him a standout figure in contemporary music.

1. “A.D.H.D” (2011)

In 2011, Kendrick Lamar released “A.D.H.D,” a track from his critically acclaimed album Section.80. This song delves into the mindset of the millennial generation. It addresses themes of drug use, peer pressure, and societal disillusionment. Lamar’s storytelling ability shines as he paints a vivid picture of young adults navigating a world filled with distractions and temptations. Lamar captures the essence of a generation coping with their realities through substance use.

The production, featuring a haunting beat and minimalist instrumentation, complements the song’s introspective and somber tone. Further, “A.D.H.D” showcases Lamar’s lyrical ability to convey complex themes in a relatable and impactful way. The track quickly became a fan favorite and a defining moment in his early career. It also set the stage for his future explorations of deeper social issues. Through “A.D.H.D,” Kendrick Lamar established himself as a voice of his generation, unafraid to tackle the harsh truths of modern life.

2. “Not Like Us” (2024)

“Not Like Us,” released in 2024, is Kendrick Lamar’s pointed diss track directed at Drake. This song is notable for its intense lyricism and biting commentary, showcasing Lamar’s skill in crafting incisive and impactful verses. Over a hard-hitting beat produced by Mustard, Lamar dissects his rivalry with Drake, addressing issues of authenticity and respect in the rap game. Lines like “They not like us, they not like us, they not like us” repeatedly emphasize the perceived differences between Lamar and his peers.

The song quickly became a viral sensation, breaking records and topping charts. “Not Like Us” not only highlighted Lamar’s lyrical prowess but also reaffirmed his position as a fearless voice in hip-hop, unafraid to confront industry heavyweights. The track’s success and the conversations it sparked underscore Lamar’s influence and the power of his music to shape and challenge narratives. This diss track adds a significant chapter to Lamar’s discography. It further reflects his unwavering commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity.

3. “Swimming Pools (Drank)” (2012)

“Swimming Pools (Drank)” from the album good kid, m.A.A.d city is one of Kendrick Lamar’s most iconic tracks. It offers a deep exploration of alcohol use and its effects. The song delves into the complexities of peer pressure and addiction, with Lamar’s storytelling paints a vivid picture of the temptations and consequences of excessive drinking. The track is both catchy and haunting, illustrating the repetitive cycle of substance abuse.

The production, crafted by T-Minus, features a dark, atmospheric beat that complements the song’s introspective lyrics. “Swimming Pools (Drank)” was a commercial success, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a staple at parties, despite the lyrics. However, its popularity didn’t overshadow its serious message. Lamar used the platform to highlight the dangers of alcohol and the pressures faced by young people.

4. “Alright” (2015)

“Alright” is from Kendrick Lamar’s groundbreaking album To Pimp a Butterfly. It stands as one of the most powerful anthems of hope in contemporary hip-hop. Produced by Pharrell Williams, the track combines an uplifting, jazzy beat with Lamar’s introspective and socially charged lyrics. With its infectious chorus, “We gon’ be alright,” the song quickly became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice causes. It symbolized strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.

The song’s impact extends far beyond its musical composition. “Alright” resonated deeply with listeners as a message of perseverance amid systemic oppression and personal struggles. Lamar’s verses weave through themes of police brutality, racial injustice, and personal redemption, capturing the collective consciousness of a generation demanding change. Moreover, critically acclaimed and widely celebrated, “Alright” earned multiple awards and nominations. These include four Grammy nominations. It became more than just a song; it became an anthem for a movement. “Alright” solidified Kendrick Lamar’s role as a voice for the voiceless, using his platform to inspire and mobilize.

5. “HUMBLE.” (2017)

“HUMBLE.,” released as the lead single from Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album DAMN., is a hard-hitting track. Produced by Mike Will Made It, the song features a minimalist beat with a booming bass line and sharp piano riff. “HUMBLE.” is both a boastful anthem and a critique of superficiality in the music industry. Lamar urged listeners to “sit down, be humble” while asserting his dominance in the rap game.

