After receiving nominations for multiple Grammys with “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar released his surprise album “GNX” on Nov. 22, marking a significant evolution in his artistic and creative journey. Departing from the introspective themes of his previous work such as “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” this album showcases a more assertive and experimental side of Lamar.
“I think Lamar used to be more conceptual narratively,” Alex Lee (12), Kendrick Lamar fan, said. “Now, he is more experimental sonically. For example, he leans more into the West Coast sound, and it feels like he is having more fun clawing into his contemplations and conflicts, especially with the previous feud.”
“GNX” is characterized by its dynamic fusion of West Coast hip-hop elements, including G-funk and hyphy, with innovative influences like mariachi, creating a full, eclectic soundscape. The production led by Sounwave and Jack Antonoff provides a rich backdrop for Lamar’s intricate lyricism.
The album delves into themes of rivalry, loyalty, and status, reflecting Lamar’s recent public feud with Drake. Tracks like “Wacced Out Murals” address a scathing commentary on rap competition by using vivid imagery and wordplay to critique the industry’s performative rivalries. Meanwhile, “Squabble Up” stands out with its frenetic electronic bounce, embodying the tensions of Lamar’s recent lyrical clashes.
“My favorite track on “GNX” was ‘Wacced Out Murals’,” Yates Park (12), frequent hip-hop listener, said. “I interpreted the song as his assertion of dominance over the entire Drake Kendrick rap battle.”
Yet, the album is not solely about confrontation. “Echoes of Tomorrow” offers a moment of introspection, exploring the fragility of relationships and trust, while “Silent Dawn” closes the album on a reflective note and ties its themes together with poetic grace.
SZA’s collaboration with Lamar on “Luther” and “Gloria” is one of the album’s most talked-about moments, and for good reason. The two share a rich history, having worked together on the Grammy-nominated “All the Stars” from the “Black Panther” soundtrack. This revisitation builds on their established synergy, pairing SZA’s ethereal vocals with Lamar’s poignant verses.
SZA’s feature carries additional weight due to her past affiliations with Drake, both as a former partner in the late 2000s, as revealed in Drake’s “Mr. Right Now,” and as a collaborator on “Slime You Out” from “For All the Dogs.” By featuring her on not only one but two tracks on “GNX,” Lamar simultaneously acknowledges her ties to his rival while showcasing his own artistic maturity. Rather than avoiding this potential controversy, Lamar reclaims this narrative, emphasizing that music transcends personal politics.
“GNX, especially on the heels of Kendrick’s battle with Drake, seems to be a call to focus on craft over popularity,” Bakari Kitwana, Founder of Rap Sessions and former Editor-in-Chief of the Source Magazine, said. “I think there are several hip hop generations and mini hip hop generations. The hip hop generation I wrote about was Black youth born between 1965 and 1984. We are two generations removed from that generation. And while hip hop’s influence has grown globally, in my estimation it is no longer the dominant influence in the lives of Black youth in the way it was through the 80s and 90s.”
Apart from SZA, “GNX” features contributions from a diverse range of talented artists, such as Mexican mariachi singer Deyra Barrera, who adds a unique texture to “Vistas Del Barrio,” where Lamar seamlessly incorporates mariachi elements into his signature sound. Rappers from Compton and South Central LA bring a raw, authentic energy to tracks like “Southside Gospel” and “Roll Call.” These collaborations reflect Lamar’s commitment to celebrating diverse voices and musical styles.
In the end, “GNX” is not just a response to critics or rivals—it is a statement of artistic independence and growth, proving once again that Kendrick Lamar operates on a plane entirely that’s his own.
