Picture this: you’re Kendrick Lamar’s biggest fan. Back in 2018, DAMN was the soundtrack to your life. Then, you fall into a coma, and the world moves on without you. Fast forward to November 2024—you’re finally awake. As you catch up on everything you’ve missed, you learn Kendrick has released two albums since DAMN. Naturally, you dive into his latest project, GNX.
Three tracks in, and reality hits hard—this feels like Kendrick’s weakest album yet. The introspection and poetic brilliance that defined his earlier works seem overshadowed by a brash, almost jarring cocktail of beef-fueled tracks. From the opener, “Wacked Out Murals,” Kendrick name-drops Lil Wayne, a clear callback to their Superbowl performance controversy. This sets the tone for an album steeped in his newfound embrace of rap’s “beef economy,” particularly after this summer’s high-profile battle with Drake. But while the business of conflict has been lucrative for Kendrick this year, does it translate to artistic greatness?
On first listen, the answer might feel like a resounding no. However, after revisiting GNX on a calmer day, the layers begin to unravel, revealing a bold experiment that challenged me, the listener, to grow alongside Kendrick.
“Wacked Out Murals” opens the album with a striking line: “But it ain’t legend if my legend ends.” This frames the album’s aggressive tone as Kendrick’s attempt to cement his legacy while responding to his detractors. The song’s references to his Superbowl performance controversy send a clear message: Kendrick isn’t here to play nice.
Tracks like “Squabble Up” highlight Kendrick’s willingness to experiment. While the vibe might feel disjointed initially, the creativity in its production and flow demands attention. Similarly, “Luther” (featuring SZA) is a decent track, though it doesn’t quite stand out in Kendrick’s vast discography.
Then comes “Man in the Garden”—a turning point. This track reintroduces us to the Kendrick we know and love, with introspective lyrics and a powerful hook: “I deserve it all.” Here, Kendrick reflects on his journey, justifying his recent bold moves and celebrating his right to claim accolades, wealth, and influence. It’s a deeply personal moment where he reclaims his narrative, speaking for himself, his family, and his community.
The influence of Spanish culture is evident throughout GNX, particularly on “Reincarnated.” Over a 2Pac-inspired flow, Kendrick tells vivid stories while weaving in Spanish adlibs, implying a reincarnation of past musical legends, with this he tells us, he isn’t new to this life and its struggles, but he carries with him the bagge of those who came before him.
“TV Off” (featuring Lefty Gunplay) is one of the album’s standout tracks. Petty and unapologetic, it’s Kendrick’s response to critics who doubted his right to the Superbowl spotlight. With lines like “This is not a song / This is a revelation,” Kendrick asserts his dominance, even confessing he’d “cut [his] granny off” to achieve his vision. It’s sharp, raw, and quintessentially Kendrick.
On “Heart Part 6,” Kendrick delivers the storytelling brilliance we know and adore him for. Returning to his iconic Heart series, this track is steeped in gratitude and maturity. Reflecting on his journey with Top Dawg Entertainment and paying homage to collaborators like Ab-Soul, Kendrick sidesteps beef with Drake to focus on unity and authenticity. It’s a refreshing moment of vulnerability amidst the album’s bold offesnsive stance.
The title track, “GNX,” showcases Kendrick’s mastery of hard-hitting flows, with seamless blending of styles in this star-studded collaboration. The album closes with another SZA feature, offering a softer tone that contrasts beautifully with Kendrick’s hard hitting lyrics. While this pair of artistes is not a match made in heaven, the track feels like a match made in heaven, ending the album on a high note.
GNX might feel jarring to long-time Kendrick fans, but it’s also a testament to his willingness to evolve and experiment. From beef tracks to introspective storytelling, Kendrick challenges listeners to embrace the discomfort of change. While not every moment lands, the album as a whole feels like an important chapter in his journey as an artist. For fans willing to grow with him, GNX could eventually become one of his most rewarding works.
