Kendrick Lamar fans received quite the surprise on November 22, when the rapper dropped his latest album, GNX, without any prior warning. This unexpected release marks his first full-length project since he moved to PGLang and signed with Intercope Records, stepping away from his longtime affiliations with Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath. The album has made waves across streaming platforms, with all twelve tracks dominating Spotify's U.S. Top 50 soon after its launch.
The surprise was all the more thrilling considering Lamar's history of producing groundbreaking music. Following the album's release, Lefty Gunplay, one of Kendrick's frequent collaborators, hinted during The Bootleg Kev Podcast about the potential for a deluxe edition of GNX. "Yeah, I rapped on [the album]. Got some stuff... I know he’s got a deluxe version coming out," Gunplay shared, also teasing the arrival of a music video for the track “TV Off.” Clearly, this is just the beginning of Kendrick's creative flow.
GNX doesn’t just reflect Kendrick's artistry; it also delves deep, filled with references to both personal grievances and broader cultural critiques. Right from the get-go, Kendrick’s raw emotions are front and center. The album opens with him lamenting the vandalism of his mural—yes, the very mural showcasing his three distinct faces painted by fans on the wall of the restaurant back home in Compton, California. Instead of celebrating the mural's existence, he gets upset about it being defaced. This sentiment of indignation is palpable throughout the album, speaking volumes about how he feels about respect—or lack thereof—in the industry.
From the opening track to his latest diss against Drake, Kendrick's emotions run high. After scoring major successes this year with chart-topping collaborations and securing commanding performances, including headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, one might assume Lamar has it all. Yet, the album shows he's got plenty to voice—gripes about the rap game, critiques of celebrity culture, and introspections as skilled as ever.
On GNX, Lamar tackles subjects like betrayal and authenticity with impressive lyrical dexterity. For example, the track “Wacced Out Murals” sees him expressing disbelief at Snoop Dogg posting one of Drake’s diss tracks, saying, “I prayed it was the edibles.” Such lines reflect not just his disappointment but the broader dysfunction within the music industry. Meanwhile, “Hey Now” addresses the intense scrutiny he faces as a public figure, and “Peekaboo” presents his readiness to confront those who question his legacy.
Intriguingly, Lamar does not shoulder all the spotlight alone. He invites several rising talents from Los Angeles to feature on the album, including Dody6, AzChike, Hitta J3, and Wallie the Sensei, to name just a few. This sense of community is refreshing, with Kendrick giving opportunities to artists who also represent the vibrant culture he grew up immersed in.
The production on GNX is equally noteworthy. Collaborations with seasoned names like Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, alongside fresh beats crafted by Mustard, result in tracks rich with West Coast flavor, complete with slapping bass lines and funky rhythms. A standout moment is the sensual duet with SZA titled “Luther,” which pays homage through its roots to Marvin Gaye’s classics, showcasing Kendrick’s appreciation for musical lineage.
Yet, even with all these praises, the album strikes with moments of retribution. One of its closing tracks, “Gloria,” stands out as Kendrick expresses his deep love for writing, creatively positioning the craft akin to romantic devotion—a stark reminder of why he’s held up as one of rap’s finest.
Lamar pairs bold questions about integrity and credibility with sharp criticisms of those he feels don’t take music seriously. The harsh reality depicted through his lyrics often echoes sentiments from his earlier work but feels even more sensitive and urgent now. On the track “Man at the Garden,” he takes on critics and other artists with “I did it with integrity, and n— still try hate on me,” leading the charge for self-advocacy within the hip-hop space.
The flame of rivalry continues to flicker, especially as reports suggest his feud with Drake could reignite. Drake’s recent legal actions against Universal Music Group over Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us” signal not just contention but strategic moves, setting the stage for new rounds of conflict. Lamar, who appears to have emerged victorious from their recent exchanges, hasn’t allowed the legal battles to cloud his focus—fully entrenched instead within his art.
True to his style, GNX is not merely about hype; it encapsulates Kendrick's steadfast determination to voice his truths, whether they be celebratory or filled with frustration. The album questions dynamics within the music industry, infuses narratives from his life experiences, and challenges other artists to step up their game. Kendrick Lamar is, without doubt, at the top of his game, sketching out his legacy with each powerful lyric—and with fans eagerly awaiting what he’ll do next, it looks like this ride is only just beginning.
