Sampling “So [rt]” by Knxwledge, the ninth song on To Pimp a Butterfly is a list of Kendrick Lamar’s virtues, and an image of his trip to Africa. Kendrick knows everything: Compton, street shit, consciousness, highs, lows, and not caring about receiving recognition for his goodness. With this deep cut, he also deepened his critical acclaim. —J.B.

Kendrick Lamar’s ascension to the top of the rap game has no parallel. Equally lauded for his lyrics, songwriting, creativity and perspective, Lamar has amassed a catalog that nimbly balances self-reflection and analysis of the world around him.

Last year, Drake and J. Cole famously claimed they were “as big as the Super Bowl.” This year, Kendrick is proving who really deserves that title. Bu the way, Mustard even got a deal with Heinz Ketchup. A full-circle moment, considering he mustard up one of the biggest beats in recent history. Aw man, that was terrible! Let me get out of here.