During Kendrick Lamar’s summer-long battle with nemesis Drake, Kendrick issued a concise but assertive message: “Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n—as.” This self-fulfilling mandate became a prophetic declaration as Kendrick went out of his way to solidify his position as Tupac’s successor.
Since issuing that decree, Kendrick has arguably been the hottest artist on the planet. Not Like Us has been nominated for five Grammys, his historic LA-themed Pop Out concert on Juneteenth shattered Amazon streaming records, and he was selected to perform at halftime for Super Bowl LIX. After the success of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Kendrick has once again reinvented himself, reclaiming his spot-on hip-hop’s throne.
But how can he do it again? This persistent question, often asked of the lyrical Picasso of his era, was answered when Kendrick shocked the world by dropping a surprise LP: GNX. Immersed in the ancestry of West Coast rap, the album features producers like Mustard, Sounwave, and Jack Antonoff, who supply the canvases for Kendrick to paint a vivid picture of Compton culture.
The album opens with Wacced Out Murals, where Kendrick addresses competition in rap and offers sharp criticisms of his peers, including Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. Lines like:
“Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud
Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down”
reference the social media backlash following Kendrick’s reveal as Super Bowl LIX halftime performer and Lil Wayne’s disappointment in not being selected as the halftime act in his hometown of New Orleans.
And:
“Snoop posted ‘Taylor Made,’ I prayed it was the edibles
I couldn’t believe it, it was only right for me to let it go”
references when Snoop Dogg posted Drake’s diss track Taylor Made on Instagram during their feud in the summer of 2024. This indicates that the taste of beef is still fresh in Kendrick Lamar’s mouth, though he chose to let the situation go out of respect for Snoop as a West Coast rap pioneer. But don’t let it happen again.
The G-Funk influence is evident in Dodger Blue, a beautifully layered masterpiece that captures the essence of Los Angeles. On this track, Kendrick reflects on his childhood, highlighting neighborhoods like Gardena and Compton, expressing pride in his upbringing while voicing disdain for outsiders’ shallow critiques of the city. Lines like:
“Don’t say you hate LA when you don’t travel past the 10”
emphasize Kendrick’s authenticity and irritation with those who claim LA but don’t truly know its culture.
The idea of having a conversation with God has always been prevalent in music. Conversations with historical figures are not new either, but imagining yourself as both simultaneously is a unique take. Reincarnated reinforces Kendrick’s idea that he is the successor to Tupac’s legacy, mimicking Pac’s timeless cadence over a layer of soft string arrangements that imbue the track with a feeling of sentimentality and haunting spirituality. Luther is a beautifully composed romantic duet between Kendrick and SZA. SZA’s angelic undertones add an elegant texture, perfectly complementing the song’s laid-back energy. Her voice truly takes center stage, delivering a feeling of vulnerability and sensuality that counterbalances Kendrick’s grounded, introspective tone.
As contagious as it is, Peekaboo isn’t even the catchiest song on the album. That honor belongs to Squabble Up, which is gearing up to be another Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit for Kendrick. This track serves as an ode to Compton street fights, set to a head-bobbing beat sampling When I Hear Music by Debbie Deb. Meanwhile, TV Off has become a viral sensation, with fans repackaging Kendrick’s manic “MUSTARD” chant into a hilarious array of memes. But the rest of the song is just as incredible. Opening with a high-energy, celebratory instrumental similar to Not Like Us, Kendrick wastes no time bringing his aggressive intensity. Delivering each line with power, precision, and force, the listener has no choice but to be swept away by Kendrick’s relentless energy. Kendrick believes that when he speaks, he demands your attention, and TV Off is a perfect example of that mindset.
GNX reaffirms Kendrick’s place among hip-hop’s elite and solidifies his status as a visionary artist. It seamlessly blends introspective narrative storytelling with daring, fearless production choices. GNX is a tapestry of varied elements, evidence of Kung Fu Kenny’s ability to refine grand ideas through the lens of his own experiences and influences. The album’s ability to explore personal and societal themes while staying true to the culture of Los Angeles offers a compelling addition to Lamar’s already legendary discography.
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