As is now known, Kendrick Lamar will (hopefully!) be releasing a yet-to-be-titled fourth studio album, led by the jarring new track and visual for “Humble.” Adding in the surprise track “The Heart Part 4,” it would seem as if the Compton rapper is looking to shut down any and all competition this go ’round (speculations put Drake and Big Sean atop of that list)…none of this is surprising to longtime Kendrick fans, thanks to show-stealing verses on tracks like Big Sean’s “Control” and (more recently) Travis Scott‘s “Goosebumps” (Scott has no problem agreeing, either). Given this, RESPECT. has decided to showcase ten of K-Dot’s classic features where he manages to make the track his own…even alongside some of his most-lyrical peers.

Check them out below…for effect, none of Kendrick’s contributions to songs by his Black Hippy/TDE peers were included.

“Nosetalgia” (with Pusha T)

…Quantum physics could never show you the world I was in
When I was ten, back when nine ounces had got you ten
And nine times out of ten, n***as don’t pay attention
And when there’s tension in the air, nines come with extensions…

“The City” (with The Game)

…Kendrick, and I wear pendant on my shoulder
Soldier, like a lieutenant
And the coupe tinted got pulled over
Johnny always lock a n***a down
Knowing damn well we don’t wanna see the box
Like Manny Pacquiao
Little n***a Mayweather size, ride like Pac…

“Push Thru” (with Talib Kweli and Curren$y)

…I’m on some other s***, like f*** the government
I’m higher rankings, where’s the mothership?
I made a covenant that I was changing by my luck has been
Quite disgusting when reality tames you, where the f*** you been?
Left him face down like he was planking…

“L.A.” (with Ty Dolla $ign, Brandy and James Fauntleroy)

…God, let me right my wrongs, God, let me write this song
God in the middle with a month
Let me hit the pawn shop, momma said we need a loan
God, let me dedicate this to the 80% that ain’t never coming home
God, let me know you exist
In a city where a hundred hollow-tips get thrown…

“Memories Back Then” (with T.I. and B.o.B)

…Tried to make you mine, ho!
Tried to make some time, ho!
But I ain’t got the time or the patience
To stop and wait in line, ho!
Her dreams holds Versace
She fall for Armani
Only deal with rich n***as; f*** you and Mick Romney!

“Buried Alive Interlude” (with Drake)

Looking in the mirror, I’m embarrassed
I’m feeling like a suicidal terrorist
React like an infant whenever you are mentioned
Mind over matter never worked for my nemesis
I’m in the matter of man arm wrestling hands I was dealt
When I said the music business was all I needed
When I got it I was greeted by an alien
That said last year that she slept with a Canadian
That gave him an addiction that would keep him in Mercedes Benz
Bright lights and Rihanna as a lady friend…

[Yes, it’s understood that Drake did not actually rap on the track per se. Kendrick still destroyed any other verse on Take Care, so there’s that.]

“Fragile” (with Tech N9ne, MAYDAY! and Kendall Morgan)

Tell me that I’m famous
Tell me that my name is
Big as Venus Jupiter and then Uranus
Tell me that your anus got your head in it
I can smell the articles and know you’re heinous
Tell me that you love me, always thinkin’ of me
Unconditional, I’m hoping I’m your favourite
Grab a fishing pole and throw me with the sharks
That’s the feelin’ I get when you’re concentratin’

“His Pain” (with BJ The Chicago Kid)

So today I laid in my bed, stared at the ceilin’
Closed my eyes, then asked myself how I was feelin’
I analyzed on how a saint can play the villain
Is my life coincidental or just God willin’?

“Holy Key” (with DJ Khaled and Big Sean)

…I don’t wear crosses no more, Yeshua’s coming back
I ain’t scared of losses no more, I see life in that
I don’t resonate with the concept of love and hate
Cause your perspective is less effective and rather fake
The universe and the heavens work in my DNA
Kendrick said “F*** Mother Earth,” that’s PSA
The land of the wicked, the foundation of Lucifer’s spirit
Walking zombies and spellcatchers, I pray for forgiveness…

“1 Train” (with A$AP Rocky, Joey BADA$$, Yelawolf, Danny Brown, Action Bronson and Big K.R.I.T.)

If I’m not the hottest then Hell must’ve froze over
You thought it was safe then forgot what the code was
I carry traits of a traumatized soldier
Don’t look in my face, I might snap, I might choke ya
Spine right out of place, give me dap like you ‘posed ta
Darts at your posters, dark nights like this
I metamorph like I’m ‘posed ta, I might slice my wrist
Or pretend like a vulture and drop off this cliff

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Posted By

Jon Powell

Currently working as Senior Editor of RESPECT. Magazine, I (Jon Powell) have 10 years experience in digital and print media -- this includes writing, photography and video editing production. I have worked extensively in Washington, D.C. and London, England and specialise in urban music and culture.