Kendrick Lamar has once again redefined the boundaries of modern hip-hop with GNX. A surprise album that dropped on a random Friday afternoon, leaving the internet with loud conversations. Following the deeply introspective tones of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, GNX stands as a sharp pivot—a raw, unapologetic masterpiece that balances unfiltered dominance with profound reflection. With its gritty soundscapes and fearless storytelling, GNX is more than an album; it’s a statement of cultural and artistic supremacy.
Fresh off the toughest beef this decade, Kendrick Lamar followed up his myriad of diss tracks-turned-classics with this album. In his now-popularized style, he dropped the album on a random Friday noon, teasing it with a single snippet on his socials. Interestingly, that single ultimately did not feature on the album.
Opening the Gates
The album’s eerie introduction, carried by mariachi singer Deyra Barrera, sets an unsettling tone. Her haunting verse, loosely translated as “I feel your presence here/Last night/And we start to cry,” ushers listeners into a world where Kendrick pulls no punches, addressing icons like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg and praising Nas as a lone voice of respect. It’s both an homage and a declaration of war.
Balancing Grit with Grace
Thematically, GNX oscillates between fierce aggression and introspective beauty. Tracks like Squabble Up and Hey Now showcase Kendrick at his most playful, trading sharp bars over infectious beats. Fans were delighted when Squabble Up snippet was teased in the Not Like Us video. Sampling Debbie Deb’s When I Hear Music, the track pays homage while embracing Kendrick’s signature style. The latter features Dody6, fresh out of jail, delivering a fiery verse that embodies L.A.’s vibrant rap scene—a testament to Lamar’s commitment to spotlight emerging talents. Sandwiched between the two tracks is Man in the Garden which proves a sharp contrast between the two records on either side. On it Kendrick fiercely comes for his flowers repeating the main theme of the song “I deserve it all”
Slowing the album down, introducing a Spanish guitar and one of the album’s most impressive sample Luther, a soulful collaboration with SZA that highlights Kenny’s unparalleled versatility. The single features a lush sample of Luther Vandross’ If This World Were Mine. SZA’s ethereal vocals intertwine with Lamar’s storytelling, crafting one of the album’s most emotionally resonant moments.
A Masterclass in Storytelling
At the album’s heart is Reincarnated. A magnum opus that delves deep into generational artistry and existential struggle. Over a sample of Tupac Shakur’s “Made N****z,” Kendrick weaves a layered narrative involving John Lee Hooker, Billie Holiday, and himself as manifestations of Lucifer’s reincarnation. The track is a chilling meditation on fame, self-destruction, and redemption, culminating in a poignant conversation between Kendrick and his “Father” (God).
It’s a lyrical labyrinth that rewards multiple listens, standing as one of the decade’s finest pieces of songwriting.
The Energy Rises
The album’s second act begins with a surge. TV Off is a high-energy anthem packed with quotable lines from Kendrick’s to Lefty Gunplay’s, and the instantly internet super viral “MUUUUUSSSTAAAAAARRRDDDD.” Meanwhile, Dodger Blue delivers a laid-back groove, combining soulful instrumentals with an impeccable quartet of Dot, Sieste7x, Roddy Ricch, and Willie the Sensei each contributing in a perfectly balanced two-minute sequence. While most of the album leans into heavy bars and lyricism, Dodger Blue is a soothing, airy groove.
Peekaboo brings the grit back, opening with a Little Beaver sample and featuring AzChike in a hard-hitting, bass-heavy performance. Even here, Kendrick manages to inject humor into the aggression, with lines like “Bing-bop-boom-boom-boom-bop-bam” serving as both comedic relief and lyrical brilliance.
The Legacy Unfolds
The penultimate track, Heart Pt. 6, sees Kendrick return to his beloved series, this time over SWV’s Use Your Heart. It’s a nostalgic homage to his roots, revisiting his Black Hippy days and his Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) family. With deeply personal anecdotes and poetic reflections, Kendrick celebrates his journey while acknowledging the bonds that shaped him.
The album’s closer, Gloria featuring SZA once again, is a stunning finale. On the surface, it tells the story of a troubled romantic relationship, but Kendrick’s layered lyricism reveals a deeper allegory about his relationship with his craft. SZA’s vocal gymnastics elevate the track into an ethereal realm, making it a fitting end to a deeply complex album.
Sonic Innovation
The production of GNX is as bold as its themes. Helmed by longtime collaborator Sounwave, with contributions from Jack Antonoff and Mustard, the album boasts a gritty yet eclectic sound. Hard-hitting basslines, distorted samples, and industrial textures create a sonic palette that challenges conventional hip-hop norms while paying homage to its roots.
A Victory Lap
Lyrically, GNX is Kendrick Lamar at his sharpest. Whether dismantling critics, addressing feuds (most notably with Drake), or reflecting on his Super Bowl selection, his words cut with precision. Yet, even amid the bravado, Kendrick finds moments of vulnerability and humor, reminding listeners of the multifaceted artist behind the bars.
With GNX, Kendrick Lamar cements his legacy as a transformative force in hip-hop. Bold, unfiltered, and intricately crafted, the album is a celebration of his artistry and a declaration of his dominance. Balancing street anthems with cultural commentary, Kendrick delivers a project that is as ambitious as it is masterful. Fans asked for the beast, and Kendrick responded—not with a growl, but with a roar that echoes through the industry.
Check Out GNX
