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GNX (album)

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GNX
A black-and-white vignetted photo of Lamar leaning against the back of the titular GNX
Studio album by
Kendrick Lamar
ReleasedNovember 22, 2024 (2024-11-22)
Length44:20
Language
  • English
  • Spanish
Label
Producer
Kendrick Lamar chronology
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
(2022) 		GNX
(2024)

GNX is the sixth studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released as a surprise album through PGLang and Interscope Records on November 22, 2024. Titled after the Buick Regal model, and a follow-up to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022), GNX is Lamar's first album after his departure from longtime labels Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath Entertainment.

Lamar and Dave Free executive produced the album, which features uncredited appearances from AzChike, Deyra Barrera, Dody6, Hitta J3, Ink, Peysoh, Roddy Ricch, Sam Dew, Siete, SZA, Wallie the Sensei, and YoungThreat.[1][2] Production was primarily handled by Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, with additional work by Mustard, Sean Momberger, and Kamasi Washington, among others.

Background

American rapper Kendrick Lamar released his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, on May 13, 2022, to critical and commercial success.[3] It marked his fourth number-one album on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in February 2023.[4][5] After concluding its accompanying concert tour in March 2024,[6] Lamar shared on social media that he purchased a vintage, limited-run 1987 Buick Grand National Experimental (GNX);[7] the same model that his father used to take him home from the hospital following his birth.[8][9]

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers was Lamar's last album with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), to which he had signed in 2005.[10] Before his feud with Canadian rapper Drake re-escalated,[11] he quietly departed from Aftermath Entertainment and signed a direct licensing agreement with its distributor, Interscope Records.[12] Lamar released five standalone singles during the latest installment of their conflict, including the Billboard Hot 100-toppers "Like That" and "Not Like Us".[13][14] Lamar teased a then-untitled song in the beginning of the music video for the latter. Entertainment Weekly observed its inclusion and fan speculation that it could be included in his next album, which was revealed to be "Squabble Up".[15]

Rumors surrounding Lamar's forthcoming album began to emerge; although some were denied by close affiliates.[16] After announcing that he was chosen as the headlining act for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show,[17] Lamar surprise released "Watch the Party Die" on his Instagram account. Rolling Stone said that the track bodes well for his next album–"whenever it comes."[18] Dazed, on the other hand, predicted that he was gearing up for an "astronomical" era.[19] By October, Lamar's longtime collaborators Terrace Martin, SZA, and Schoolboy Q confirmed that he would be releasing new music.[20][21][22]

Songs and composition

"Heart Pt. 6" redirects here. Not to be confused with The Heart Part 6.

GNX consists of 12 songs and has a running time of 44 minutes and 20 seconds; the shortest studio album of Lamar's career.[23]

The album opens with the track "Wacced Out Murals"; its title explicitly refers to a September 2024 incident where an unidentified perpetrator vandalized a mural of Lamar in Compton with a pro-Drake message.[24] Lamar addresses the controversy surrounding his selection as headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show and criticizes Snoop Dogg for his lack of reaction to Drake's song "Taylor Made Freestyle", which uses AI-generated vocals of him and Tupac Shakur.[25][26] "Reincarnated" sees Lamar present himself in imagined past lives before the lyrics transition to him having a conversation with God.[27] "TV Off" features "clipped strings" that "dissolve into Viking-berserker horns" halfway through; Lamar repeatedly screams Mustard's name on the chorus.[25][28] On "Heart Pt. 6", he recounts his history with TDE and the supergroup Black Hippy, acknowledging that an album from the group never released as he became focused on other endeavors.[29][30] Ben Sisaro of The New York Times noted that it is an "implicit rejoinder" to Drake's diss track of the same name, which in itself was taken from Lamar's "The Heart" song series.[31] The title track is a posse cut with Los Angeles rappers Peysoh, Hitta J3 and YoungThreat. Lamar does not have a verse, instead providing a hook questioning "who put the West back in front of shit?"[27] "Gloria" features Lamar presenting a "complicated relationship" that is gradually revealed to be about his writing ability; ABC News compared it to "I Used to Love H.E.R." by Common and "I Gave You Power" by Nas.[32]

Promotion and release

Snippets of "Squabble Up" were presented on NBA and Formula 1 programming.[33] SZA interviewed Lamar for his cover story for Harper's Bazaar,[34] and he was involved in her feature for British Vogue.[35] On November 22, 2024, Lamar unexpectedly premiered a one-minute teaser for GNX on YouTube;[31] the album was released through PGLang and Interscope 30 minutes later.[36][37][38]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
The Line of Best Fit8/10[27]

Tom Breihan of Stereogum referred to the album as "the best album of 2024 and the greatest work of Kendrick Lamar's career," praising its production and Lamar's rapping.[25] In a positive review for the Line of Best Fit, Matthew Kim described it as "a concise statement of regional pride, braggadocio, and non-conformity", crediting Jack Antonoff's production for making the album feel "lush and expansive".

