Ranking the 25 Best Kendrick Lamar Music Videos of All Time
Throughout his career, Kendrick Lamar has shown that every music video should feel like a high-budget production. Here’s a ranking of his best music videos to date.
Kendrick’s potential was evident from the start. Revisit his early videos, before the release of "good kid, m.A.A.d city" or "Section.80". They were sometimes grainy or heavy-handed, but you could see K.Dot pushing the boundaries of what a rap video could be. While there were plenty of videos of him rapping on the block or freeway, there were also videos where he played with narrative, perspective, and camera angles.
As Kendrick’s success grew and he became one of the greatest rappers of all time, his music video budgets and ambitions increased. Inspired by visual masters like Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, Kendrick learned that every video should feel like a grand event—with vivid, specific images and theatrical moments that match the flair of his rapping. The narratives in his videos are often abstract, even if the scenes are clear and detailed.
Over 15 years, Kendrick has released more than 40 music videos, directing nearly half with the help of his creative partner, Dave Free. Initially an inside joke, their partnership was called "the little homies." But it’s no joke now. Since launching pgLang in 2020, they go by their real names, Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free, and are among the top music video directors in the industry.
On July 4th, they released their latest video, a cinematic epic for the hit “Not Like Us.” It’s set to become one of Kendrick’s most successful videos, combining all the elements his videos are known for: theatrics, inside references, cinematic segments, and a mix of impressionistic and literal shots.
The release of “Not Like Us” is a perfect moment to reflect on Kendrick’s visual history. Here are the top 25 Kendrick Lamar music videos of all time.
25. “i” (2014)
Directed by Alexandre Moors & the little homies
In the video for “i,” Kendrick leads a conga-line-like dance through the hood, aiming to turn a funk rave into a real-life revolution. Unlike many of his darker-themed videos, “i” is hopeful. Kendrick is chauffeured by R&B legend Ronald Isley, bridging the gap between generations and aiming to ignite a movement. The video captures the communal dancing as a political act beautifully.
24. “Poetic Justice” ft. Drake (2013)
Directed by Dee.Jay.Dave, Dangerookipawaa, & the little homies
The video for “Poetic Justice,” which samples Janet Jackson’s “Any Time, Any Place,” resembles a scene from its John Singleton-directed movie inspiration. It’s the first Kendrick video directed by “the little homies” and showcases cinematic finesse with slow-motion shots and a narrative of fleeting romance and tragedy.
23. “LOVE.” ft. Zacari (2017)
Directed by Dave Meyers and the little homies
“LOVE.” features Kendrick in a series of visually captivating scenes that mirror the complexities of intense relationships. The video includes a beachside stroll and arguments, with poignant symbolism and mesmerizing shots.
22. “God is Gangsta” (2016)
Directed by Jack Begert & the little homies
This seven-minute short film combines “u” and "For Sale? (Interlude)," capturing the surrealist, spiritual jazz tone of "To Pimp A Butterfly". It features Kendrick in a state of ego death, with lunacy and acid-baked visuals suggesting a bad trip on LSD.
21. “The Hillbillies” ft. Baby Keem (2023)
Directed by Neal Farmer
“The Hillbillies” shows Kendrick and his cousin Baby Keem traveling the world during The Big Steppers tour. The video is lighthearted, with Kendrick smiling, playing on a PS5, and kicking it with Tyler, the Creator.
20. “Hiiipower” (2011)
Directed by Fredo Tovar & Scott Fleishman for AplusFilmz
“Hiiipower” begins with a message about why Kendrick wrote "Section.80". The video matches the intensity with historical snippets and contemporary visuals, foreshadowing the themes of his later work.
19. “Look Out for Detox” (2010)
Directed by Fredo Tovar & Scott Fleishman for AplusFilmz
“Look Out For Detox” is a raw performance of Kendrick rapping in a foggy room, with the camera’s spiral motion emphasizing his flow’s intensity. Despite the low budget, Kendrick’s star quality shines through.
