Kendrick Lamar has once again captivated the music world with the surprise release of his new album, GNX. The 12-track project, which dropped without warning on Friday, November 22, marks his first full-length offering since Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. With GNX, the Compton rapper cements his place at the forefront of hip-hop, while reigniting his ongoing rivalry with Drake and setting the stage for his 2024 campaign as rap’s MVP.
Without any teasers or promotion, GNX arrived on streaming platforms only minutes after Lamar shared a cryptic “GNX” video online. The unexpected release sent shockwaves through fans and critics alike, further solidifying Lamar’s reputation for upending traditional album rollouts. The album comes just eight months after his heated rap feud with Drake, which saw both artists trading diss tracks like lyrical heavyweights throughout the spring and summer of this year.
A Spotlight on Key Tracks
One of the standout tracks on GNX, “Wacced Out Murals,” dives deep into Lamar’s feud with Drake. The lyrical jabs are sharp, as Lamar references Drake’s AI-assisted diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle.” He also weaves in reflections on his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show performance, even nodding to Lil Wayne’s frustration about being passed over for the gig. “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down,” Lamar raps on the track, demonstrating his ability to blend personal introspection with bold commentary.
Another track, “Squabble Up,” gained additional momentum after being previewed in the music video for Lamar’s summer hit, “Not Like Us.” Then there’s the ambitious anthem, “Luther,” which brings in stunning guest vocals from SZA alongside regional Mexican artist Deyra Barrera. Collaborating again on “Gloria,” SZA shares the spotlight with Lamar as they are joined by vocalist Ink for a mesmerizing genre-blending moment.
Collaborations That Shine
Collaborations are a highlight of GNX, with Lamar calling on an eclectic lineup of artists to bring the album to life. Contributions from Kamasi Washington on the jazzy “Dodger Blue” and appearances by AzChike, Sie7e, and Wallie the Sensei add new layers to Lamar’s sonic palette. Red Hearse’s Sam Dew injects his signature sound into “Luther,” while SZA’s vocals elevate multiple tracks. On the production side, Lamar reunites with longtime collaborator Sounwave, who worked on every track, and teams up with Jack Antonoff, who has co-produced all but one song, “Peekaboo.”
A standout moment on the album is GNX’s inclusion of “Heart Pt. 6,” the next chapter in Kendrick Lamar’s long-running and deeply personal The Heart series. The track feels both like a response and a challenge, as it directly addresses Drake’s earlier taunt, a self-styled “The Heart Part 6.” Lamar uses it as a platform to reaffirm his position at the top of the rap game, mixing sharp lyrics with emotive storytelling that only he can deliver.
GNX represents the latest chapter in a whirlwind year for Kendrick Lamar. Following his jaw-dropping lyrical exchanges with Drake earlier this year—highlighted by songs like “Euphoria,” “Family Matters,” and the summer smash “Not Like Us”—Lamar’s music has dominated 2023. While the feud appears to have cooled, the echoes of their rivalry reverberate through GNX, adding an undercurrent of tension and purpose to the album.
But Kendrick isn’t stopping there. With a highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show appearance scheduled for February, fans can expect to see him take his artistry to an even grander stage. Whether on wax or under the bright lights, Kendrick Lamar is proving that his reign is far from over.
GNX is available now on all major streaming platforms. Don’t miss out on what’s shaping up to be another instant classic from one of hip-hop’s finest.
Kendrick has had his foot on the neck of rap for most of the year off diss records, and today, he has officially dropped his long-awaited album.
