Kendrick Lamar has always been an artist who is unafraid to push boundaries, break records and evolve his sound. With his latest release, “GNX,” the hip-hop star takes another big step in his artistic journey, delivering fans an aesthetically satisfying project that leans into more punchy, bouncy production than the soul-piercing lyrics he is known for. This shift is refreshing and shows, once again, that Lamar is not an artist who stays stagnant.
Throughout, listeners feel a distinct difference in style from Lamar’s previous releases. The album is filled with vibrant, venomous energy with beats that, although simple, are infused with a visceral soul. Lamar focuses heavily on the aesthetics of his music, creating a sound designed to be felt. This is perfectly exemplified in the line, “F*** a double entendre, I want y’all to feel this shit,” on the opening track “wacced out murals.” This isn’t to say, though, that Lamar is abandoning his lyrical genius; the album is still filled with sharp and thought-provoking lines, but they’re delivered that prioritize their groove and rhythm.
Lamar’s previous release “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” in 2022 was deeply personal as he stripped himself of his accomplishments in a raw and sincere way. This personal quality is lacking in “GNX.” Likely influenced by the breakout success of his summer hit, “Not Like Us,” which topped the Billboard Top 100 on two separate occasions, many of the songs lack originality in production, aiming for the same bouncy beat that was prominent in his previous song. Although catchy, this record focuses less on personal struggle and introspection than spectacle and comfortable commerciality.
This is not to say that “GNX” is thematically bankrupt, as it delves into Lamar’s reflections on fame, success and his place in the music industry. He addresses his critics and competitors with brash confidence only possible by one of hip-hop’s greats. There is a consistent sense of self-assuredness throughout the album, as Lamar navigates through personal anecdotes and broader societal observations.
From the very first track, Lamar sets the tone for the album. The song opens with haunting Spanish vocals from mariachi singer Deyra Barrera, creating a nail-biting atmosphere that enthralls the listener in an instant. Throughout the song, Lamar talks of his recent conflicts of jealousy and vitriol. From the diss battle with Canadian rapper Drake, to Lil Wayne’s public outrage over Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance over himself, and Snoop Dogg’s sharing of the diss track “Taylor Made,” this year has been extremely telling for the rap scene. Overall, through bars including, “Okay, fuck your hip-hop, I watched the party just die,” the track highlights that the conflict in the industry is not just between Drake and Lamar.
On “Luther,” Lamar reunites with SZA for a soulful collaboration that stands out as one of the album’s highlights. The song samples Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s “If This World Were Mine,” creating a lush soundscape that complements both artists’ vocals. Lamar and SZA explore themes of love and ambition, delivering verses such as, “Heartache, she only doin’ what she know,” expressing how people with untreated trauma become programmed to act in certain familiar ways, unaware even when these actions are unhealthy.
Perhaps the most thought-provoking and beautiful track on the album is the multilayered and multifaceted “Reincarnated,” opened again by Deyra Barrera. Here, Lamar delves deep into themes of past lives and personal growth. He tells the stories of a blues musician and a jazz singer from previous eras, both undone by their vices. He then weaves these tales into his own journey, serving as parallels to one another, highlighting the pitfalls of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself. In the following lines, “Every individual is only a version of you/How can they forgive when there’s no forgiveness in your heart?/I could tell you where I’m going/I could tell you who you are” Lamar has a conversation with a divine figure, adding another layer, as he battles with his responsibilities and the weight of his influence.
The much-anticipated “Heart Pt. 6” is another standout moment on the album. Continuing his long-running series, Lamar reflects on his early days with Top Dawg Entertainment. He reminisces about his time with Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and others who shaped his career. The track is both nostalgic and forward-looking, as he acknowledges his growth and the decisions that led him to where he is now through lines including, “I guess my motivation was the yearnin’ for independence/Poured everything I had left in the family business/Now it’s about Lamar, I wanna evolve, place my skillset as a Black exec.”
The album then closes off with two strong and moving tracks. The titular track, “GNX,” brings together a posse of Los Angeles rappers including Hitta J3, YoungThreat and Peysoh over an experimental and unpredictable beat. The song is chaotic and unrestrained, with each artist bringing their unique style to the piece, bouncing smoothly off one another and mixing together into a masterful demonstration of the power and versatility of hip hop as an art form. It’s a bold move that pays off, showcasing Lamar’s willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of the genre. The album then ends with another collaboration with SZA in another of the record’s strongest, “Gloria.” This deeply personal song delves into the rapper’s process of creation, personifying his pen as a woman named Gloria. He describes his relationship with art as a deeply intimate one, exploring the highs and lowers of his creative process. The song is a soul-grabbing conclusion that ties together themes of growth, self-awareness and artistic evolution that permeate the album.
Overall, “GNX” is a strong album that showcases Lamar’s willingness to change his style and dominate the competition. It’s an exploration of new sounds and styles, delivered with the confidence and skill we’ve come to expect from him. While it may not have the same immediate impact as some of his previous works, it stands as a significant addition to his catalog that appeals to a general audience. As I reflect on the album, I’m excited about what the future holds for Lamar. “GNX” hints at new directions and possibilities, suggesting that he’s far from being done with music. It’s a reminder that great artists continue to grow and challenge themselves, and Lamar is undoubtedly one of the greats.