The track quickly ascended the charts, becoming Lamar’s first solo No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success was bolstered by a visually striking music video directed by Dave Meyers and the Little Homies. It also includes powerful imagery and symbolic references, from religious iconography to scenes challenging beauty standards. The video’s creativity and boldness matched the intensity of the song, making it a standout visual experience.

6. “DNA.” (2017)

“DNA.,” from Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN., is a powerful exploration of identity and heritage. Produced by Mike Will Made It, the opening lines, “I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA,” set the tone for a song that delves into the intrinsic strength and pride Lamar derives from his cultural background. Further, the song is divided into two parts. The dramatic beat switch halfway through that amplifies the track’s energy. This shift showcases Lamar’s versatility, allowing him to seamlessly adapt his flow to different musical styles. “DNA.” highlights his lyrical brilliance and ability to weave personal and collective narratives, examining how history and identity intertwine.

7. “The Heart Part 4” (2017)

“The Heart Part 4” was released as a promotional single in 2017. This song is part of his ongoing “The Heart” series, where Lamar often addresses personal, social, and political themes. In “The Heart Part 4,” he delivers a scathing critique of the current state of affairs in both the music industry and society at large. Additionally, the track’s production is dynamic, shifting between various beats and moods that highlight Lamar’s versatility and command over his craft. He opens with a reflective tone, gradually building intensity and culminating in a powerful call to action. “The Heart Part 4” also stirred excitement among fans. The song is celebrated for its lyrical complexity, intricate wordplay, and Lamar’s unapologetic delivery. This further reinforced his position as one of the most influential and thought-provoking artists in contemporary hip-hop.

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Who Is Kid Capri? A DJ & Hip Hop Pioneer

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Kid Capri is a Grammy award-winning DJ and producer who pioneered the early rap sound. Despite being a godfather of the genre, many young people may not be familiar with the Brooklyn-born artist’s extensive resume. For the younger crowd, the DJ is likely most recognizable for his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album Damn. On the 2017 record, Kid Capri provides narration, exclaiming phrases like “You know what happens on Earth stays on Earth!” and “New Kung-Fu Kenny!”

The hip-hop icon is currently trending due to his recent private battle with cancer, which he revealed to the public in the final days of 2023. Per Capri’s announcement, he is officially cancer-free going into 2024, with plans to remain busy and active as the years roll on. His peers have hailed Kid Capri as The Guru of Mixtapes, and he boasts a highly impressive catalog of releases in collaboration with many of hip hop’s greatest lyricists.

Read More: Kid Capri Net Worth 2023: What Is The DJ Icon Worth?

Early Life & Musical Beginnings

Kid Capri was born David Anthony Love Jr. in February of 1967. Though the iconic producer was born in Brooklyn, he spent his early days growing up in the Bronx. Releasing his first known works as early as 1987, Kid Capri is said to have experimented with music as early as 8 years old. In his youth, the producer would scratch records using his father’s Zenith stereo system. This habit would eventually evolve into the DJ’s famed record scratch trademark down the line.

Kid Capri utilized a grassroots approach to building his buzz on the street, often getting his name out by performing in clubs and local joints across New York. The prolific record-scratcher is often hailed as being one of the first-ever DJs to perform on major television networks such as VH1 and BET. Throughout the 1990s, Capri could be found manning the boards during Def Jam Comedy on HBO.

Notable Collaborations And Signing To Warner Brothers Records

Before long, Kid Capri’s inventive style and creative production choices made him a go-to producer for a host of hip-hop legends. Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Capri worked with artists such as KRS One, Big L, Heavy D, and more. In 1991 Kid Capri signed to Warner Brothers Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and released his first full-length album, titled The Tape. The Tape featured Capri’s vocals delivered over production by the legendary Biz Markie, and peaked at No. 87 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States.

In 1997 Kid Capri joined Diddy on the Puff Daddy and the Family World Tour, serving as the in-house DJ across the UK and the United States. In 1998, Kid Capri actively recorded his second album, Soundtrack To The Streets, in studios located across New York, Los Angeles, and Miami before its release. Soundtrack To The Streets featured vocals from prolific rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Slick Rick, Jay-Z, Buster Rhymes, The Lox, and many more.

