Drake and Kendrick Lamar are two of the most consequential artists in contemporary music. This guide lists every song and project each artist has officially released in order, making it easier to understand their evolution. For each release, we include the year and a brief context about its significance, helping you explore their catalog systematically.
Drake: full discography in chronological order
Drake began with mixtapes, then graduated to albums and consistent chart dominance. His catalog spans multiple eras, from early introspective work to club-friendly hits and later experimental projects. This chronological breakdown highlights every major song and project, giving you a clear path through his career.
Early mixtapes (2006–2009)
Drake released a wave of mixtapes that built his buzz and showcased his melodic rap-singing style. These early efforts laid the groundwork for his later commercial success and are essential for understanding his artistic roots.
- Room for Improvement (2006)
- Comeback Season (2007)
- So Far Gone (2009)
Debut studio album and breakthrough (2010)
Thank Me Later marked Drake’s major-label debut, blending rap and R&B with introspective lyrics and polished production. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and signaled his arrival as a mainstream force.
Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, and If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2011–2015)
Take Care won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and deepened his introspective sound. Nothing Was the Same continued his evolution, while If You're Reading This It's Too Late served as a surprise mixtape that further blurred genre lines.
Views, More Life, and Scorpion (2016–2018)
Views embraced dancehall and pop influences, spawning hits like One Dance. More Life curated fan favorites, and Scorpion became a double album that topped the Billboard 200 and set streaming records.
Care Package and dark era (2019–2021)
Care Package compiled older tracks, while later projects leaned into moody, experimental sounds. These releases reflected a shift in tone and production style, with standout singles like Laugh Now Cry Later.
Certified Lover Boy, Her Loss, and For All The Dogs (2021–2023)
Certified Lover Boy debuted at number one with a fragmented, sample-heavy aesthetic. Her Loss with 21 Savage and For All The Dogs followed, each reinforcing his commercial dominance while experimenting with different textures.
Recent and upcoming work (2024–2025)
Drake continues to release new music and high-profile collaborations, maintaining relevance through features and surprise drops. His catalog remains one of the most streamed in history.
Kendrick Lamar: full discography in chronological order
Kendrick Lamar rose from independent releases to critical acclaim and mainstream success, often weaving social commentary into his dense, inventive storytelling. The list below captures his studio albums, major singles, and mixtapes in order.
Early mixtapes and Section.80 (2004–2011)
Kendrick’s early mixtapes built a devoted following, leading to Section.80, his debut studio effort, which introduced his narrative lyricism and regional perspectives.
- Youngest Headchefs (2004)
- Training Day (2005)
- Overly Dedicated (2010)
- Section.80 (2011)
Good Kid, M.A.A.D City and To Pimp a Butterfly (2012–2015)
Good Kid, M.A.A.D City is widely regarded as a modern classic, capturing Compton life with cinematic detail. To Pimp a Butterfly followed as a jazz-and-rap fusion masterpiece, expanding his sonic palette.
Damn and Black Panther: The Album (2017–2018)
Damn earned the Pulitzer Prize for Music and expanded his global reach. Black Panther: The Album solidified his ability to anchor major cultural moments through sound.
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers and upcoming work (2022–2025)
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers reflected on personal and generational healing, while hints of future projects suggest continued evolution. Kendrick remains focused on artistic integrity and impactful storytelling.
Side-by-side timeline of major releases
The table below shows the chronological release of key studio albums from both artists, making it simple to compare their milestones.
| Year | Drake release | Kendrick Lamar release |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Thank Me Later | Section.80 |
| 2011 | Take Care | Good Kid, M.A.A.D City |
| 2015 | If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late | To Pimp a Butterfly |
| 2016 | Views | Untitled Unmastered |
| 2017 | More Life | Damn |
| 2022 | Her Loss | Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers |
| 2023 | For All The Dogs | — |
| 2024 | — | — |
How to use this list
You can follow this list from top to bottom to experience each artist’s evolution chronologically. Alternatively, jump to specific years or compare albums side by side to understand how their sounds and themes shifted over time.
Key takeaways
- Both artists have extensive catalogs spanning more than a decade of influential work.
- Drake’s releases often prioritize commercial appeal and streaming volume, while Kendrick’s focus on thematic depth and musical innovation.
- Cross-referencing their timelines reveals parallel moments in modern hip-hop history.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I stream these songs? Use your preferred streaming platform and search for the album or track title.
- Which collaboration should I start with? Consider "Poetic Justice" (Drake featuring Kendrick) as a strong entry point.
- Are there any unreleased songs? Neither artist has officially confirmed unreleased material, so treat rumors with caution.