Kendrick Lamar drops new surprise album ‘GNX’: Here’s 5 first-listen takeaways

As a lifelong Kendrick Lamar fan and someone who has followed his career since his Compton days, I can confidently say that “GNX” is a masterpiece that cements his status as the best rapper alive. This album takes us back to the gritty, introspective vibe of “DAMN.” but with a newfound maturity and wisdom.

It was widely believed that a new Kendrick Lamar album was imminent – given his upcoming Super Bowl half-time show slot next year and numerous Grammy nominations for “Not Like Us.” However, fans were taken aback when they discovered on Friday the unexpected release of “GNX,” which serves as a follow-up to 2022’s introspective album “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

I’m right back on track along the path I tread in 2017’s “DAMN.” – a blend of raw, lyrically intense street anthems and deep, story-driven pieces. I may still carry the blazing spirit of my battles with Drake, but I channel that venom into a broader, more encompassing perspective of my life and craft. My albums are always rich in depth, yet this one also packs a powerful punch from the get-go.

As a long-time fan of Lamar’s music and someone who has closely followed his career, it’s safe to say that his latest project, “LP,” is yet another testament to his undeniable skill as a rapper. Coming off the heels of “GNX,” it’s become increasingly difficult to argue against the claim that he is the best rapper alive today. The depth and breadth of his talent are truly unmatched, and I can’t wait to see where his career takes him next.

Restore that mural asap!

The person who vandalized Kendrick’s mural in Compton might be astonished to realize that their graffiti sparked the beginning of a new album. “Defaced murals” is the title that launches with the poignant Spanish tunes of mariachi singer Deyra Barrera (who reappears on “reincarnated” and “gloria”), and it finds Kendrick contemplating how his assertion as the “best rapper alive” has stirred up conflicting emotions. “I used to play ‘Tha Carter III,’ I wore my Rolex chain with pride,” he raps about winning the spot at the Super Bowl Halftime show in New Orleans that Lil Wayne desired. However, he vows, “Take it from my grandkids’ grandchildren, we will see the future first.

More Mustard, but so much Antonoff

As a die-hard cinephile, it’s no surprise that Kendrick Lamar, fresh off the success of “Not Like Us,” would reunite with producer Mustard for an album steeped in West Coast history. The hauntingly introspective “Hey now” and the rhythmic “tv off” echo Mustard’s signature blend of soulful sampling and funk-infused beats. However, what catches my attention is the extensive influence of Jack Antonoff on this project – the man behind Taylor Swift’s hits and lead singer of Bleachers, credited as a producer on 11 out of the 12 tracks. This makes Antonoff a pivotal figure in Kendrick’s storyline. His recent collaboration on the Drake diss track “6:16 in LA” comes after Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which took aim at Kendrick’s collaborations with Taylor Swift.

Disrespect Pac? This might be your last stop

If Kendrick Lamar felt enraged by Drake’s disrespect towards AI Tupac, he effectively avenged Pac on his track “reincarnated,” which reworks his 1996 song “Made N—” and perfectly captures Pac’s flow, demonstrating the devotion of a lifelong fan. However, the narrative jumps back in time, as if undergoing a past-life regression, where Kendrick envisions various iterations of himself throughout music history. One such instance is a powerful verse as a Black woman performing on the Chitlin’ Circuit. His voice was ethereal, evoking tears from the crowd. He had everything he desired, but couldn’t break free from addiction. Heroin needles left him confined in a fetal position, trapped by his circumstances.

This is Sam Dew’s breakthrough

This LP doesn’t boast a large number of well-known guest appearances; instead, it primarily spotlights SZA on “Luther” and “gloria.” However, many listeners might find Sam Dew, a collaborator with Antonoff and Sounwave in the band Red Hearse, to be an exciting new discovery. He adds smooth textures to seven tracks, which could mark a significant breakthrough for him. The other guest credits mainly go to lesser-known rappers such as Dody 6, AzChike, Wallie the Sensei, Hitta J3, Peysoh, and Young Threat, who are more deeply rooted in the underground scene.

The Heart Pt. 6, Pt. 2

The best pettiness is acting like your nemesis’ music doesn’t exist. Kendrick blew right past Drake’s trollish diss of (nearly) the same title with his own new track called “heart pt. 6.” The song is typically dense with novelistic details about the early days of Lamar’s career — “Back when the only goal was to get Jay Rock through the door.” He laments how his success may have complicated his friendships in Black Hippy, and lest anyone think the Dave Free allegations on Drake’s “Family Matters” rattled Kendrick, he flips some phrasing here to show just how far they go back — “My n— Dave had a Champagne Acura / A bunch of instrumentals I freestyled in the passenger … For this little thing of ours we called TDE.”

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2024-11-23 00:01