Hiatus And Live Performances

After the release of Soundtrack To The Streets, Kid Capri took an extended hiatus from releasing full-length LPs. Instead, the DJ focused on performing live at high-profile events across the country. In 2003, Capri helmed the boards at the BET Awards, before linking with Martha Stewart to headline her end-of-year Christmas party. Kid Capri manned the boards during Rakim’s set at both the 2007 and 2008 Rock The Bells festivals. This trend continued through events such as Jay-Z’s 2018 Oscars party, as well as DJ Khaled’s birthday party in the same year.

Read More: Kid Capri Drops “The Love,” His First Album In 24 Years

Resurgence In 2022 And Beyond

In 2022, Kid Capri shocked the world with the release of his first LP in over 25 years. The MC’s third album, titled The Love, consists of 19 tracks produced, written, and performed by the at-the-time 55-year-old artist. The record also included “Uptown” a collaboration with his daughter, R&B singer Vina Love, showcasing the excellent musical chemistry shared between the generational music icons.

Kid Capri was also very active during hip hop 50 celebrations throughout 2023, despite privately battling cancer throughout the year. According to the DJ’s Instagram, he plans to accomplish even more in 2024, hinting at more live shows, and perhaps additional full-length releases. No matter what Capri does in the coming years, it seems clear that the hip hop iconoclast is here to stay, proving that there is still a lane in modern music for those who paved the way for the genre of rap to thrive.

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Did Kendrick Lamar Diss Big Sean On His Song ‘Element?’

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Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers continues to rack up impressive streaming numbers. However, thanks to a viral clip floating around online, his 2017 song “Element” has reentered the mainstream hip-hop chatter. Unlike the official version, Kendrick’s bars in this recording have very clearly named targets. So, did Kendrick diss Big Sean on the unreleased version of “Element?”

The lyrics in question make it hard to refute: “Big Sean keep sneak dissin’ I let it slide / I think his false confidence got him inspired / I can’t make them respect you, baby, it’s not my job / You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme boy/ Cute ass raps, get your puberty up.” However, during his causal chat with TMZ, Big Sean shut down the idea of any lingering beef between the two.

He went as far as to dismiss the supposed leaked verse, saying, “Ain’t no diss. If it was a diss, it would be a diss!”

Big Sean was the only person mentioned in the unreleased recording. French Montana and Jay Electronica both caught strays. Even Meek Mill and Drake are referenced. Since Kendrick Lamar’s verse on Big Sean’s 2013 “Control” song, supporters of each rapper have speculated that they’ve subtly taken jabs at each other on records throughout the years.

Listen to the official version of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Element” above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Kendrick Lamar’s “XXX”: A Sonic Manifesto Of Modern Turmoil

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Kendrick Lamar’s song “XXX” (pronounced X-Rated) from his critically acclaimed album DAMN. is a sonic journey that delves deeper into the themes found across his fourth studio album, specifically those surrounding politics and religion. With a feature from the legendary Irish rock band U2, this track is a standout moment in the album, one that doesn’t necessarily receive the credit it deserves. Although the collaboration may have looked odd on paper, Kendrick Lamar and U2 delivered a poignant message that arrived towards the latter half of DAMN.

Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and DJ Dahi, “XXX” boasts a unique and unconventional sound that mirrors the chaotic and uncertain times of 2017. The song opens with Bēkon’s hauntingly somber vocals (Bēkon later re-purposed this intro on “America) that reflect on the realities of the American Dream. However, it’s the minimalistic production that leads Kendrick Lamar’s first verse that allows each word to pierce through. He parallels biblical stories to the experiences he faced growing up in Compton as a child, specifically as it pertains to surviving the often volatile environment U2’s Bono lends his distinctive voice to the bridge, adding an unexpected but powerful layer to the track, crooning, “It’s not a place, this country  is to me a sound / Of drum and bass, you close your eyes to look around.”

Read More: A Track-By-Track Analysis Of Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.”

