Kendrick Lamar surprised the world with his sixth studio album, GNX. He’s had a massive year. So enormous it propelled him to the Super Bowl.
Following his rap beef with Drake as he is the undeniable victor. Even beating the so-called “hit maker,” at his own game with the release of “Not Like Us,” a real victory lap; the song of the summer and certified banger.
Kendricks convictions and issues during the beef weren’t only aimed at Drake, but the rap industry at large which he immediately divulged in the beginning of the record.
The first track “wacked out murals” begins on a chilling note as Kendrick is airing out his grievances. Recollecting an incident that occurred over the summer in LA when somebody vandalized a mural honoring him, no doubt a Drake fan. He uses this incident to symbolize that now that he’s in the top spot in rap, his peers seem to be jealous of his success. The song is reminiscent of a supervillain monologue.
This is followed by “squabble up” a groovy hit with a sticky chorus that will in fact get stuck in your head. This song was teased by Kendrick in the beginning of the “Not Like Us” music video. The snippet of the song has been trending on TikTok for months, but we finally get to listen to the song in all of its glory. Chris Cruz, junior, concluded that, “although it is different from what I usually listen to, I can appreciate the creativity of the track.”
Track three is “Luther,” a romantical, vibey R&B duet with SZA. The song tastefully samples Luther Vandross’, “If this World was Mine.” Kendrick and SZA bounce off of each other so fluidly, as if they are dancing. This song was an easy replay for me on my first listen. Kendrick is almost able to match SZA’s vocal level in this track. The two have collaborated quite a few times on gems like “All the Stars” and “Doves in the Wind.” I’d argue that this is their best collaboration to date.
Track four “man at the garden” is undeniably powerful. Kendrick feels that he is at a place in life where he deserves everything and anything. He repeats the lyric, “I deserve it all.” For the friends and families she lost to gang violence, for his efforts in uniting black communities in Compton and keeping his integrity intact on his journey to becoming a legend in music.
“Hey Now,” a rollercoaster of a song that starts out with a slightly subtle but infectious tempo that you can’t help but groove to.
On the production side, mid-way into the track, a piano melody begins to creep up on you, eventually building into a feeling of ascension. Here Kendrick repeats the empowering lyric, “I’m way too important,” which really brings this powerful, addictive melody to a head. It slowly falls as it is followed by an incredible verse from Dody6. A genius conclusion as the song ends on a playful note that just keeps that infectious tempo going.
“Tv off” is a quintessential rap song produced by DJ Mustard. It has a beat you can’t help but dance to. The horns that play throughout the track feels reminiscent of “Not Like Us.” The track feels like a victory lap. Kendrick ends the song with a DJ Mustard shout out, he screams, “Mustard!”
“Peekaboo” is a “…more cheeky, just quieter track compared to some of the other hits,” Divan Mahabir said. It features AzChike. Kendrick is clearly having fun with his lyricism and not taking anything too serious on this track.
GNX is unapologetically immersed with West Coast and LA influence, as its Kendrick’s hometown. The record highlights underground L.A. artists like, Dody6, Lefty Gunplay, Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, Roddy Ricch, AzChike, Hitta J3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh.
Overall, I’d rate this album a 9 out of 10, it is an incredible body of work that I can’t help but listen to.
“It’s refreshing,” Divan Mahabir, junior, said.
GNX definitely stands out among Kendrick’s previous albums as he’s known for making conceptual bodies of work that revolve around a specific theme.
“GNX is a commercial, vibes album that I believe Kendrick used to prepare for the Super Bowl,” Mr. Mahabir said.
GNX is fluid, there are multiple themes that encompass the record. It’s insanely fun and while also being an introspective love letter to the West Coast.
