On November 22, Kendrick Lamar unveiled yet another masterpiece. The 44-minute, 12-track GNX is a concise but expansive tale that perfectly captures Lamar’s ability to blend storytelling, reflection, and innovative sound design. From the eerie opening track “Wacced out murals” to the reflective closing track “gloria,” Lamar manages to create an album that strikes a balance between commentary, emotion, and lighthearted production.
“Wacced out murals,” the opening track, establishes the mood of the album. Lamar’s lyrical examination of ego, treachery, and cultural critique is complemented by the eerie elegance of Deyra Barrera’s vocals, a local mariachi singer from California. From paying homage to Lil Wayne to subtly criticizing Drake, Lamar demonstrates his ability to incorporate both cultural narratives and his own personal statement.
Lamar’s confidence is evident in songs like “hey now” and “squabble up.” The former is the epitome of West Coast energy, driven by Debbie Deb’s contagious sample. Lamar delivers a hook that is hard to ignore while taking aim at dishonest rappers. With its ominous chorus and throbbing beat, “hey now” takes a darker turn and provides a glimpse into Lamar’s ongoing conflict with Drake, making fans add more speculations to everything.
Let’s move on to a personal favorite: “Luther” is the album’s most memorable song. As they narrate a story about wanting to be freed from all the suffering and struggles they’ve faced, Lamar and SZA harmonize throughout the song and seamlessly blend their vocal styles. Lamar is a definite master at balancing melancholy and hope in this song.
Lamar reflects on his life’s journey in this passage, “Man at the Garden,” implying that even though he makes an effort to live a moral life, he still encounters hatred and criticism from others. It is possible to read the line “more blood will be spillin, it’s just paint to me” as a metaphor for the ongoing difficulties and problems he encounters, which he handles with fortitude and possibly even disinterest, as if they were merely a part of the greater scheme or “canvas” of his life.
Through his delivery and lyrical depth, Lamar has a special ability to take seemingly insignificant phrases and turn them into powerful, even menacing, statements in “hey now.” Lamar’s ability to turn straightforward concepts into potent artistic statements is demonstrated by the way he transforms the seemingly inconsequential or playful phrase “Hey now, say now” into something with weight and tension. The line “The Black know I just strangled me a GOAT” undoubtedly seems to be a direct allusion to the ongoing conflict between Kendrick and other rap artists, especially Drake. Kendrick’s confidence in his place in the industry is suggested by the use of the term “GOAT” here, which frequently stands for “Greatest of All Time,” and the phrase implies that he has outperformed or “taken down” a competitor.
The mention of Lamar yelling “MUSTARD” definitely adds fun to “tv off.” The catchphrase has spread across social media like a fire. Lamar is the only one who has the ability to turn small things like yelling mustard into something more cultural. If the producer himself Mustard samples it in the future, it will become an iconic moment that stays forever.
Lamar sends a well-received love letter to the West Coast with the songs “dodger blue” and “gnx.” Both songs demonstrate Lamar’s love for his roots, even though they don’t have the same impact as the others. Rising stars appear on the title track, demonstrating his dedication to inspiring the upcoming generation of Los Angeles artists.
A crucial element of Lamar’s career is encapsulated in Peekaboo: his capacity to vanish from view and reappear with something revolutionary that leaves a lasting impression. Kendrick has always been the type of artist who works on his own terms, only revealing himself when he feels it’s time to make a statement. His versatility and sense of humor are further enhanced by the suggestion that he might be imitating NBA player Kawhi Leonard’s well-known “hey, hey, hey” clip. Lamar is renowned for using inside jokes, subliminal nods, and pop culture references in his songs.
“Reincarnated” skillfully combines storytelling and social critique with poetry and introspection. Lamar interacts with ghosts from his past while exploring themes of addiction, legacy, and redemption. “Gloria,” the last song, is reminiscent of Common’s iconic “I Used to Love H.E.R.,” but Lamar adds his own twist. What starts out as a sincere letter to his fiancée develops into a profound analysis of his relationship to his art and craft.
GNX is rich with layers of meaning just waiting to be uncovered. Overall, I’d rate the album a solid 8/10. My top tracks are gloria, luther, and tv off (in that order). I’m especially excited to see both Lamar and SZA on tour this summer and can’t wait for more releases from these incredible artists.
It’s an album worth listening to as it’s cohesive and has a deep effect. GNX tells a story with innovative production. Lamar will continue to push the boundaries of music, making him one of the best out there.
