Without fanfare or warning, Kendrick Lamar delivered a seismic moment in music with the surprise release of his new album, GNX. Named after the iconic 1987 Buick GNX—a nod to the year Kendrick was born—the album feels both personal and expansive, weaving a rich tapestry of sounds, stories, and cultural tributes.
From the first listen, it’s clear that GNX is a love letter to Kendrick’s native Los Angeles. The city’s unmistakable G-Funk sound runs through the album, with contributions from a tight-knit team of collaborators. Standout producer Mustard, whose work on the diss track “Not Like Us” created waves earlier this year, brings his signature bounce to tracks like “Hey Now” and “TV Off.” These songs underscore a magnetic partnership between Kendrick and Mustard, one that recalls some of hip-hop’s greatest rapper-producer duos.
At the same time, GNX isn’t confined to regional sounds. Jack Antonoff, fresh off major pop projects, co-produced 11 of the 12 tracks alongside longtime TDE collaborator Sounwave. Together, they craft a soundscape that bridges mainstream accessibility with the soul of LA’s streets. On “Dodger Blue,” Antonoff’s hallmark style shines through, yet he deftly adapts to Kendrick’s vision. The track also marks a reunion with Sam Dew, hinting at the deep-rooted chemistry that drives this album.
Kendrick’s attention to detail extends beyond production. The album is layered with samples and interpolations that connect generations of Black music. “Squabble Up” nods to Debbie Deb’s freestyle classic, while “The Heart Pt.” draws from SWV’s “Use Your Heart,” itself a reinterpretation of a B.T. Express groove. On “Luther,” Kendrick honors the late R&B legend Luther Vandross, sampling his duet with Cheryl Lynn. These choices reflect not just musical depth but a deliberate effort to celebrate the legacies that paved the way for his artistry.
Wrestling with Rivalries and Reflections
GNX also serves as a platform for Kendrick to address controversies and rivalries. On “wacced out,” he reflects on the chatter surrounding his omission from the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. While some questioned why Kendrick wasn’t chosen, others—like Lil Wayne—expressed frustration about being overlooked for the performance. Kendrick offers a heartfelt acknowledgment of Wayne’s influence on his career, grappling with the irony of admiration turning into competition.
Feuds aside, Kendrick pays homage to another enduring influence: Tupac Shakur. On “Reincarnated,” he channels the late rapper’s energy, capturing the visceral passion and spiritual introspection that defined Tupac’s Makaveli era. The track is a masterclass in emulation, with Kendrick mirroring Pac’s cadence and internal rhyme patterns, all while making the homage distinctly his own.
Kendrick’s ability to spotlight LA’s diversity shines through in unexpected ways. The album opens with haunting vocals from Deyra Barrera, a mariachi singer whose presence on multiple tracks underscores the city’s Mexican-American roots. This isn’t Kendrick’s first time incorporating mariachi influences—his visuals for “Not Like Us” and “Family Matters” celebrated similar themes—but GNX feels like a deeper dive into this cultural exchange.
Honoring la’s Cultural Mosaic and cementing his legacy
Ultimately, GNX is Kendrick Lamar at his most ambitious and reflective. It’s an album that bridges eras, fuses genres, and tackles deeply personal themes, all while celebrating the city that raised him. For fans and newcomers alike, it offers a chance to immerse themselves in a project that feels as much like a cultural artifact as it does a musical masterpiece.
With GNX, Kendrick reminds us why he remains one of the most compelling voices in hip-hop—a storyteller whose art continually pushes boundaries, even when he drops it with no warning.
