Before this weekend’s halftime show performance, we’ve refreshed this popular blog article from 2022 to include news and fresh tracks from Kendrick Lamar’s latest release, GNX.
Over the past year, the celebrated MC has experienced a resurgence, culminating in last Sunday’s big Grammy win. Is his 6th album GNX his GOAT? Probably not. But it is his most commercially successful, offering a streamlined musical feast of everything fans love and plenty for newcomers to enjoy. Like his one-time labelmate/collaborator SZA, Lamar has the gravitational force to bend pop towards his art.
GNX is intense, focused, and unapologetically innovative. It’s also great exercise music. Here are the choicest cuts for your workouts.
Top 4 Kendrick Lamar Workout Songs from GNX
“Squabble Up,” GNX (2024)
Our undisputed champion of the beef-to-end-all-beefs is in celebration mode, gleefully stomping all over the beat in “Not Like Us”’s poppy kid sib. He takes a few last jabs at Drake while clearly enjoying his win. Sporting hooky lyrics, old-school LA electro-funk, and a Madonna-esque 80s pop sample, this sugar bomb exploded onto the Billboard Hot 100 and American Top 40 charts. At 104 bpm, "Squabble Up” is perfect for cardio warmup and energetic floor exercises.
Key Moment: The unexpected arrival of the freestyle vocal sample at :18.
When I hear music, it makes me dance
You got the music, now is your chance
“Reincarnated,” GNX (2024)
Nestled amidst the commercial bangers comes GNX’s centerpiece. Attentive listeners will notice Lamar channeling his beloved 2Pac’s flow and ferocity. Closer inspection reveals he’s actually sampled the lesser-known 2Pac song “Made N*****.” In stepping 2 Pac, Lamar demonstrates a mastery of this MC’s lessons while springboarding into his ever-elevating musical stratosphere. (Also, the song can be understood as a dialogue between the Devil and God; dude is not playing.) Program this track towards the end of an intense workout session to beat your personal best.
Key Moment: Partway through the 3rd verse at 2:58—The music and lyrics go introspective for this verse, with the deeply spiritual Lamar imagining a dialog with God. His inflection changes and his tone lowers to personify God, calling out his own ego and hypocrisy.
Son, you do well, but your heart is closed
I can tell residue that linger from your past creates itself
Father, I'm not perfect, I got urges, but I hold them down
"But your pride has to die," okay, Father, show me how
“TV Off,” GNX (2024)
"MUSTTARDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!" Lamar bellows over the switched-up beat, turning a shoutout to celebrated producer DJ Mustard into a viral moment. It's a masterclass in vocal dynamics, paired with some of the sharpest beat-making we’ve heard in a minute. But the song's impact goes beyond its fiery sound. Lamar investigates the blurred lines between perception and reality, challenging listeners to tune out the noise—a message that resonates perfectly with anyone focused on achieving their goals. Clocking in at 100 bpm, “TV Off” is ideal for rowing, weight training, or pushing through endurance sets.
Key Moment: This track gives the impression of two songs in one, with the second beginning at 1:54. The lyrical build-up from Part I’s final chorus to that “beat switch” gives the necessary punch before the second part arrives and slaps you with the repeated lyric “Turn his TV Off”.
It's not enough (Ayy)
Few solid n***** left, but it's not enough
Few b****** that'll really step, but it's not enough
Say you bigger than myself, but it's not enough (Huh)
“Dodger Blue,” GNX (2024)
It's no shock that the Compton-bred lyricist would pen a track like "Dodger Blue," a heartfelt nod to Los Angeles and its electric MLB Championship win. Breaking from the high-energy pace of much of GNX, Lamar slows it down here, trading rapid-fire bars for soulful melodies. With its relaxed vibe, the track feels like an ode to those golden LA nights, blending Kendrick’s love for his city with a sound that lingers long after the final note. At 94 bpm, its laid-back groove is perfect for setting the tone during warm-ups or cooling down after a tough workout.
