On November 22, Kendrick Lamar shocked fans worldwide with the surprise release of his sixth studio album, GNX. The album comprises 12 songs, as well as production from Sounwave, DJ Mustard, and pop super-producer Jack Antonoff, who has previously produced for the likes of Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. Additionally, GNX includes features from well-known artists such as SZA and Roddy Rich.
Keeping in line with Lamar’s past albums, GNX has achieved massive success in its first week, garnering 363 million streams on Spotify, the biggest rap streaming week of 2024, and the seventh biggest streaming week of all time. The album itself was released at what can only be considered an auspicious time for Lamar, where he is preparing to headline the Super Bowl in February, while also remaining in the headlines due to his ongoing feud with fellow artist Drake.
Although GNX doesn’t follow a strict plot or storyline like Lamar’s previous albums good kid, m.A.A.d city, very clear themes are present throughout the album that ties each piece together into a cohesive album. Lamar reflects on his rise to fame, his anger toward other members of the hip-hop community, as well as his role within the industry. However, the album lacks a consistent tone. Variety is one of Lamar’s strengths, but in this case, the album could have done without it to some extent. Songs such as “luther,” featuring SZA, while phenomenal on its own, press pause on a more fast-paced, angry album, in a way that takes away from Lamar’s strengths: lyricism and delivery. Overall, the lack of narrative focus or cohesive tone within the album is one of its weaknesses, especially when compared to what fans are used to.
In terms of standouts, “Man at the Garden” puts Lamar’s lyrical chops on display, largely due to the more understated production that places his voice at center stage. Lamar raps about the deservingness of his fame and different accomplishments. Narratively, he tells this story through the progressive build of the song from a more contemplative tone at the beginning, to an eventual confidence where he declares that all of his accolades and accomplishments are due to his hard work. He echoes this sentiment by repeating the phrase “I deserve it all” throughout the song. Other top songs on the album include “reincarnation,” “luther,” “heart pt. 6,” and “wacced out murals.”
The GNX album encompasses all that is great about Kendrick Lamar’s artistry, but also includes some features and fluff that don’t add anything substantial to the album. Lamar’s words are supported by superb production from Jack Antonoff and Sounwave, who seemed to put together the perfect beats and background for each song. In the larger tapestry of Lamar’s discography, GNX would find itself somewhere in the middle, below albums like To Pimp a Butterfly or good kid, m.A.A.d city, but above others like Section.80. Overall, the album stands as a testament to West Coast rap, as well as Lamar’s career itself, and deserves a listen from any Lamar or general rap fan.