18. “We Cry Together” ft. Taylour Paige (2022)
Directed by Jake Schreier, Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
The “We Cry Together” short film captures a heated lover’s quarrel between Kendrick and Taylour Paige, depicted as a live, one-shot performance. The raw emotions and live-recorded vocals make it a compelling watch.
17. “For Free?” (2015)
Directed by Joe Weil & the little homies
“For Free?” is an absurdist metaphorical masterpiece with Kendrick tormenting his lover around a mansion. The visual emphasizes the value of his goods with jazz artist Terrace Martin and Lamar in an Uncle Sam costume.
16. “LOYALTY.” ft. Rihanna (2017)
Directed by Dave Meyers & the little homies
In “LOYALTY.,” Rihanna and Kendrick star in a surreal tale about the dark side of loyalty. The video features dangerous, yet enrapturing scenarios, highlighting the ride-or-die nature of their relationship.
15. “All the Stars” ft. SZA (2018)
Directed by Dave Meyers and the little homies
“All the Stars” indulges in African fashion, dance, and cityscapes. Despite controversy over alleged artistic infringement, the video remains a dazzling display of Afrofuturist aesthetics.
14. “These Walls” ft. Bilal, Anna Wise, & Thundercat (2015)
Directed by Colin Tilley and the little homies
“These Walls” injects levity into a heavy album with scenes of Kendrick dancing with Terry Crews and grinding against a house party wall. The video combines humor with themes of revenge and horndog groove.
13. “Swimming Pools” (2012)
Directed by Jerome D
The video for “Swimming Pools” is somber, suggesting an artist dreading mainstream success’s dark temptations. It features Kendrick falling into the abyss and nightclubs with a devilish red glow.
12. “Rich Spirit” (2022)
Directed by Calmatic
In “Rich Spirit,” Kendrick turns interpretive dancer, portraying a conversation with himself. The video’s subdued yet compelling visuals highlight despondency and isolation.
11. “King Kunta” (2015)
Directed by Director X
“King Kunta” showcases Kendrick’s devotion to Compton, featuring neighborhood locals and monuments. The video portrays Kendrick as the symbolic heir to Kunta Kinte, predicting his battle for the crown with Drake.
10. “N95” (2022)
Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
“N95” features Jesus Christ-like visuals with surrealistic flair. Kendrick juxtaposes these with contrasting images, creating a visceral symbiosis that matches the song’s energy.
9. “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” (2013)
Directed by the lil homie & OG Mike Mihail
The video for “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” explores grief with Kendrick in a limousine during a funeral procession. Solitude and longing are central themes, with visuals of Kendrick alone in a field of dying grass.
8. “Count Me Out” (2022)
Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
“Count Me Out” features Kendrick in a therapy session with Helen Mirren, merging black-and-white and colored visuals to depict his symbolic dreams and difficult memories.
7. “Kings Dead” Feat. Jay Rock, Future, & James Blake (2018)
Directed by Dave Free of the little homies & Jack Begert
“Kings Dead” is filled with visually stunning, symbolic shots. The video’s asymmetry and magazine-worthy frames create a powerful aesthetic for a track featured on Black Panther: The Album.
6. “The Heart Part 5” (2022)
Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
In “The Heart Part 5,” Kendrick uses deepfake technology to intensify his lyrics, embodying cultural figures like O.J. Simpson and Nipsey Hussle. The minimalistic video adds depth to his words.
5. “DNA.” (2017)
Directed by Nabil & the little homies
The “DNA.” video features Don Cheadle and Kendrick in a buddy cop dynamic. The video’s energetic visual narrative and Cheadle’s enthusiastic performance highlight Kendrick’s genetic connection to his art.
4. “Alright” (2015)
Directed by Colin Tilley and the little homies
In the driver's seat, Kendrick Lamar delivers an unreleased verse that has since gained notoriety. As Lamar concludes his confident rhymes, the camera pulls back to reveal police officers carrying the car on their shoulders, reminiscent of pallbearers with a coffin. This occurs before the official song even begins.
