November 22, 2024, 12:00 EST, Kendrick Lamar released the album ‘GNX,’ an album cementing Lamar as one of the greatest West Coast rappers of all time. The album’s name refers to the 1987 Buick GNX, the car on the album cover, which stands for Grand National Experience, referencing Super Bowl LIX, where Lamar is going to perform this year. The album takes a trip through Lamar’s mind while prepping for this show, where he continuously says that he is the best and most influential rapper of all time.
This album from Lamar has a more angry view on issues, in contrast to other albums from the artist, calling out other rappers by name in the intro track. “Wacced Out Mural” is a track on issues Lamar has faced within the past year. He calls out vandals that defaced a mural of him during his beef with Drake, and he calls out Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg for not supporting him, although those two artists were supported by Lamar in the past. He recognizes Nas for congratulating him on making the Super Bowl performance, and again calls out the other two artists saying “Quite frankly, plenty artists, but the outdated/Old-[exploitative deleted], tryna convince that you they favorite.” These two lines really show what Lamar is trying to say, calling out older rappers for only sticking with one style and then trying to say that they are the best at what they do. The end verse of this song talks about issues in the world, from gang violence, to Covid-19 and calling out white pop culture for not recognizing African-American culture.
Track two, “Squabble Up,” is a song that was previewed at the beginning of the “Not Like Us” music video, a song that started Lamar’s most recent explosion in the rap scene. Lamar opens the track saying “I am reincarnated” not only showing that he is back making music, but that he is in a new form. In verse one he also says “Mr. Get Off, I get off at my feet” explaining that he never fell off, and will never stop being great until he is ready to be done on his own terms. Lamar continuously boasts his money and support from black communities throughout this song, showing his influence in his culture.
“Luther,” the third track on the album, is a lot softer compared to the first two tracks, with a smooth instrumental and a feature from R&B artist SZA. This very airy track starts with a verse by Lamar talking about how he would give someone the world if he owned it and get rid of all their troubles and enemies. The chorus features vocals from Lamar and SZA, beautifully matching each other’s voices.
Track four, “man at the garden” is an emotional track about the good Lamar has done in his life. He talks about everything he’s done and says “I deserve it all,” showing how he really believes that everything he’s done should get him the gift of living in Heaven, also referencing his strong relationship with God. The last verse ends with Lamar questioning why people would think he isn’t the greatest of all time saying that he has earned all his accolades.
Track five has a very non-caring, boasting tone to it. Lamar opens the track saying “Hey now, say now, I’m all up on my Yen” referencing how he has a lot of money. Lamar also says later in the song that he is the “Ben Frank murderer” talking about how he spends a lot of $100 bills. He throws shots at Drake saying, “The Black know I just strangled me a goat,” also being a reference to a biblical story of figure Noah strangling a goat to remain the balance of two animals on his ark. The song ends with a verse from underground LA rapper Dody6, showing Lamar’s support and knowledge of the LA rap scene.
“Reincarnated,” the sixth song on the album, is a beautifully put together song, with Lamar rapping angrily over a jazzy beat about his “past lives” that he has lived. He compares himself to famous musicians such as John Lee Hooker and Billie Holiday, famous singers that were stained by evil worldly lives such as greed and drug abuse. Lamar closes the track talking about how he has learned from these past mistakes other artists have made, referencing how he had forgiven people for their debts towards him, and is trying to help the city of LA connect with each other.
‘Tv off” is undeniably the most popular and exciting song on the album. This track was produced by LA based producer, Mustard, utilizing horns and a throwback LA rap beat with Lamar’s lyricism, creating a masterpiece of a song. Although a club song, Lamar still talks about issues of being authentic and accountable, showing his true colors on this track. Lamar talks about going to New Orleans with the “Etiquette of LA, yellin’,” saying that he is not going to change how he is just because he is rapping at the Super Bowl.
“dodger blue” featuring Compton born artists Wallie the Sensei and Roddy Ricch, layers beautiful beats with angelic vocals and amazing lyricism. The song takes the listener through what they would see whilst walking through the city of LA. Talking about someone getting checked for their credibility, people obsessing over money and references the large film industry in the city. After the chorus featuring the Compton born artists, Kendrick closes the song with a step by step example of how to “Crip walk.”
“Peekaboo” is another classic West Coast song; a dance style beat over the opening verse from Lamar flexing his money. Lamar says, “Peekaboo, I just put them boogers in my chain/Peekaboo. eighty-pointers like a Kobe game,” referencing the large 0.8 carat yellow diamonds inside his chain. Verse two, Lamar and LA underground rapper, AzChike, go bar for bar with each other. AzChike abruptly starts the verse, cutting off Lamar, to fill the feeling of a game of peekaboo. This song pays perfect homage to the old-style West Coast rap, sounding like a song 2Pac would create.
Fans are very appreciative of the song “heart pt.6” and are always full of love towards the “heart” songs. Every song from this series is a deep dive into the mind of Lamar, showing his deep thoughts and emotions on sensitive subjects. Lamar addresses the music industry and what goes on inside studios and behind closed doors. Lamar talks about his growth and eventual departure from record label Top Dawg Entertainment, speaking on the friends and family he made along the way.
Track 11, “GNX,” reflects on Kendrick’s heavy influence on the rap industry, featuring multiple new artists, and acknowledging their influence on the new West Coast rap scene. The multiple different rappers talk about their experiences growing up in different parts of LA, and how it made them who they are.
“Gloria,” the last track on the album, features a chorus from SZA and a beautiful drum loop and guitar sample. The song goes through the complicated relationships artists have with their art, speaking on the hard growth an artist has to go through to be successful. On a more surface level the song is about maturing in a relationship, and understanding that no one is perfect.
This album is a beautiful representation of what West Coast rap and R&B should be. I rate this album a 4.25/5.
