Kendrick Lamar has just dropped his new album, GNX, out of nowhere, and it is tearing through the music world. It is quite a different move by the Compton rapper, since this is his first release outside of his previous labels, Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath Entertainment. Titled after the Buick Grand National Experimental, GNX takes inspiration from the “ultimate expression of G-body performance,” a fitting metaphor for the album’s sharp, unrelenting energy.
This release comes right on the heels of a collaboration, “Like That“, between Lamar and Future and Metro Boomin for their project We Don’t Trust You, which once again got the lyrical battle up with Drake, with each releasing diss tracks and subliminal lines against the other. Kendrick’s final, scathing blow, Not Like Us, went viral, re-attesting his status as arguably hip-hop’s most incisive lyricist. On GNX, he doubles down on this unfiltered aggression and creative experimentation.
The album opens with a five-minute manifesto: wacced out murals, an intense track that reaches toward setting the stage for what’s to come. Over brooding production, Kendrick delivers fiery bars reflecting on his journey, fame, and tensions with industry peers. The standout lyric, though, is, “I used to bump Tha Carter 3, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down”, referencing respect to Lil Wayne, while at the same time addressing the tension surrounding his recent Super Bowl announcement.
Kendrick is set to headline the halftime show in New Orleans this coming February, a move many of Wayne’s fans feel was its rightful place being a Louisiana native. The Compton-born rapper seems to take it all in his stride as he uses GNX to stake his claim among hip-hop’s pantheon of gods.
Kendrick Lamar seemingly also takes a subtle jab at Snoop Dogg on “Wacced Out Murals,” addressing the reposting of Taylor Made Freestyle: “Snoop posted ‘Taylor Made,’ I prayed it was the edibles/ I couldn’t believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.”
The album itself is leaner and more to the point than Kendrick’s earlier outings, reflecting a honed approach to narrative and beat. Returning are regular collaborators DJ Dahi and Sounwave, but for the most part, Kendrick dives deep into the unknown by working with Jack Antonoff, whose influence across much of the record is palpable. The result: an album both sonically rich and taut, zipping up intricate beats with layered instrumentation. Lyrical dexterity from Kendrick remains at the forefront of his work, but through the production alone, a new dynamic is granted to his sound.
Two key cuts feature frequent collaborators and fellow TDE alum SZA: Luther and Gloria. Both show off their chemistry, with a beautiful mix of airy soul and Kendrick’s heavy ruminations. SZA brings even more depth to the album, sewing resiliency and self-discovery into its fabric.
GNX is a reflection of Kendrick’s ability to innovate while staying true to his roots. It’s one bold statement of independence and artistry, one that’s packed with introspection, razor-sharp wordplay, and the willingness to push beyond. This album places Kendrick Lamar in conjunction with the competitiveness that he has grown within, reminding both fans and critics alike that he is still one of the most compelling voices in hip-hop.
There’s much to dissect and appreciate on GNX for those prepared to dive headlong into the album. Listen to the full album and experience the next chapter in Kendrick Lamar’s career-changing discography.
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