Kendrick Lamar – GNX ( Album Review )

If there has been one person who ultimately owned the rap game over the last year, it is Kendrick Lamar. After a statement win with his last single, “Not Like Us,” Lamar has simply taken over the whole world, making him one of the most powerful figures in hip-hop right now, if not the most powerful. K-dot’s win did not simply crown him the MVP of the rap industry but also shifted the overall rap landscape. The lyrical prowess within songs has become a much more appreciated aspect of rap after Kendrick’s and Drake’s feud, as people became much more invested in what each artist had to say.

Rumors of Kendrick working on a new album have taken over the internet. Since the battle has slightly taken a backseat, Kendrick’s win has been cemented as people around the world followed this year’s rap anthem, “Not Like Us.” However, with the announcement of Kendrick headlining a Super Bowl performance, things took an interesting turn, sparking rumors of a new album even further.

As big as the Super Bowl event is, Kendrick’s candidacy was not met with universal agreement. Some argued that Lil Wayne should have been the lead performer, while others accused Lamar of exploiting his current dominance to promote himself even more.

Regardless, these rumors and debates became irrelevant when Kendrick officially dropped his sixth full-length album with no prior announcements or promotion.

So, ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce Kendrick Lamar’s new LP, GNX, which completely deviates from what we usually hear from him.

After hearing the snippet of what was supposed to be the teaser track, nicknamed by fans as “Broccoli” (later evolving into “squabble up”), I could already sense Kendrick’s direction as very different from what we heard on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. During the feud, Lamar ventured strongly into West Coast soundscapes with a big emphasis on trap and hardcore hip-hop. While not repeating the mainstream sound of DAMN., Kendrick’s new LP certainly feels like a victory lap, reminding everyone why he’s the best.

This album shines a light on a different side of K-dot, known here as Kung Fu Kenny, who fills tracks with aggressive inflections, raw energy, and boastful hooks that stick in your head. Kenny immerses you in cinematic, grandiose atmospheres like on “wacced out murals,” where Kendrick acknowledges his hard work, stating that he deserved the Super Bowl performance no less than Wayne.

The album leans heavily into trap-infused tracks, with songs like “hey now,” “squabble up,” “peekaboo,” and “tv off” showcasing Kendrick in a more vicious, hungry, and ambitious mode. GNX shows an MC still hungry for the crown, demonstrating a sharp contrast to the more grounded persona seen on his previous LP. This album acts as a testament to him being a deserving champion.

While Kendrick shifts focus to a trap-heavy sound, he doesn’t abandon his introspective style. On tracks like “man at the garden,” he steps away from the dynamic, boastful MVP themes to reflect on his journey:

“I deserve it all.”

Here, K-dot stays on topic but brings sincerity and vulnerability, reassuring himself that he and his family truly “deserve it all.”

Another lyrical highlight is “reincarnated,” where Kendrick samples 2Pac’s “Made N**az”* and dives into raw, introspective reflections on his childhood with unfiltered energy.

Beyond Kendrick’s lyrical prowess, the album’s more laid-back moments stand out as well. Tracks like “luther” and “gloria” shift the mood entirely. Featuring SZA’s starry vocals and dreamy soundscapes, these cuts nail the melodic aspects of the record. While the album lacks many such melodic tracks, when Kendrick ventures into this softer aesthetic, he excels with exceptional results.

A surprising element on GNX is Jack Antonoff’s production. While some tracks on albums curated by Jack like The Tortured Poets Department felt uninspired, Antonoff finds moments of brilliance here, adding textures that elevate Kendrick’s atmosphere.

Despite its concise runtime and focused tracklist, GNX doesn’t always hit the mark. Some songs, like “peekaboo” or “gnx,” feel less impactful, relying too heavily on hardcore West Coast beats. While standout heaters like “tv off” and “hey now” showcase Kendrick at his best, other cuts lack the freshness expected from a Kendrick project.

Score/Excellent: Is this Kendrick’s best album? Certainly not — and for me, it might even be his weakest. But that doesn’t make it bad. GNX takes Kendrick in a different direction, offering him space to reflect and have fun.While it may grow on me over time, for now, GNX is a solid record that just doesn’t have the same “BAM” as Kendrick’s previous classics.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]