Kendrick Lamar & U2’s Powerful Thesis To DAMN.

The significance of “XXX” lies in its lyrical content, which delves into themes of social injustice, racial tension, and political disillusionment. Kendrick Lamar, known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious lyrics, paints a vivid picture of the divisive state of the United States and the effects it has on its citizens. The song explores the idea of “wickedness or weakness,” suggesting that individuals are constantly tested by their environment and must decide whether to fight against corruption and inequality or succumb to it.

One of the most striking elements of “XXX” is its abrupt shift in the middle, where Kendrick’s flow changes, and he discusses his own struggle with violence and revenge, reflecting the inner turmoil faced by many people living in dangerous environments. This change of pace adds depth to the song, showcasing Kendrick’s storytelling prowess.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” (Review)

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Kendrick Lamar’s “XXX” from DAMN. is a groundbreaking track that poignantly highlights the profound exploration of societal issues. Its unconventional sound, poignant lyrics, and collaboration with U2 create a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

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Kendrick Lamar Allegedly Disses Big Sean, Jay Electronica & French Montana On New Leak: Report

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Kendrick Lamar will call out names. In 2013, when he joined Big Sean and Jay Electronica on “Control,” Kendrick Lamar left the rap world rattled after listing off his contemporaries, including the two other MCs on the song, in an attempt to assert his dominance. A decade later, the tension still stands between Kendrick and some of the artists he mentioned. Big Sean’s been accused of subliminally taking shots at K. Dot while Jay Electronica has been a bit more forthcoming.

We can count on Kendrick to throw subs back whenever he decides to release but apparently, his vault stores a few records where he’s calling people out by name. Per Hip-Hop-N-More, the “OG” version of “ELEMENT.” allegedly leaked this morning, containing direct shots at Jay Electronica, Big Sean, and French Montana. K. Dot’s issues with the latter appear to stem from a 2016 Breakfast Club interview (not his 2020 Verzuz comments) where he suggested the Compton rapper was positioned to win at the Grammys.

Read More: Big Sean Addresses Kendrick Lamar Beef Rumours

Kendrick Lamar “ELEMENT.” Leak

The leaked version, which began circulating on X (Twitter), includes some of the original lyrics that we hear on DAMN. Meanwhile, the production choice actually comes from “Paramedic!” by SOBxRBE from Black Panther: The Album. “French Montana speaking on me in interviews/ Very cynical, dry hating something I don’t approve,” he raps. “Jay Electronica threw silencers on my GRAMMY night/ Another dead Prophet hoping the God’ll give ’em life.” 

Then, the verse shifts focus to Big Sean, acknowledging the apparent issues between them. Given that DAMN. came out in 2017, and French and Jay Electronica’s comments emerged 2016, it seems like this could’ve been a direct response to Big Sean’s “No More Interviews.” Additionally, many of the references, including the Drake vs. Meek Mill feud, indicate that this was recorded during that time.

Big Sean keep sneak dissing, I let it slide
I think his false confidence got him inspired
I can’t make ’em respect you, baby, it’s not my job
You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme (boy)
Cute a*s raps, get your puberty up
Make you a classic album before you come at us
Drake and Meek Mill beef might got you gassed up
But I’m a whole ‘nother beast, I’ll really f**k you up

Many have already expressed concerns surrounding whether the verse was AI-generated. However, there have been several versions of this song circulating since 2019. One of them included a response to Jay Electronica. Check out the snippet above.

Read More: Big Sean Explains What Went Wrong With Kendrick Lamar

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Kendrick Lamar’s Best Songs

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Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar is gearing up for another leg of his impressive The Big Steppers Tour. The tour supports his latest No. 1 album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers released last year. Lamar was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. Kendrick is mainly known for his progressive musical styles and socially conscious lyrics. Further, he is widely considered one of his generation’s most influential hip-hop artists. Lamar started his mainstream music career after signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005.

