Artist Kendrick Lamar released one of the biggest shockers of the year with a surprise new album “GNX,” on Friday, November 22. Kendrick Lamar releases his sixth studio album in GNX following the world famous single “Not Like Us,” his diss track towards fellow artist Drake. Kendrick Lamar, 17 time Grammy winner, and Pulitzer prize winner follows up his hit album “Mr Morale & the Big Steppers” which was featured on “The Billboard 200.” Lamar continues to hold his reputation of being one of the most unpredictable stars in the industry.
Lamar’s “GNX” includes 12 tracks with a total time of 45 minutes long. The album reads: “wacced out murals,” “squabble up,” “luther,” “man at the garden,” “hey now,” “reincarnated,” “tv off,” “dodger blue,” “peekaboo,” “heart pt. 6,” “gnx” and “gloria.” Lamar dropped the album at noon E.T. The album includes six features who are local up and coming artists from South Central/Compton as well as Regional Mexicano artist Deiyra Barrera and musical star SZA.
“GNX” is Lamar’s first album since his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment which was the label that discovered him. Kendrick’s latest drop of GNX debuts before his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX. The upcoming performance on one of the world’s biggest stages follows his halftime performance in 2022 which featured stars like Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent. The performance also comes after one of the biggest hits in recent memory “Not like us” which has five grammy nominees including song of the year nominee. “Not Like Us” also went number one on “The Billboard Hot 100” quickly after release.
The album begins with “wacced out murals” which includes Mexicano and mariachi singer Deiyra Barrera who is also featured later in “Reincarnated” and “Gloria.” Kendrick introduces “Luther” early in the album which includes SZA, a co-writer to the song. SZA is then reintroduced later in the track Gloria which closes the album out. Some notable tracks that gained quick traction include “Dodger Blue,” “Luther,” and “TV off.” Another notable track is “Heart Pt. 6” which continues to add onto Lamar’s ongoing “The Heart” series which started in 2010. Pieces of the series include singles and tracks from various albums such as “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers”
Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” perfectly caps off his generational and prestigious year following his monumental hit single “Not Like Us” and his multiple grammy nominations. “GNX” balances Lamar’s traditional storytelling and lyricism with international influences as well as the South Central and Compton influences. Lamar continues his “The Heart Series” by adding his sixth installment “The Heart pt. 6” creating one of the longest lasting and most influential series. The addition of “GNX” allows Lamar to showcase new tracks and singles at the upcoming superbowl during his highly anticipated halftime performance. By blending different genres, storytelling, and international influence Lamar adds onto his legacy with his sixth studio album in “GNX.”