Key Moment: As an Angeleno, the lyrics at :38 are highly relatable and reflect the heart of this living, breathing city we all love so much. Every big city has its quirks and here, Lamar celebrates them without playing to cliched stereotypes.
“B****, I'm from the LAnd
Don't say you hate L.A. when you don't travel past the 10
Am I trippin'? Yes, I am
Meditate over some money, I see Franklin, I find zen
B****, I'm from the LAnd
Don't say you hate L.A., but live in L.A. and pretend.”
Predictions for his 2025 halftime show performance?
This performance will be a visual spectacle, and it's a given Lamar will play “Not Like Us,” decimating the mold for how far a non-album diss track can go. Beyond this, “Humble,” “Alright,” and “M.A.A.D. City” (see below)--in full or in part–would provide a definitive summation of his career to date. Guest performer SZA will likely join for their gorgeous duet “Luther," and both SZA's "Kill Bill" and Lamar's “Squabble Up” are possibilities. Keep reading for Lamar’s other top workout songs.
Original blog post February 2022
Top 10 Kendrick Lamar Workout Songs and 2022 Halftime Show Recap
Kendrick Lamar’s brief halftime show performance at last week's big game, was a vivid reminder of the MC’s athletic, one-of-a-kind flow. Even sequenced beside famously ferocious spitter Eminem, Lamar earned our vote as the show’s MVP. As hip hop fans and professional curators, it inspired us to revisit his musical catalog from a fitness angle.
Over the past decade, while Drake racked up insane streaming numbers, Kanye showed his genius isn’t infallible, and rappers like Migos and Young Thug remade hip hop in trap’s image, Lamar paved his own seismic path with music that absorbed these influences while remaining completely its own. Further, Lamar walked a narrow tightrope with commercially accessible and critically adored releases, earning the first non-classical, non-jazz Pulitzer Prize in Music. Ain’t no thang but a chicken wang for the artist formerly known as K.Dot.
In purely musical terms, Kendrick Lamar’s rhythmic virtuosity and verbal precision invite comparison to a master percussionist. His best songs combine top-shelf production, untouchable lyrics, and a hyperkinetic flow to dizzying effect. It’s no coincidence elite athletes like LeBron James, Chris Paul, and the late Kobe Bryant have prioritized Lamar on their workout playlists. And his songs are perfect for fitness enthusiasts too, as we’ve discovered curating soundtracks for dozens of fitness companies like Mirror, Nautilus, and Tonal.
From his biggest hits to deep cuts to guest features, we’re in the unique position of knowing which Kendrick Lamar songs perform best in fitness stations. Ranked top to bottom, here are *Feed.fm’s top 10 Kendrick Lamar workout songs of all time.
Listen to the full YouTube Playlist here:
Kendrick Lamar Top Workout Songs
#1 - “Humble,” Damn (2017)
Damn’s 3rd single finds Lamar challenging the competition to get on his level with integrity. Using imagery from his personal life, he reveals that his secret is not bravado but groundedness. Mike Will Made-It’s sparse, forceful beat has a martial quality and deep groove. Originally made for Gucci Mane, this grimy production pairs exceptionally with the lyrics’ intensity. The double-time (75/150 bpm) “Humble'' works great with a wide range of workouts.
Key Moment: 2nd half of 2nd verse @1:50 - Lamar starts stunting with a repeated, staccato rhythmic pattern.
Ayy, this s*** way too crazy, ayy, you do not amaze me, ayy
I blew cool from AC, ayy, Obama just paged me, ayy
I don't fabricate it, ayy, most of y'all be fakin', ayy
I stay modest 'bout it, ayy, she elaborate it, ayy…
#2 - “The Greatest,” (2016) - Sia feat. Kendrick Lamar
Purists may prefer Lamar’s solo cuts or tracks rooted in hip hop, but he’s also proven versatile in pop collaborations that never scream sellout. “The Greatest” was written in support of the LGBT community after the Pulse nightclub mass shooting. Against this tragic backdrop, Sia and Lamar created a 96 bpm “uplifting, poppy song with a subtle island vibe.” Lamar’s verse and presence lend gravitas to this survival anthem. Even without the context, lyrics like “Don't give up, I won't give up” and “running out of breath, but I Oh, I, I got stamina” provide ideal imagery for aerobic exercise.
