Kendrick Lamar is undeniably one of the best feature rappers of his era. The Compton rapper known for his socially conscious songwriting has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career. Before we dive into his best collaborations lets take a brief look at his come up.
Kendrick first gained traction as a teenager under the stage name K. Dot, which he eventually dropped in favor of his first and middle names. Though he signed to Top Dawg Entertainment in 2005, Lamar would have to wait for nearly six years (2011) before he was allowed to release his debut album under the label. It turned out to be a masterstroke as the album proved to be worth the wait, earning rave reviews from underground hip-hop fans.
Following the album’s success, Dr. Dre signed Kendrick Lamar to his Aftermath imprint the following year (2012). The then-young rapper quickly went to work, and in October released his major label debut Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, which served as his first album under Aftermath Entertainment, and second album overall. GKMC received widespread acclaim from hip-hop fans and critics for its progressive theme, and lyrics. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 and earned Lamar four Grammy Award nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
His albums have been a success but not enough is said about his features. Kendrick owes a part of his early success to his guest appearances, and surprisingly his hook abilities, which is not something he’s exactly known for. Since his show stealing verse on “Control” alongside Big Sean and Jay Electronica, Kendrick Lamar has been a problem on features and collaborators know to bring their A game whenever he’s on a track.
From the game-stealing “Control” to records with fellow Black Hippy Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q, here are the best Kendrick Lamar collaborations.
Kanye West Feat. Kendrick Lamar “No More Parties In LA”
The Game Feat. Kendrick Lamar “See No Evil”
Fredo Santana Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Jealous”
Eminem Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Love Game”
ScHoolBoy Q Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Birds & The Beez”
T.I. Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Memories Back Then”
MMG Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Power Circle”
Pusha T Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Nosetalgia”
Snoop Dogg Feat. Kendrick Lamar “I’m Ya Dogg”
The Game Feat. Kendrick Lamar “The City”
ScHoolBoy Q Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Collard Greens”
A$AP Rocky Feat. Kendrick Lamar “F-cking Problems”
Big Sean Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Control”
Danny Brown Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Really Doe”
A$AP Rocky Feat. Kendrick Lamar “1 Train”
Jay Rock Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Wow”
Taylor Swift Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Bad Blood”
Travis Scott Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Goose Bumps”
Jay Rock Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Pay For It”
DJ Khaled Feat. Kendrick Lamar “Holy Key”
50 Cent Feat. Kendrick Lamar “We Up”