Track listing

GNX track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Wacced Out Murals"
5:17
2."Squabble Up"Duckworth
2:37
3."Luther"
2:57
4."Man at the Garden"Duckworth
  • Sounwave
  • Antonoff
  • Balmoris
  • Mehlenbacher
  • M-Tech[a]
3:53
5."Hey Now"
  • Duckworth
  • Zarius Cunningham
3:37
6."Reincarnated"
  • Duckworth
  • Barrera
  • Lamar
  • Sounwave
  • Antonoff
  • M-Tech
  • Noah Ehler
4:35
7."TV Off"Duckworth
3:40
8."Dodger Blue"
  • Duckworth
  • Dew
  • Traquan Tyson
  • Siete
2:11
9."Peekaboo"
  • Duckworth
  • Damaria Walker
  • Sounwave
  • Momberger
  • Bridgeway
2:35
10."Heart Pt. 6"Duckworth
  • Sounwave
  • Antonoff
  • M-Tech[a]
  • Juju[a]
4:52
11."GNX"
  • Sounwave
  • Antonoff
  • Rascal
  • Kenny & Billy
  • Tim Maxey[a]
3:13
12."Gloria"
  • Duckworth
  • Rowe
  • Boggs
  • Barrera
  • Sounwave
  • Antonoff
  • Deats
4:47
Total length:44:20

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies an additional producer
  • All tracks are stylized in lower case.

Vocal credits[2][39][40]

  • "Luther" and "Gloria" feature uncredited vocals from SZA.
  • "Hey Now" features uncredited vocals from Dody6.
  • "Dodger Blue" features uncredited vocals from Wallie the Sensei and Siete.
  • "Peekaboo" features uncredited vocals from AzChike and Dody6.
  • "GNX" features uncredited vocals from Peysoh, Hitta J3, and YoungThreat.

Sample credits

Personnel

Musicians

  • Kendrick Lamar – vocals
  • Deyra Barrera – additional vocals (tracks 1, 6)
  • Ink – background vocals (tracks 2, 10), additional vocals (8)
  • Sam Dew – background vocals (tracks 2, 4–6, 8, 10, 12), additional vocals (3)
  • Paul Cartwright – strings (track 3), violin (7)
  • Caleb Vaughn Smith – strings (track 3)
  • Drew Forde – strings (track 3)
  • Geoff Gallegos – strings (track 3)
  • Giovanna Moraga – strings (track 3)
  • Kerenza Peacock – strings (track 3)
  • Luanne Homzy – strings (track 3)
  • Luke Maurer – strings (track 3)
  • Stephanie Payne – strings (track 3)
  • Stephanie Yu – strings (track 3)
  • Lefty Gunplay – additional vocals (track 7)
  • Evan Smith – baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone (track 7)
  • Miles Mosley – bass (track 7)
  • Peter Jacobson – cello (track 7)
  • Amber Wyman – horn (track 7)
  • Malik Taylor – horn (track 7)
  • Rickey Washington – horn (track 7)
  • Ryan Porter – horn (track 7)
  • Sean Sonderegger – horn (track 7)
  • Serafin Aguilar – horn (track 7)
  • Zem Audu – tenor saxophone (track 7)
  • Chad Jackson – violin (track 7)
  • Marta Honer – violin (track 7)
  • Reiko Nakano – violin (track 7)
  • Tylana Renga – violin (track 7)
  • Yvette Devereaux – violin (track 7)
  • Roddy Ricch – additional vocals (track 8)
  • Bobby Hawk – violin (tracks 10, 12)

Technical

  • Ruairi O'Flaherty – mastering
  • Oli Jacobs – mixing, engineering
  • Jack Antonoff – engineering
  • Johnathan Turner – engineering
  • Laura Sisk – engineering
  • Ray Charles Brown Jr. – engineering
  • Tony Shepperd – engineering (track 3)
  • Tony Austin – engineering (track 7)
  • Zem Audu – engineering (track 7)

