From the rich vault of Kendrick Lamar comes a new surprise album that was released on November 22, 2024. GNX serves as the sixth studio album written and arranged by Lamar, but was produced through PGLang and Interscope records. The album has twelve tracks with collaborations from artists such as SZA, Roddy Rich, Wallie the Sensei and Lefty Gunplay, with 96% of listeners loving the album. Since its release, GNX has had many popular hits such as ‘luther’ featuring SZA, ‘tv off’ featuring Lefty Gunplay, and ‘gloria’ again featuring SZA.
The album itself is an exceptional representation of the modern West Coast music scene. To some, it also serves as a piece of nostalgia, as it’s a mosaic of all the creative varying influences and styles from classic and new west coast hip hop and rap, along with synths and vocals of old and new neo soul and R&B. The album is nothing short of a masterpiece, as it’s a sonic journey that feels like both a blessing and a bold artistic statement. The tracks range from high – energy beats to introspective pieces, offering something for everyone that listens. The album’s storytelling is vivid, layered and fervent as Lamar conquers themes of self – discovery, resilience and the duality of human nature. His ability to channel vulnerability while leaking confidence is a testament to his genius.
One of the most popular songs on the album, ‘luther’ is a beautiful masterpiece. Unlike Lamar’s usual fast paced style rapping, he slows himself down, combining his low, earthy vocals with SZA’s grounded, soul – lifting voice. The voices together create a beautiful harmony with equal balance placed on both artists. The song samples “If This World Were Mine” by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. The song opens with a Spanish – inspired guitar solo, which fades into the sample song. The sample pops up multiple times throughout the song, blending in beautifully with the back beats and both of the rappers vocals. ‘luther’ took the internet by storm, becoming one of the most popular songs on the album, as its vocals and ambiance bring the listener a sense of peace, and the imagination of a world that has better days. Most recently, the song was featured on the set list of Super Bowl LIX, and once again, taking the internet by storm, primarily on Tik Tok. A new dance was created in inspiration of SZA and Lamar dancing while they sing their chorus. Overall, this is one of my favorite songs on the album because of layered vocals between the two artists, and the message that is sneakily embedded into the song itself. Hearing this song on the radio, or it playing on my phone makes my day ten times better, as I know that better days are coming.
The next popular song on the album is “tv off” featuring Lefty Gunplay. Reverting back to his hard hitting rap style, Lamar sends a message to listeners to reflect on what it means to stand firm in one’s principles in a world of chaos and deceit. The refrain of the song sets a tone of frustration and urgency. Lamar laments the scarcity of genuine people – those who are dependable and willing to take bold action when necessary. One of the most popular parts of the song is between the sixth and seventh verses, where Lamar just yells ‘mustard.’ Many creators on social media platforms (Tik Tok) have created memes using this sound, as when Lamar shouts yelling ‘mustard’ a harsh gust of wind comes and slaps the creators in the face. This takes inspiration from many childrens cartoons such as Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes. The song itself has many layered instrumental elements, such as violin and harsh synth beats. This song takes third in my top three songs in this album, not because of the message, or the memes that followed this song, it just isn’t my preferred style of rap. I do like Lamar’s creative mind within this song, and the message that he sends to his listeners. This song was also featured at Super Bowl LIX, as one of the last songs on his eleven song setlist.
Gloria takes second place in my top three for this album, as it fits within my preferred style of rap, mostly falling into the R&B category. Again, the contrast between SZA’s vocals, and Lamar’s rap would make one levitate. The contrast between the two artists and their styles of music makes the song even better. Lamar tells the story of a toxic relationship, from the beginning, the rough middle, and the separation of the two lovers at the end of the song. Throughout, Lamar expresses his concerns, and the toxic behavior his lover (SZA) exhibits. In the middle of the song, SZA gives a monologue that explains her point of view in the relationship. At the end of the song, Lamar notes that his now ex is his pen, sourcing his next album from the heartbreak, tragedies, and happy memories from the relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed this song, as it deals with large topics such as an abusive relationship from both lovers, as well as the vocals (heavenly) and how Lamar executed the song. The ambiance of the song is seemingly calm in contrast to the dialogues between the two lovers. This song was not featured on the Super Bowl setlist, nor did it hit the internet by storm, but it is a quiet favorite of the few who have listened to it.
Overall, the album was extremely exciting to listen to, producing banger after banger. Even though this album is out of my comfort zone to listen to, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the messages that are embedded within it.
