In the realm of hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar stands as a colossus of lyrical prowess and artistic innovation with his music albums. With a career spanning over a decade, Lamar has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre while addressing critical social and political issues. His impact on the music industry is not only evident in critical acclaim but also in numbers that tell a compelling story. In this blog, we embark on a journey through Kendrick Lamar’s discography, ranking his albums based on critical reception, sales figures, and cultural impact.
Kendrick Lamar Albums, Ranked
5. Section.80
Kendrick Lamar’s debut studio album, “Section.80,” released in 2011, served as his formal introduction to the music world. This independent project provided a glimpse into the artist’s potential and marked the inception of a remarkable career.
“Section.80” received critical acclaim, with an impressive Metacritic score of 80/100. The album not only showcased Kendrick’s lyrical dexterity but also addressed poignant social issues. It notably includes tracks like “A.D.H.D” and “HiiiPoWeR,” which garnered millions of streams.
Commercially, the album reached number 113 on the Billboard 200 chart. While not an astronomical figure, it signaled Kendrick’s ability to capture a dedicated fan base. Notably, “Section.80” has since been certified Gold by the RIAA, a testament to its enduring appeal.
4. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
“Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” is Kendrick Lamar’s fifth studio album, released on May 13, 2022, and marks his debut under the PGLang collective and serves as his final project with TDE.
As a concept album, “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” delves into Lamar’s therapeutic journey, addressing personal themes such as childhood trauma, infidelity, and the pitfalls of celebrity culture. It explores various musical genres, fusing elements of jazz, R&B, trap, and soul with minimalist production. Notably, the album features narrations by Whitney Alford and Eckhart Tolle, along with guest appearances from artists like Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, and more.
Critics widely acclaimed the album upon its release, praising Lamar’s lyricism and the album’s expansive scope. It produced hit singles like “N95,” reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100. Kendrick Lamar also headlined major festivals, including Glastonbury and Rolling Loud. “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and won Best Rap Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, receiving a historic fourth Album of the Year nomination. Lamar supported the album with the “Big Steppers Tour,” covering Europe, North America, and Oceania.
3. To Pimp a Butterfly
Released in March 2015, “To Pimp a Butterfly” emerged as a transformative moment in Kendrick Lamar’s career. This album’s deep exploration of African-American identity, systemic racism, and the struggles of fame captivated both critics and fans alike.
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and maintained its chart presence for an impressive 92 weeks. Its impact was felt globally, with over 1.5 million copies sold in the United States alone by September 2021, earning it the coveted double platinum certification. Internationally, “To Pimp a Butterfly” reached the top 10 in multiple countries, cementing Lamar’s status as a global hip-hop icon.
Beyond commercial success, “To Pimp a Butterfly” garnered widespread critical acclaim. It holds a remarkable 96/100 score on Metacritic and received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance.
The album’s innovative fusion of jazz, funk, and spoken-word poetry showcased Lamar’s artistic evolution and commitment to pushing boundaries. Its profound cultural impact led to academic discussions, with the University of California, Irvine, offering a course titled “The Cultural Politics of Kendrick Lamar.”
2. good kid, m.A.A.d city
In 2012, Kendrick Lamar dropped what many consider his magnum opus, “good kid, m.A.A.d city.” This concept album narrates a day in Kendrick’s life in Compton, offering a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by the African American community.
The critical reception was nothing short of extraordinary, with a Metacritic score of 91/100. The album’s narrative structure and cinematic storytelling earned comparisons to classic films. It’s worth noting that “good kid, m.A.A.d city” was also a commercial triumph, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieving Platinum status by the RIAA.
The album’s hit singles, including “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” made waves on the charts, further solidifying Kendrick’s mainstream appeal. To date, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” has sold over 1.7 million copies in the United States alone.
In 2015, the Library of Congress selected “good kid, m.A.A.d city” for preservation in the National Recording Registry, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
1. DAMN
“DAMN.” Released on April 14, 2017, this groundbreaking project not only solidified Lamar’s status as a cultural icon but also achieved remarkable commercial success.
“DAMN.” made an immediate impact on the music charts, debuting at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart. It remained in the top 10 for a staggering 37 weeks, underlining its enduring popularity. The album’s lead single, “HUMBLE.,” skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Lamar’s first number-one single as a lead artist.
Beyond chart positions, “DAMN.” garnered critical acclaim. It received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, making Kendrick Lamar the first non-classical or jazz musician to receive this prestigious honor.
In terms of sales, the album reached double Platinum certification by the RIAA in less than a year after its release, signifying over two million units sold in the United States alone. Worldwide, “DAMN.” boasted over 4 million equivalent album units by 2020.
Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” was not just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that resonated with audiences worldwide, earning its place in music history as a groundbreaking work of art.
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