27 Best Kendrick Lamar Songs: A Definitive Ranking

1. Bad Blood

Taylor Swift's Vocals: Swift's signature sharp vocals blend surprisingly well with Kendrick Lamar's distinctive rap style, creating a dynamic and unexpected vocal texture.

Kendrick Lamar's Verse: Lamar's verse adds a layer of intense, thought-provoking lyricism that contrasts beautifully with the pop sensibilities of the rest of the song, elevating the track beyond typical pop fare.

Production: The production seamlessly fuses pop and hip-hop elements, resulting in a track that is both catchy and sophisticated, making it a standout collaboration.

2. Radioactive (Imagine Dragons)

Song Title: Radioactive

Artist: Imagine Dragons

Genre Blend: While not featuring Kendrick Lamar, Radioactive's unique blend of alternative rock and electronic elements creates a powerful and instantly recognizable sound that fits well within many popular playlists.

Anthemic Quality: The song's driving rhythm and soaring vocals are incredibly catchy and easily resonate with large audiences, making it a staple at various events and settings.

Enduring Popularity: Radioactive's continued success and widespread recognition prove its timeless appeal, further solidifying its place in the landscape of popular music.

3. goosebumps

Production: The dark, atmospheric production of "goosebumps" creates a perfect backdrop for Kendrick Lamar's verse, adding to the song's overall intensity and emotional weight.

Kendrick Lamar's Verse: Lamar's contribution is a highlight, showcasing his signature lyrical dexterity and adding a layer of introspective depth to Travis Scott's already compelling track.

Overall Impact: The combination of Travis Scott's signature sound and Kendrick Lamar's powerful verse results in a uniquely compelling listening experience, making it a standout collaboration.

4. The Greatest - This Is Acting (Deluxe Version)

Sia's Vocals: Sia's powerhouse vocals are a key element of "The Greatest" delivering an emotional performance that perfectly complements the song's uplifting message.

Kendrick Lamar's Feature: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, if Kendrick Lamar is indeed featured (perhaps a remix or alternate version), highlight his contribution and how it enhances the track, focusing on the unique chemistry between the artists.

Overall Impact: "The Greatest" boasts a powerful and anthemic quality, likely making it a strong addition to any playlist focused on powerful collaborations.

5. All The Stars (Black Panther The Album Music From And Inspired By - 2025)

Kendrick Lamar's Verse: Kendrick's signature flow and introspective lyrics provide a powerful counterpoint to SZA's vocals, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

SZA's Vocals: SZA's ethereal vocals add a layer of vulnerability and emotional depth, perfectly complementing Kendrick's intensity.

Melodic Blend: The song masterfully blends soulful melodies with a driving beat, resulting in a track that's both captivating and memorable.

6. Pray For Me (Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers - 2025)

Vocal Synergy: The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar's distinct vocal styles blend seamlessly, creating a captivating interplay of smooth R&B and powerful rap.

Dark Atmosphere: The song's haunting melody and brooding production contribute to its overall intense and memorable mood, perfectly showcasing the artists' darker sides.

Lyrical Depth: Lamar's verses offer introspective and poignant lyrics that contrast beautifully with The Weeknd's more emotional delivery, resulting in a complex and layered listening experience.

7. Collard Greens (2013)

Kendrick Lamar's Verse: Kendrick's signature storytelling and sharp wordplay elevate the track, showcasing his lyrical prowess alongside ScHoolboy Q.

Production: The beat's laid-back groove and atmospheric soundscape create a perfect backdrop for both artists' distinct styles, resulting in a unique blend of sounds.

Overall Impact: "Collard Greens" exemplifies the powerful chemistry between these two West Coast heavyweights, offering a compelling example of their collaborative genius.

8. King's Dead

Kendrick Lamar's Verse: Kendrick Lamar's powerful and introspective verse on "King's Dead" adds a layer of depth and social commentary, perfectly complementing the song's already intense atmosphere.

Melodic Blend: The unique blend of James Blake's haunting vocals, Future's signature auto-tune flow, and Jay Rock's hard-hitting rap creates a captivating sonic landscape.

Overall Impact: "King's Dead" showcases Kendrick Lamar's lyrical prowess within a collaborative masterpiece, highlighting his ability to elevate any track he graces.

9. New Freezer (2017)

Kendrick Lamar's Verse: Kendrick Lamar's signature storytelling and sharp wordplay elevate "New Freezer" beyond a typical trap banger, showcasing his lyrical prowess in a new context.

Production: The song's hard-hitting 808s and trap beat provide a dynamic soundscape that perfectly complements both Kendrick's verse and Rich the Kid's flow.

Collaborative Chemistry: The unexpected pairing of Kendrick Lamar and Rich The Kid creates a surprising yet effective blend of styles, highlighting the versatility of both artists.

10. Like That (2024)

Kendrick Lamar's Verse: Kendrick Lamar's contribution to "Like That" is a masterclass in concise, impactful lyricism, showcasing his signature wordplay and introspective storytelling within the track's dark, atmospheric soundscape.

Production: Metro Boomin's signature trap production provides a hypnotic backdrop, perfectly complementing both Future's melodic flow and Kendrick's sharp verses; the beat's subtle complexity keeps the listener engaged.

Synergy: The collaboration between these three titans of the rap game is seamless, each artist's unique style enhancing the others, creating a dynamic and unforgettable listening experience.