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For the guest rappers on ‘GNX,’ recording with Kendrick Lamar means ‘You’ve got to be a student.’

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For the guest rappers on 'GNX,' recording with Kendrick Lamar means 'You've got to be a student.'

As I delve into the lives of these aspiring artists, I can’t help but feel a surge of admiration and empathy for their struggles and triumphs. Each of them has faced adversity, from serving time in prison to navigating the unpredictable world of music. Yet, they persevere, using their art as a vehicle to share their stories and connect with others.

A couple of months back, the Compton-based rapper Siete7x was filming a music video up in the Bay Area. At around 4 a.m., he received a call from a mutual friend of Kendrick Lamar’s urging him to abandon his current activities and immediately head to Conway Studios in Los Angeles. Right away. (Paraphrased)

Siete stated, “At first, I didn’t think it was true when he said Kendrick asked you to come. However, my manager and I hopped in the car and ended up driving for six hours straight back to Los Angeles.

That night drive turned into a session that got Siete lines on “dodger blue,” a soulful hometown-pride anthem and a local favorite on Lamar’s surprise-release “GNX.”

The album serves as an extensive narrative of West Coast hip-hop, brimming with the bitter aftertaste of his recent conflict with Drake. In a matter of days, it has produced hits such as “airing out” and “silence is golden,” significantly shaping the current rap scene. This comes at an opportune moment, as Kendrick Lamar is set to perform at the Super Bowl next year.

Instead of “GNX”, Lamar has filled it with appearances by up-and-coming SoCal musicians whom he considers essential voices in the current scene. The diverse group of guest artists, from Compton to Baldwin Park and beyond, demonstrates that his ear is still attuned to local music trends. For those local artists who experienced a sudden surge in popularity due to it, “GNX” feels like a historical moment — an opportunity to showcase their talents.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that this album is destined to become a timeless masterpiece for future generations. Kendrick Lamar has taken a chance on me, and it’s fueling my fire even more to prove to the world just what I’m truly capable of.

For the guest rappers on 'GNX,' recording with Kendrick Lamar means 'You've got to be a student.'

After “GNX” was released last week, enthusiasts scoured the lyrics for fresh angles in the ongoing feud with Drake, and carefully examined its samples from Tupac Shakur, Luther Vandross, and SWV.

On “GNX”, SZA and saxophonist Kamasi Washington are the well-known collaborators, but the album features a wide array of respected SoCal veterans such as Wallie the Sensei, AzChike and Hitta J3, along with emerging local talents like Dody6 and YoungThreat.

If Lamar persistently prefers “Dodger Blue” and claims that one can’t genuinely dislike Los Angeles without exploring beyond the 10 freeway, then here are some artists you might be overlooking if you don’t delve deeper.

The song “GNX” launches with captivating mariachi melodies by singer Deyra Barerra, whom Lamar found when she put on a show at Dodger Stadium. However, he also acknowledged the city’s Latino hip-hop scene by featuring verses from Maywood’s Peysoh on the album’s lead track.

When Peysoh received the call, he replied, “I was relaxing at home, half asleep, when suddenly Lamar put us on a video call and said, ‘I need you today.’ Even after the unexpected release of the album, Peysoh admitted he was still a bit bewildered from the whole experience. It’s only been a short while since he completed his three-year sentence in prison. To suddenly find himself recording for a Kendrick Lamar album was mind-boggling. “I’d been written off and blacklisted,” Peysoh said, “but here it is, just as I told you all.

For the guest rappers on 'GNX,' recording with Kendrick Lamar means 'You've got to be a student.'

In a unique style that carries a strong Chicano flavor, Peysoh, famous for his gritty viral sensation “6 Block,” stands out in any track. Upon arriving at the studio, Kendrick Lamar presented the complex, technically demanding beat that eventually turned into “gnx.” Peysoh took the initial verse, and they traded lines in the chorus. In his verses, he boasts, “Let them take credit, we’re the ones who truly shine, mate. They know it, provoke him, and it’s a flop show.

Peysoh remarked, ‘It’s fantastic that he immersed himself in the culture and treated us with respect.’ There’s been a lot of debate surrounding Mexican rap, but he had a clear vision and a plan. He’s an icon, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity he provided me to show my worth.

To the up-and-coming artists he invited to his studio, “GNX” offered a unique peek into Lamar’s creative process – a privilege seldom granted to rappers who collaborate with a Pulitzer Prize winner in lyricism.

Siete admitted, “I wasn’t expecting this. The recording process was unlike anything I’ve experienced before; it was a significant step up from what I’m accustomed to. I had to record the same bars five times to provide different choices for my energy and rhythm, rhythms that were outside of my comfort zone to ensure the final product would be more impactful.

“Kendrick came with crazy ideas,” Siete added. “You’ve just got to be a student sometimes.”

For artists who only have minor roles, appearing in the credits of a Kendrick Lamar album can be an incredibly life-changing validation.

From the unusual hip-hop area of Baldwin Park, the unyielding rapper Lefty Gunplay appears briefly – just repeating a brief four-word conclusion on the massive hit “tv off” in his distinctive growl.

Instead of the lyrics’ memes being centered around the repetition of “MUSTAAAARD,” listeners might find themselves puzzled about the person behind the words, who seems to be expressing a mix of craziness, scariness, spookiness, and humor.

It only took four words for the song to be amazing,” he chuckled. “The other artists Kendrick collaborates with are authentic street personalities, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of that crew. He recognizes something special in us; he called the play and gave me an assist.

Lefty Gunplay spent nine years at Pelican Bay State Prison and was released only a year ago. For those who found sudden fame on “GNX,” they’re eagerly making use of their new opportunities by walking the streets.

Several individuals have mentioned that they’ve worked on additional music with Kendrick Lamar beyond what’s found on “GNX.” Although no one is discussing their intentions for this material, it’s evident that Lamar still holds a wealth of unreleased tracks.

Over the next few weeks, Peysoh will perform at the Teragram Ballroom on a Sunday, where they’re expected to be surrounded by excited fans from “GNX.” Siete7x is releasing their new album, titled “Stucc in the Hole,” on December 6th. In an incredible coincidence, Lefty Gunplay dropped his latest album, “Most Valuable Gangbanger,” on the exact same day as the “GNX” release.

He expressed that this opportunity will open all paths for him. Aware that his lyrical skills are not at their peak, he’s determined to make the most of the moment as each day brings improvement. He’s still wrapping his head around the fact that he’s already a part of Los Angeles rap legend.

“It still hasn’t hit me yet,” he laughed. “I’m on a Kendrick album. What a trip.”

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2024-11-28 01:31

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