This scene exemplifies the artistic strength with which one of Kendrick’s most powerful visuals captured a moment in history. The release of "To Pimp A Butterfly" in 2015 coincided with significant civil unrest due to the highly publicized police killings of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. By showcasing black solidarity and creativity while subtly revealing the underlying threat of state-sanctioned violence, Lamar demonstrated his skillful ability to reflect cultural and societal sentiments.
The video, much like the song, is built on a hopeful outlook grounded in faith. As Kendrick and others navigate the bleak, gray town where the video is set, threats of police violence seem ever-present. Yet, Kendrick is seen levitating (literally rising above the adversity), trampling on piles of money with his crew, and even encouraging the youth dancing on a police car. This unwavering joy propelled the song to become an anthem for the 2020 protests.—Miki Hellerbach
3. “Not Like Us” (2024)
Directed by Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
As a young child, Kendrick Lamar watched in amazement as 2Pac and Dr. Dre cruised through Compton in their low-riders and Mercedes-Benz convertibles while filming the carefree music video for “California Love Remix.” It was a moment that revitalized the community, giving young Kendrick a glimpse of the rare charisma that 1990s rap superstars possessed. “Not Like Us” recaptures that magic, as Kendrick returns home to be celebrated like a resurrected savior by pop-locking teenagers, numerous rappers (including all the members of Black Hippie, YG, Jay Worthy, and more), local personalities (such as Tommy the Clown), and even half of L.A.'s blood gang sets.
Everyone comes together to dance on Drake’s metaphorical grave, with the music video for the undeniable 6 God diss track, “Not Like Us,” merging community spirit and nostalgia with triumphant imagery and sharp Easter eggs. The video enhances the impact of a diss track that not only rivals Pac’s “Hit Em Up” but also reignites West Coast pride. One can only hope a young child in the crowd for the “Not Like Us” shoot had their mind blown.—Thomas Hobbs
2. “Humble” (2017)
Directed by Dave Meyers & the little homies
K.Dot’s left stroke wasn't the only thing that went viral. You likely recall when the visuals for “Humble” (now approaching 1 billion YouTube views) first dominated your social media feeds. The video featured numerous striking visuals: Kendrick’s braided hair set on fire, golfing in the Los Angeles River, the pope cloak, rapping amidst a sea of nodding Black heads, and a nod to a classic condiment commercial.
“Humble” is Kendrick’s grand music video, a three-minute short film that marked his ascension to a new level of stardom. And it’s incredibly enjoyable. When all is said and done, “Humble” will be the clip that best showcases Kendrick Lamar’s vivid imagination and limitless artistry. That’s something to be proud of.—John Kennedy
1. “ELEMENT.” (2017)
Directed by Jonas Lindstroem & the little homies
Photographer Gordon Parks' work is referenced throughout “ELEMENT.,” Kendrick Lamar’s most exceptional music video to date. Parks’ photograph “Boy With Junebug” (1963) is skillfully integrated among moving images of gloom and despair. The poignant portrait of a young boy holding an insect by a string as it rests on his forehead appears alongside scenes of a burning house and Lamar rapping in a bloodstained shirt, creating a moment of necessary mindful peace amid chaos.
The video also follows a theme of cause and effect. A child wanders around an empty home, followed by Lamar with his comrades; a father teaches his son how to fight (referencing Parks’ 1966 portrait of Muhammad Ali), followed by Lamar in a physical altercation; a child holds a toy gun (referencing Parks’ “Untitled” from 1956), followed by an adult man bloodied in the street. The video depicts the complex need for resilience within the black American experience. Watching it feels like navigating a multi-disciplinary museum exhibit with equal parts celebration and critique.
On “Ab-Soul’s Outro” in 2011, Kendrick declared, “I’m not on the outside looking in, I'm not on the inside looking out, I'm in the dead fucking center looking around.” No music video in his catalog represents that perspective and expressionist mission statement more than “Element.” He is the central figure in a kaleidoscopic collage of perseverance and makes it “look sexy.”—Miki Hellerbach