The Compton artist’s career has skyrocketed since then. Lamar has sold over 70 million records in the United States alone. Additionally, all his studio albums have been certified platinum or higher by the RIAA. He topped the Billboard charts for the first time after being featured on the remix of “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift. Kendrick has also received numerous accolades throughout his career. They include 17 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two American Music Awards. Lamar has also bagged six Billboard Music Awards, 11 MTV Video Music Awards, a Brit Award, and a nomination for an Academy Award. These are some of the emcee’s best songs from his discography.

“N95” (2022)

“N95” is the lead single from his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. The album is Kendrick Lamar’s first since parting ways with Top Dawg Entertainment. ‘N95” is a seething cultural critique where Lamar spits bile in multiple directions over a bleakly catchy, bass-driven instrumental. With a visual that opens with Lamar hovering about the ocean with arms stretched wide in a crucifixion-like pose, Lamar certainly turned heads with this one.

“Family Ties” – Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar (2021)

“Family Ties” was released on August 27, 2021, by Columbia Records and pgLang. The song is the fourth single from Keem’s debut album, The Melodic Blue. “Family Ties” is also Lamar’s first musical release under pgLang, a production company he co-founded in March 2020. Lamar signed Baby Keem under the collective. He is also Kendrick’s cousin, hence the song title. “Family Ties” won Best Rap Performance at the 2022 Grammy Awards. It has officially been certified three times Platinum by the RIAA.

“All The Stars” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA (2018)

“All the Stars” was released on January 4, 2018, as the lead single to the soundtrack album of the film Black Panther. It was co-written by Lamar and former label-mate SZA. Sounwave and Al Shux also produced the song. Ryan Coogler, the Black Panther director, hand-picked Lamar to produce the soundtrack.

Moreover, “All The Stars” received numerous accolades and nominations, including Best Original Song at the 76th Golden Globe and 91sAcademy Awards. It additionally received four nominations at the 61st Grammy Awards including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. “All The Stars” won Best Song at the African-American Film Critics Association. The video additionally won Best Visual Effects at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. Since its release, the song has sold two million copies in the United States.

“LOVE.” (2017)

“LOVE” is a song from Lamar’s fourth studio album, DAMN. Lamar also co-wrote the song with collaborators Zacari Pacaldo and Teddy Walton. Sounwave and Top Dawg CEO Anthony Tiffith are credited for production. Lamar’s fans have often speculated that the song’s lyrics describe his love and devotion to his fiancée and mother of his children, Whitney Alford. Further, “LOVE” spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently certified four times Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

“HUMBLE.” (2017)

Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE” was released on March 30, 2017. The song was the lead single from Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album, DAMN. “Humble” also topped the Billboard Singles chart and became Kendrick’s second No. 1 song after “Bad Blood” remix with Taylor Swift. The song won Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video at the 60th Grammy Awards. Mike Will Made-It produced the song. He initially created the beat for Gucci Mane. Additionally, the RIAA has certified ” HUMBLE ” seven times Platinum.

“Alright” (2015)

The song “Alright” is a fan favorite in Lamar’s discography thanks to its messages of hope amid struggle. It was released as To Pimp a Butterfly’s fourth radio single on June 30, 2015. Pharrell Williams is also credited for the production of the record. The song was primarily associated with the Black Lives Matter movement after several youth-led protests were heard chanting the chorus. It was officially dubbed the Black Lives Matter soundtrack because of this. Additionally, “Alright” received numerous accolades, including four nominations at the 58th Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song. It won the latter two. The song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.

“King Kunta” (2015)

“King Kunta” is a single from Kendrick Lamar’s third album, To Pimp a Butterfly. It was released as the album’s third single on March 24, 2015. Lamar also co-wrote the song with producer Thundercat. Terrace Martin, Michael Kuhle, and Sounwave served as producers. The song’s title references the rebellious enslaved man Kunta Kinte from the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. “King Kunta” has been certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States.

“Control” – Big Sean ft. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica (2013)

“Control” is a song by Detroit emcee Big Sean. It features guest vocals from Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica. Lamar’s verse was labeled as a “wake-up call” for hip-hop, both for his skill as a rapper and for calling out multiple fellow rappers by name. The song was initially intended to be included in Big Sean’s second studio album Hall of Fame. However, this was ultimately hindered by sample clearances.