Key Moment: 2nd half of 3rd verse @ 2:09 - The MC’s effervescent flow captures the song’s spirit while notching up the energy.
I transform with pressure, I'm hands-on with effort
I fell twice before, my bounce back was special
Letdowns 'll get you, and the critics 'll test you
But the strong 'll survive, another scar may bless you, ah…
#3 - “DNA,” Damn (2017)
“DNA” is a lyrical high point of Lamar’s entire discography. He uses different viewpoints to analyze his black heritage and culture while delivering a master class in flow and rhyming. Songs like “DNA” display the sheer athleticism of Lamar’s delivery. After the first verse was recorded, Lamar started rapping the second verse a cappella, requesting that producer Mike Will Made-It build the beat around the rap. Lamar proposed that the second half sound like "chaos" and that “he's battling the beat.” Mission accomplished! Program this 140 bpm banger for the peak of your workout.
Key Moment: The entire 2nd verse @ 2:06 - It’s easy to envision the boxing practitioner as Rocky punching a speedball while ducking and weaving through a musical montage.
You mothaf***as can't tell me nothin'
I'd rather die than to listen to you
My DNA not for imitation
Your DNA an abomination…
#4 - “Don’t Wanna Know” (2016) - Maroon 5 feat. Kendrick Lamar
The lead single off Maroon 5’s Red Pill Blues album is one of Lamar's most surprising collaborations to date. A breezy pop song about lost love finds the MC contributing a short verse that works–most would agree–surprisingly well with Adam Levine’s distinctive croon. At 100 bpm, the gently upbeat “Don’t Wanna Know” is equally good for aerobic workouts and vinyasa-style yoga.
Key Moment: 3rd verse @ 2:24 - Lamar splits the difference between braggadocio and regret, informing an ex that she’s missing out while keeping the mood light.
No more hashtag boo'd up screenshots
No more tryin' to make me jealous on your birthday
You know just how I made you better on your birthday, oh…
#5 - “Pray for Me,” Black Panther: The Album (2018) - The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar
Our superstar collaborators reflect on loyalty, sacrifice and redemption from the POV of a crestfallen hero. The song mirrors Black Panther while also envisioning Lamar as the G.O.A.T who’s responsible for saving hip hop. The detuned synth pad and stripped-down beat recall Kanye’s dark Yeezus album, with the Weeknd’s melodies providing textural glue that balances the heavy aggression. At 101 bpm, “Pray for Me” has a Knight Rider vibe that’s great for cardio warm-up.
Key Moment: 2nd half of 2nd verse @ 1:30 - Lamar cascades a flow like Phil Collins’ classic “In the Air Tonight” drum fill, asking if he has to be the sacrifice.
You need a hero, look in the mirror, there go your hero
Who on the front lines at ground zero? (Hero)
My heart don't skip a beat, even when hard times bumps the needle…
#6 - “I,” To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
Lamar has described this uplifting hit as one of the best songs he’s written.”I” tells a story about self-expression growing up in an environment where this isn’t prioritized over day-to-day survival. While Lamar sometimes blasts off with the sole purpose of surpassing a beat, here his flow volleys opposite the music in sophisticated ways. The upbeat, Motown-inspired accompaniment features the legendary Ronald Isley, who helps throw a raucous backyard party. At 121 bpm with a consistent, driving rhythm, this song is terrific for mid to high-intensity cardio, or for powering through a fitness sliders session.
Key Moment: 3rd Verse @ 2:29 - The music streamlines and Lamar takes a pregnant pause before rapid firing with the “automatic weapon” that is his voice.
