Kendrick Lamar Albums By Sales

Gwen Murray

2 min read

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06-01-2025

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Kendrick Lamar, widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, has released five critically acclaimed studio albums. His work has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying his position in hip-hop history. But how do his albums stack up against each other in terms of sales? While precise, universally agreed-upon sales figures can be difficult to obtain due to varying reporting methods across different platforms (physical, digital, streaming equivalents), we can offer a general overview based on available data and reputable sources. Keep in mind that these numbers are approximations and may fluctuate.

Album Sales Estimates: A Comparative Look

It's important to preface this discussion by acknowledging the complexities of measuring album sales in the modern music industry. The transition to digital downloads and streaming has made tracking exact physical album sales increasingly challenging. Furthermore, different reporting services use varying methodologies, leading to discrepancies in reported numbers. However, we can still construct a reasonable comparison based on available information.

1. To Pimp a Butterfly (2015): This album is widely considered his most successful commercially, achieving both critical acclaim and significant sales. It boasts millions of units sold across platforms.

2. good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012): This landmark album propelled Lamar to mainstream success and continues to generate significant sales. It's considered his second best-selling album.

3. DAMN. (2017): This Grammy Award-winning album also achieved massive success and holds a strong position in terms of sales figures. It likely sits close behind good kid, m.A.A.d city in overall units sold.

4. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022): This latest release has garnered significant critical praise and strong early sales figures; however, its long-term sales performance compared to his earlier works remains to be seen.

5. Section.80 (2011): This debut album holds a special place in Lamar's career, though its sales figures are considerably lower compared to his subsequent projects. While not as commercially successful as his later albums, it's crucial to his development and artistic trajectory.

Factors Affecting Sales

Several factors influence album sales, including:

• Marketing and Promotion: Record labels play a significant role in shaping an artist's commercial success.
• Critical Acclaim: Positive reviews from influential critics often translate to increased sales.
• Cultural Impact: An album's cultural relevance and its position within broader societal conversations can significantly impact its sales.
• Streaming vs. Physical Sales: The shift to streaming services has altered the landscape of album sales, making direct comparisons across eras challenging.

Conclusion

While precise numbers remain elusive, the data suggests To Pimp a Butterfly and good kid, m.A.A.d city are generally considered Kendrick Lamar’s best-selling albums. However, all of his studio albums have contributed significantly to his overall legacy and influence on hip-hop, showcasing his consistent artistic evolution and compelling storytelling. The long-term sales success of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers will further shape the overall sales landscape of his discography in the coming years.