GNX is American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, his most recent LP since Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, released in 2022.
GNX was surprise-released on Nov. 22nd, 2024. It features popular artists like SZA and Roddy Rich and was produced by DJ Mustard. Lamar also shares his spotlight with lesser-known West Coast artists such as Dody6, Lefty Gunplay, and Peysoh, respecting his humble beginnings as a rapper emerging from Compton.
The overall sound of GNX is a tasteful blend of R&B, rap, and G-funk. It features samples from various soul and rap tracks from artists like 2Pac and Marvin Gaye, along with various beautiful vocals from regional Mexican music and mariachi singer Deyra Barrera spread across three songs on the album. Lamar’s incredible songwriting and storytelling combined with DJ Mustard’s talent in producing beats, provide a diverse and amazing listening experience, especially on the first listen of the album.
GNX was released a few months after Kendrick’s re-escalated feud with popular Canadian rapper Drake. Many tracks throughout the album continue to hurl insults towards Drake, such as “Squabble Up”, the second track of GNX. Lamar teased a snippet of “Squabble Up” at the beginning of the music video for one of his many diss tracks of Drake, “Not Like Us”, which was the most popular song to come from the feud between Drake and Lamar, according to Spotify. “Not Like Us” also received a great reception from critics and won multiple awards at the 2025 Grammys, including Song of the Year, representing his debatable victory over Drake.
Like Lamar’s past projects, GNX is a glimpse into his mind and past experiences. In the song “Reincarnated”, he utilizes a similar vocal style as 2pac, one of his biggest inspirations in the music industry. Lamar raps from the perspectives of now-deceased musicians John Lee Hooker and Billie Holiday in the first two verses, imagining himself as a reincarnation of these musicians and reflecting on his past lives. In the third and final verse, He depicts himself conversing with God, who interrogates him for his past contradictions. Lamar expresses shame for his past mistakes and shows he has redeemed himself and is preventing his fame from influencing him negatively. He promises that he now uses his gifts to spread kindness and protect people and promises to continue to do so. That much meaning in a single song is an impressive display of Lamar’s talent as a songwriter.
This album isn’t just a collection of more diss tracks against Drake and other rappers in the industry, either. GNX is still an awe-inspiring album even compared to some of Lamar’s best works, such as To Pimp a Butterfly or good kid, m.A.A.d city. “I think it’s a solid 8/10, it compares pretty well to his past albums”, said Rylee Brebeck, Senior. GNX could go down as one of Lamar’s best albums, which is impressive for a surprise release.
Even if it isn’t his greatest and most influential work, “GNX” serves as another reminder of why Lamar has become one of this generation’s most influential and creative artists. Lamar’s impact on the music industry is massive and undeniable.
