7 Unforgettable Kendrick Lamar Tracks That Prove He’s Still A Boom Bap Master (Including New GNX Cuts)

The conversation surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s sound has always been complex, but as of December 2025, one fact remains undeniable: his mastery of the classic boom bap aesthetic is a foundational element of his genius. While the Compton icon’s discography is celebrated for its genre-bending experimentation—from the jazz fusion of To Pimp a Butterfly to the cinematic scope of DAMN.—the gritty, drum-heavy, sample-driven sound of 90s hip hop, known as boom bap, is a consistent anchor. Fans were reminded of this recently with the surprise release of his latest project, *GNX*, which features several tracks that consciously return to these traditional roots, proving that the sound is far from a relic of the past.

This article dives deep into the tracks where Kendrick Lamar, often under the production guidance of his long-time collaborator Sounwave and others, delivers his most potent boom bap performances. We'll explore the early classics and the newest additions from *GNX* that solidify his status as one of the few modern masters capable of blending complex narratives with the raw, rhythmic power of classic hip hop production.

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth: A Profile in Conscious Hip Hop

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, known professionally as Kendrick Lamar, is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful rappers of his generation. His work is characterized by conscious, introspective lyrics, profound social commentary, and a dynamic vocal delivery that shifts seamlessly between singing, rapping, and spoken word.

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• Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
• Born: June 17, 1987
• Birthplace: Compton, California, U.S.
• Initial Moniker: K. Dot
• Record Label: Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Aftermath, Interscope
• Musical Influences: Tupac Shakur, Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, DMX
• Debut Studio Album: Section.80 (2011)
• Major Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Music (for DAMN.), 17 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, and 6 Billboard Music Awards.
• Signature Sound: A blend of West Coast hip hop, jazz, funk, soul, and a strong foundation in boom bap production.

The Boom Bap Blueprint: Early Tracks That Defined Kendrick’s Sound

Boom bap, characterized by its hard-hitting, unquantized kick and snare patterns, often sampled from old funk or jazz records, formed the bedrock of Kendrick's early career. This sound provided a raw, unfiltered canvas for his intricate storytelling and dense lyricism. The influence is most apparent in his debut album and early mixtapes, establishing a crucial link between the West Coast rapper and the East Coast's golden era of hip hop.

1. "HiiiPoWeR" (Section.80, 2011)

"HiiiPoWeR" is arguably the defining track of Kendrick’s early conscious hip hop phase. The production, handled by J. Cole, features a soulful, almost melancholic sample loop with a heavy, classic boom bap drum pattern that hits with a satisfying thud. The beat is simple, allowing Kendrick’s complex narrative about the "HiiiPoWeR" movement—a philosophy of honor, respect, and power—to take center stage. This track is a masterclass in using a traditional beat structure to deliver a revolutionary message.

2. "A.D.H.D" (Section.80, 2011)

While slightly more atmospheric and psychedelic than pure boom bap, the backbone of "A.D.H.D" still adheres to the sound’s rhythmic principles. The minimalist, thumping drums and sparse, hypnotic synths create a dark, introspective mood that perfectly complements the song's themes of generational numbness and self-medication. The drum programming carries the unmistakable weight and swing of a classic hip hop beat, showcasing Sounwave’s early skill in blending old-school rhythm with modern texture.

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3. "The Blacker the Berry" (To Pimp a Butterfly, 2015)

In a career filled with genre-defying experiments, this track stands out as a furious, unapologetic return to form. The beat is a dark, aggressive, and highly percussive boom bap monster. Its heavy, distorted drums and raw energy serve as a perfect backdrop for one of Kendrick's most politically charged and emotionally raw vocal performances. The production is a modern interpretation of the classic sound, proving that boom bap can still be a vehicle for the most urgent social commentary.

The Boom Bap Revival: New Cuts from the GNX Album

The surprise release of the *GNX* album in November 2024 sent shockwaves through the hip hop community. While the project is noted for its West Coast rap sound and overall vicious, hungry atmosphere, several tracks immediately stood out to fans of the classic sound. These songs demonstrate Kendrick’s ongoing respect for the foundational rhythm of hip hop, even as his production choices evolve.

4. "Luther" (feat. SZA) (GNX, 2024)

One of the most discussed tracks on *GNX*, "Luther" is explicitly noted in reviews for following "traditional boom-bap routes" while incorporating a soulful, conscious hip hop feel. The production provides a warm, sample-heavy beat with a familiar, head-nodding drum loop—a clear homage to the 90s golden era producers like Pete Rock or DJ Premier. Kendrick's delivery is measured and introspective, perfectly suited to the beat’s classic, soulful aesthetic. The collaboration with SZA adds an R&B layer, further cementing its conscious hip hop/soul credentials.

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5. "Reincarnated" (GNX, 2024)

Another highlight from *GNX*, "Reincarnated" is cited as one of the album's two standout boom bap tracks. The song features Kendrick tackling deep, philosophical themes, rapping about his feelings on the concept of reincarnation over a beat that is both raw and intricate. The complex lyricism paired with a traditional, stripped-down beat structure exemplifies why the boom bap format remains so effective for powerful storytelling.

6. "Dodger Blue" (GNX, 2024)

While the overall atmosphere of *GNX* leans heavily West Coast, "Dodger Blue" carries a rhythmic foundation reminiscent of the classic boom bap sound. It’s a track that feels less complex than some of his other work, but its straightforward, hard-hitting drums and smooth West Coast sample work give it a powerful, nostalgic punch. The production provides a solid, unwavering rhythm that anchors the track’s narrative.

The Evolving Legacy of Boom Bap in Kendrick's Discography

Kendrick Lamar’s relationship with boom bap is not just about nostalgia; it’s about utilizing a timeless rhythm to deliver timeless messages. His early work on *Section.80* used the sound as a foundation for his arrival as a major voice in conscious rap. As his career progressed through *good kid, m.A.A.d city* and *To Pimp a Butterfly*, the production became more jazz-infused and experimental, but the rhythmic DNA of boom bap often remained in the drum patterns—a steady, powerful pulse beneath the complex instrumentation.

The latest tracks on *GNX* confirm that the boom bap influence is not a phase, but an essential tool in his musical arsenal. By returning to this sound, Kendrick appeals to the core hip hop audience while demonstrating that the genre's classic forms can still sound fresh and relevant in the 2020s. His ability to balance introspective, jazz-funk experimentation with the raw energy of a simple, hard-hitting boom bap beat is a testament to his versatility and commitment to the art form.

7. "Look Out for Detox" (Overly Dedicated, 2010)

To understand the depth of his boom bap connection, one must look back to the track "Look Out for Detox" from his 2010 mixtape, *Overly Dedicated*. The song features an incredibly smooth, soulful sample and a classic, head-nodding drum loop that is pure, unadulterated boom bap. This track, before his major label debut, showcases his natural comfort and lyrical precision over the genre's most traditional beats, setting the stage for the lyrical and rhythmic complexity that would define his career.