With an automatic weapon, don't nobody call a medic
I'ma do it 'til I get it right
I went to war last night (Night, night, night, night)
I've been dealing with depression ever since an adolescent…
#7 - “Alright,” To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
From the beats to the synth pad vocals to the masterful rhythm, this song was beautifully crafted by Pharrell Williams, but it’s Lamar’s lyrics and delivery that make "Alright" one of the 21st century’s most critically-acclaimed songs. In the summer of 2017, "Alright" became an unofficial protest song for Black Lives Matter, and it was the focal point of his halftime show performance. The message of confronting and overcoming insurmountable odds is a heartfelt, powerful affirmation. At 110 bpm, the anthem is a must-have motivator for just about any workout you can imagine!
Key Moment: 2nd half of 2nd verse @ 1:55 - Lamar transforms the flow into a polyrhythmic pattern, with well-executed stops and flutters that sound like a drum pattern played by Buddy Rich. Jaw-dropping.
I can see the evil, I can tell it, I know it's illegal
I don't think about it, I deposit every other zero
Thinking of my partner, put the candy, paint it on the Regal
Digging in my pocket, ain't a profit big enough to feed you...
#8 - “All the Stars,” Black Panther: The Album (2018) - Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Lamar approached these verses with an understated confidence, in a promise to keep it 100 even now that “all the stars are closer” to his reach. It’s a victory lap of sorts after the near-perfect trifecta of Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City; To Pimp a Butterfly; and Damn, with SZA’s effortless, earthy vocals helping keep him anchored. The minimal, spacey production glides at 97 bpm, making this a great track for low-intensity cardio like walking and rowing, as well as stretching/cool-down.
Key Moment: The whole song is entrancing, casting its own quiet spell without ever shouting for our attention.
#9 - “M.A.A.D. City” Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City (2012) - Kendrick Lamar feat. MC Eiht
Amazingly, the quasi-title track from Lamar’s major-label release was not a single. Nevertheless, it blew up the charts alongside the album’s bigger hits and became an early fixture in the fitness stations we curate. With its knowing evocation of Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and 2001, “M.A.A.D. City” also paid homage to Lamar’s Compton through the outsized presence of old schooler MC Eiht. Cinematic music underscores a socially-conscious, instantly classic Lamar song.
Key Moment: 1st verse @ :26 - Lamar leaps out the gate with urgency, his raspy voice breaking to emphasize the raw emotional memories
Brace yourself, I'll take you on a trip down memory lane
This is not a rap on how I'm slingin' crack or move cocaine
This is cul-de-sac and plenty Cognac and major pain
Not the drill sergeant, but the stress that weighin' on your brain…
#10 - “Bad Blood (Remix)” (2015) – Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar
Teaming with one of the world’s biggest pop stars was a bold move, playing to Lamar’s versatility while cementing his prestige in the broader culture beyond hip hop. His contributions to “Bad Blood (Remix),” were substantial, resulting in one of the biggest singles from Swift's album 1989. Over his two verses, Lamar stays on topic with an examination of bad blood that provides a striking contrast to her poppy, playful approach. While we’re also fans of the original, this remix added layers both lyrically and musically. At an energized 85 bpm, the song works especially well for HIIT and weight training.
Key Moment: 2nd half of 1st verse @ :21 - Lamar employs a frantic, syncopated flow to convey the bruised emotions from a fractured relationship.
Now POV of you and me, similar Iraq
I don't hate you, but I hate to critique, overrate you
These beats of a dark heart, use basslines to replace you
Take time and erase you, love don't hear no more…
Whether you’re warming-up with cardio or powering through a HIIT workout, Kendrick Lamar’s wide-ranging music can be performance-enhancing. We hope you find this list helpful in curating your own fitness playlists.
Listen to the full YouTube Playlist here:
*How this list was created
Feed.fm serves 550 million songs to 6 million unique users annually. Our Curation Team uses playback functionality including skips, likes, and dislikes to select the right song at the right time. For the fitness industry, we’re able to aggregate data to glean valuable across-the-board insights and spot emerging trends.
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Image Credit: Kendrick Lamar F.I.B (copyright 2016) by Batiste Safont CC BY-SA 4.0
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