Kendrick Lamar's latest release, 'GNX', is making waves, with projections indicating it will debut at No. 1 on the next week's Billboard 200. This achievement could mark the rapper's fourth consecutive album to top the chart.
According to reports from HITS Daily Double, Lamar's surprise project is expected to sell around 291,000 equivalent album units in its first week. This includes approximately 325 million on-demand audio streams. If these estimates hold, Lamar would be seeing averages of 27 million streams per song, surpassing the performance of his previous album, 'Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers', by more than 10 million streams per track.
'GNX' features contributions from notable producers like Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and Mustard and is packed with collaborations from artists such as Roddy Ricch, SZA, and mariachi singer Deyra Barrera. This release stands out as Lamar's first full-length project since parting ways with Top Dawg Entertainment.
The excitement around 'GNX' also stems from its lead single, "squabble up", which recently received its music video. Directed by Calmatic, the video showcases various homages to Lamar's roots, including vibrant visual nods to Compton and Southern California culture. Viewers can expect to see Kendrick showing off some signature dance moves as well as tributes to other iconic moments from hip-hop history.
The song itself not only captures the essence of Kendrick Lamar's artistry but also samples Debbie Deb's classic track "When I Hear Music", blending past influences with modern beats. The captivating visuals and engaging sound combined are shaping up to make this single another strong contender for the charts, similar to his previous hit 'Not Like Us', which also debuted at No. 1.
'GNX' has generated significant buzz and has been highly praised by critics. NME labeled it as “an easy contender for the rap album of 2024”, and Stereogum even branded it “the best album of 2024 and the greatest work of Kendrick Lamar’s career.” Meanwhile, Variety commended it as “Kendrick Lamar at his most compelling.”
2024 has been remarkable for Lamar; earlier this year, he reached No. 1 with his collaboratives like “Like That”, alongside Future and Metro Boomin, and later with “Not Like Us”. June was especially significant as he celebrated his Jamaican roots with The Pop Out concert, streamed live on Prime Video from The Forum in Los Angeles.
The release of 'GNX' solidifies Kendrick Lamar as not just capable but as one of the leading voices of contemporary hip-hop. With his knack for storytelling and engaging sound, Lamar continues to capture the attention of fans around the world. Streaming the album is now possible on major platforms, inviting both new listeners and dedicated fans to experience this latest chapter of his expansive career.