References

  1. ^ Aaron, Williams (November 22, 2024). "Who Are The Features On Kendrick Lamar's New Album, 'GNX?'". Uproxx. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Monroe, Jazz (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Releases New Album GNX: Listen and Read the Full Credits". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  3. ^ "Kendrick Lamar Reveals Why He Almost Didn't Release Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers". Rap-Up. October 11, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  4. ^ Caulfield, Keith (May 22, 2022). "Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers Debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  5. ^ Corcoran, Nina (February 5, 2023). "Kendrick Lamar Wins Best Rap Album for Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers at 2023 Grammys". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  6. ^ Aswad, Jem (May 13, 2022). "Kendrick Lamar Unveils 'Big Steppers' Tour Dates". Variety. Archived from the original on May 16, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  7. ^ Woods, Aleia (March 20, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Posts a Strangely Cryptic Message on His Finsta". XXL. Archived from the original on April 19, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  8. ^ Elibert, Mark (March 20, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Purchases Vintage Buick Regal: 'My Big Cousin Pat Dogg Smiling Down'". Complex. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  9. ^ Rossignol, Derrick (November 22, 2024). "What Is A GNX From Kendrick Lamar's New Album?". Uproxx. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  10. ^ Young, Alex (August 20, 2021). "Kendrick Lamar announces final album with TDE". Consequence. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  11. ^ Gee, Andre (March 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Declares War -- And Five Other Takeaways From We Don't Trust You". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  12. ^ Kermah, Jonathan (May 20, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Went No. 1 on His Own. What Does That Mean for TDE?". The Ringer. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  13. ^ Perry, Kevin E.G. (March 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar disses Drake and J Cole on new song: 'It's just big me'". The Independent. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  14. ^ Strauss, Matthew (May 4, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Doesn't Wait for Drake Response, Drops Another New Diss Song "Not Like Us": Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on May 5, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  15. ^ Stenzel, Wesley (July 5, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar drops music video for Drake diss track 'Not Like Us' on Fourth of July". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  16. ^ Gilbert, Natalee (August 26, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar's new album isn't coming soon". XXL. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  17. ^ Ramage, Jack (September 19, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar to perform at Super Bowl 2025 halftime show". DJ Mag. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  18. ^ Gee, Andre (September 16, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar is over it". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  19. ^ Pace-McCarrick, Solomon (September 12, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar drops surprise release, sparking new album rumours". Dazed Digital. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  20. ^ Caraan, Sophie (June 6, 2024). "Terrace Martin Hypes up New Kendrick Lamar Album". Hypebeast. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  21. ^ Brown, Preezy (October 14, 2024). "SZA Hints New Kendrick Lamar Album Is On The Way". Vibe. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  22. ^ Trapp, Malcolm (October 17, 2024). "ScHoolboy Q Says All His Friends Are "Dropping Music", Fans Speculate Whether He Means Kendrick Lamar". Rap-Up. Archived from the original on November 20, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Long Decter, Rosie (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Reclaims 'Heart Pt. 6' From Drake on Surprise Album 'GNX'". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  24. ^ Blake, Cole (September 9, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar's Compton Mural Vandalized With "OVO" Message". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  25. ^ a b c Breihan, Tom (November 22, 2024). "Premature Evaluation: Kendrick Lamar GNX". Stereogum. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  26. ^ Fisher, Caroline (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Recalls Snoop Dogg Supporting Drake's "Taylor Made Freestyle" On New Album". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  27. ^ a b c "Kendrick Lamar: GNX Review - visionary future | Hip-Hop". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  28. ^ Andrews, Elias (November 23, 2024). "Mustard Reacts To Kendrick Lamar Shout Out On New Album "GNX"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  29. ^ Mendez, Marisa (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Takes Blame For Failed Black Hippy Album On 'Heart Pt. 6'". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  30. ^ Morton, Devin (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Addresses Why The Black Hippy Album Never Released, On "GNX"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  31. ^ a b Sisario, Ben (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Surprise Releases a New Album, GNX". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  32. ^ Pearson, Ryan. "Music Review: Kendrick Lamar's pride, anger and confidence drive 'GNX'". ABC News. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  33. ^ Coleman II, C. Vernon (October 24, 2024). "8 signs that Kendrick Lamar might be dropping his new album soon". XXL. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  34. ^ Rowe, Solána; Greenidge, Kaitlyn (October 21, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Gets Personal". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  35. ^ Mukhtar, Amel (November 14, 2024). ""I'm Not Meant To Be Famous, I Just Keep Trying To Rise To The Occasion": SZA Gives Her Most Revealing Interview To Date". British Vogue. Archived from the original on November 21, 2024. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  36. ^ Cowen, Trace William (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Surprise-Drops GNX Project". Complex. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  37. ^ Saponara, Michael (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Returns With Surprise Drop of New Album 'GNX': Listen". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  38. ^ Nevares, Gabriel Bras (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Finally Delivers And Surprise Drops New Album "GNX"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  39. ^ Mier, Tomás (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar's Surprise New Album 'GNX' Is Here". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  40. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Drops 'GNX': New Album Features SZA, Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington". Variety. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  41. ^ Williams, Aaron (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar Officially Releases The Long-Awaited 'Squabble Up' From The 'Not Like Us' Video On His Surprise Album, 'GNX'". Uproxx. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  42. ^ Landrum Jr., Jonathan (November 22, 2024). "Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX'". Associated Press. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  43. ^ Renshaw, David (November 22, 2024). "6 things to know about Kendrick Lamar's GNX". The Fader. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
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