“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” (2012)

“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” is one of the lead singles from Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City album. Sounwave is once again credited for production. Lamar was also reportedly initially meant to collaborate with pop star Lady Gaga on the song. However, delays in submission eventually led to her part being left out. The song’s version with Lady Gaga vocals was added to later editions of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Jay-Z is also featured on the official remix of the song.

“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” is generally considered the song that thrust Kendrick into the limelight. The record peaked at No. 32 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached the Top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts. The RIAA has certified “Don’t Kill My Vibe” four times Platinum.

Kendrick Lamar Reaffirmed His Greatness With “DNA”

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Kendrick Lamar remains one of the greatest artists of our entire generation. Overall, he has dropped hit album after hit album. Moreover, his penmanship is considered some of the greatest we have ever seen in hip-hop. His last album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was an incredible body of work that showcased growth as both an artist and as a human. Additionally, it was a long-awaited follow-up to his album DAMN. which had released five years earlier. Overall, Kendrick did not disappoint.

Speaking of DAMN., the 14-track masterpiece has officially turned six years old. If you remember, this album dropped the exact same night as Playboi Carti’s self-titled mixtape. It was a great night for music, with the lyrical fans and the trap fans being appeased. That said, Kendrick Lamar and his project certainly took the world by storm. DAMN. contained some of the defining tracks of Lamar’s career, and even today, fans remain mesmerized by this project. Today, we take a look at the track “DNA.”

Kendrick Lamar Shined On “DNA”

“DNA” is technically the second song on the album as “Blood” serves as the intro. However, “DNA” proves to be an incredible way to kick off an album. From the driving production to Kendrick’s killer flows, this entire song is a journey. Moreover, this song has some great lines that will have your rewinding parts of the song. It is a lyrical masterpiece that lets you know Kendrick Lamar is a master of his domain. All these years later and the song still hits the same.

Subsequently, it is going to be very interesting to see where Lamar goes next with his career. After all, he is an incredible artist who is always evolving. Additionally, he is off of TDE now, which means he might be going for a completely different sound. Let us know your thoughts on “DNA,” in the comments down below. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

Realness, I just kill shit ’cause it’s in my DNA
I got millions, I got riches buildin’ in my DNA
I got dark, I got evil, that rot inside my DNA
I got off, I got troublesome heart inside my DNA

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DAMN.’ Has Spent Nearly 300 Weeks On The Billboard 200

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kendrick lamar big steppers tour
Getty Image/Ralph Ordaz

It’s been nearly six years since Kendrick Lamar released his critically acclaimed fourth studio album, DAMN., in 2017. The project debuted at No.1 on Billboard and spawned chart-topping hits like “Humble,” “Loyalty,” and “Love.” The album sold over 600k units in its first week and has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) since 2018. Lamar even scored a Grammy for Best Rap Album and a Pulitzer Prize For Music. On Friday, January 20, the rapper hit another major milestone with the album: It’s now spent 300 weeks on the Billboard 200.

“.@kendricklamar’s ‘DAMN.’ has now spent 300 weeks on the Billboard 200. It has never left the chart,” Chart Data reported.

Lamar’s commercial success has been substantial throughout his career, and he’s been cemented as one of his generation’s most influential hip-hop artists. Recently, his second album, good kid, m.A.A.d city., became the first hip-hop studio album to spend 10 years on the Billboard chart — an incredible feat.

The “DNA” rapper recently celebrated the album’s 10th anniversary during a stop on his The Big Steppers Tour stop at Accor Arena in Paris this past October. The concert, which was live-streamed in conjunction with Amazon, featured sets from Grammy Award-winning recording artist Baby Keem, who is also Lamar’s cousin, and pgLang’s Tanna Leone. The enigmatic rapper’s concert followed the release of his fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which was released in May 2022.

The project served as the rapper’s first body of work since releasing 2017’s DAMN., and it debuted at No.1 atop the Billboard 200.