Chronological Order

For many, you may just want to experience Kendrick Lamar's biggest albums as a fan might've: one album at a time as they were released. These albums are Kendrick's most recognizable, and listening to these in the order of release is a great way to introduce yourself to the mind of Kendrick Lamar. If that's your plan, I recommend listening in this order:

1. Section 80. (2011)

Kendrick Lamar's first studio album, and the least known in terms of mainstream recognition. This album is by no means bad or even poorly aged, however. While his craft has certainly been improved upon since his first release, Kendrick showed immense talent even in his first big release. Section 80. shows Kendrick speak on the problems in his city of Compton, California, such as drugs, gangs, and violence.

2. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012)

Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City is another album by Kendrick that focuses on Compton, and the drugs, gang, and violence within. This album has extremely popular hits such as Swimming Pools (Drank), Money Trees, and Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe. While Section 80. brought a decent amount of attention to Kendrick, this was the album that really put him in the limelight as he showcased the best the hip hop genre had to offer, preaching through some of the most skilled rapping this generation has ever seen.

3. To Pimp A Butterfly (2015)

If Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City was his breakout hit, To Pimp A Butterfly is his absolute Magnum Opus. This album truly has it all: catchy hits like Alright which have mainstream success, intense, skillfull rapping on every track, storytelling told not just trhoguh skits, but through the music as well, amazing production, and so much more. This album isn't just seen as Kendrick's best, but one of, if not the single best album of all time. In this album, Kendrick speaks some on Compton, but mostly focuses on broader topics, such as racism in America. It is also an album that heavily focuses on the personal side of Kendrick, such as temptations he's faced and hsi experience visitng Africa.

4. DAMN. (2017)

Arguably Kendrick's most commercially successful album, DAMN. is known for its storytelling. It tells the story of Kendricl Lamar Duckworth, a man who started of with too much PRIDE. to a man who could be HUMBLE. Am man filled with LUST. to a man who knew LOVE. In this album, he truly explores his personal side, how he has evolved as a person, how he views religion, and how he feels regret. This album is amazing for so many reasons, too many to list all here, so I'll summarize it in one word: Pulitzer. More specifically, the Pulitzer Prize, which this album won, making it the first and so far the only hip hop album to receive the award.

5. Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers (2022)

Kendrick's most recent release, Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers wasn't made for mainstream success, but for Kendrick. In the album, he goes through a fictional therapy session, where he truly goes in depth on his personal side. Abuse from his father, pressure from the gangs in his neighborhood, dealing with death and grief within the family, this album is a true introspection of Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, and while not for everyone in terms of a casual listener, it is still another masterpiece produced by Kendrick.