Kendrick Lamar has surprised fans with the unexpected release of his latest album, “GNX,” a 12-track project that became available on Friday. This marks Lamar’s first full-length studio album since 2022, showcasing his return to the music scene with little prior fanfare. Just moments before its debut, he shared a teaser video for the album’s title track.
Known for his quick-witted and complex lyrics, Lamar has increasingly kept a low profile in recent years. The sneakiness of the album release aligns with this trend, as the description on Apple Music simply states, “He asked us to ‘watch the party die,’ but only so he could resurrect it.”
The album features production from Jack Antonoff, renowned for his collaborations with artists such as Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, and continues his partnership with producer Mustard. Among guest features are SZA, Dody6, and Sam Dew, contributing to a rich tapestry of sounds that interlaces hard-hitting rap with operatic and retro R&B melodies.
The title “GNX” refers to a high-performance Buick coup, and the album cover captures Lamar leaning against a black-and-white image of a GNX.
The opening track, “Wacced Out Murals,” sees Lamar referencing the legendary Anita Baker, indicating a blend of nostalgia and contemporary themes.
Lamar’s recent diss track, “Not Like Us,” further fuels his ongoing rivalry with fellow rapper Drake. The feud erupted earlier this year when Drake dropped two tracks aimed at Lamar, prompting Lamar’s responses with “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA.” This rivalry, though intensified in recent months, has been brewing for years, culminating in tracks filled with playful jabs and critiques.
Adding excitement to the year, Lamar is also set to headline the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime show in New Orleans, showcasing his continued relevance in the music industry.
The tracklist for “GNX” includes:
1. Wacced Out Murals
2. Squabble Up
3. Luther
4. Man at the Garden
5. Hey Now
6. Reincarnated
7. TV Off
8. Dodger Blue
9. Peekaboo
10. Heart pt. 6
11. GNX
12. Gloria
Notably, “Not Like Us” isn’t included on the album, suggesting it may have been intended solely to stoke the feud rather than to be part of a cohesive body of work. The track “Heart pt. 6” potentially continues the narrative of their rivalry, aligning with Lamar’s established series that began with “The Heart Part 5.”
This release comes with great anticipation and excitement as fans rejoice in Lamar’s return and eagerly analyze the implications of his lyrics in the context of his conflict with Drake. The album’s fusion of styles and themes promises to engage listeners on multiple levels, further solidifying Lamar’s legacy in modern hip-hop.