Album Review: Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is a masterclass in lyrical brilliance, blending sharp commentary with personal introspection. Kendrick has kept a relatively low profile since Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers in 2022. By dropping GNX unexpectedly, he reignites excitement around his name and reminds fans of his cultural relevance without relying on traditional marketing.
Kendrick Lamar’s album title, GNX, is inspired by the 1987 Buick Regal Grand National Experimental, a legendary car known for its sleek black design and remarkable speed. Often referred to as “Darth Vader’s car,” the GNX symbolizes power, exclusivity, and a distinct sense of identity. By choosing this title, Kendrick ties the album’s themes to ideas of excellence, legacy, and the drive to stand out—a reflection of both his artistry and personal journey.
Across 12 meticulously crafted tracks, Lamar explores themes of legacy, identity, and redemption while experimenting with diverse production styles. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the album, song by song:
1. “wacced out murals”
The album begins with a striking opener that finds Kendrick addressing his position in hip-hop and subtle conflicts with other artists, possibly Drake. In “Wacced Out Murals,” Kendrick Lamar delivers a poignant and defiant meditation on legacy, betrayal, and the contradictions of success. Opening with the visceral line, “Yesterday, somebody whacked out my mural / That energy’ll make you niggas move to Europe,” Kendrick reflects on the erasure of his contributions while reaffirming his unwavering connection to his roots. With raw honesty, he critiques industry hypocrisy and societal duplicity, declaring, “I’ll kill ’em all before I let ’em kill my joy,” a testament to his resilience. Lines like, “F*ck a double entendre, I want y’all to feel this sh*t,” strip away lyrical complexity in favor of emotional authenticity, making his message hit even harder. Balancing introspection and fiery defiance, Kendrick turns personal pain into a universal call for self-worth, delivering a track that is both a battle cry and a reflection on the price of greatness.
2. “squabble up”
On “squabble up,” Kendrick taps into the energy of West Coast rap as delivers a playful, high-energy anthem, blending gritty storytelling with themes of resilience, dominance, and self-reliance. The lyrics, filled with sharp wordplay and vivid imagery, paint a portrait of survival and empowerment, as Kendrick confidently navigates challenges while calling out inauthenticity with lines like, “Tell me, why the f*ck you n*ggas rap if it’s fictional?” The track’s production mirrors its intensity, fusing pulsating beats with dynamic shifts, creating a soundscape that is both chaotic and controlled. With its rhythmic hooks and assertive refrain, “squabble up,” Kendrick captures a raw, unapologetic vibe, solidifying the song as a testament to his unrelenting drive and creative versatility.
3. “luther” (feat. SZA)
Featuring a sample from Luther Vandross’s “If This World Were Mine,” this duet with SZA is a soulful exploration of love and self-worth. The production masterfully blends a modern hip-hop beat with the lush, nostalgic warmth of Vandross’s melody, creating a dreamy yet powerful soundscape. Kendrick’s verses are filled with poetic declarations of transformation and resilience, as he raps, “If this world was mine, I’d take your dreams and make ’em multiply,” weaving themes of redemption and empowerment into the track. SZA’s ethereal vocals anchor the chorus, offering a reflective yet hopeful perspective with lines like, “Concrete flowers grow, better days comin’ for sure.” Their seamless collaboration balances Kendrick’s raw intensity with SZA’s soothing harmonies, creating a song that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable—a tribute to overcoming adversity and imagining a better world.
4. “man at the garden”
In “man at the garden,” Kendrick Lamar delivers a triumphant declaration of self-worth, weaving themes of ambition, resilience, and integrity into a lushly produced track. The song’s cinematic soundscape—marked by layered instrumentation and a steady, confident rhythm—provides the perfect backdrop for Kendrick’s reflective yet unapologetic lyrics. Lines like “I deserve it all” serve as both a mantra and a justification, as he recounts his hard-fought victories, personal sacrifices, and efforts to uplift others. Kendrick balances material desires, such as beachfront homes and accolades, with deeper aspirations for spiritual growth, family legacy, and community impact, as seen in lyrics like, “Put a smile on my mama / Good health and good karma.” Through a tone that oscillates between gratitude and defiance, Kendrick reminds listeners of the trials he’s endured and the integrity that underpins his success, making “man at the garden” a powerful ode to self-validation and purpose.
5. “hey now” (feat. Dody6)
In “hey now”, K. Dot blends introspection, bravado, and sharp cultural commentary. The production fuses hard-hitting beats with melodic undertones, creating a dynamic soundscape that complements Kendrick’s seamless switch between reflective wisdom and assertive swagger. Lyrics like “Hey now, say now, I’m all about my Yen / Big face Buddha, get my peace from within” reflect his dual focus on material success and inner peace, while lines such as “We got the same twenty-four, what you mad for?” highlight his relentless work ethic and disdain for excuses. The song also features a standout guest verse from Dody, whose gritty delivery adds intensity and complements Kendrick’s fluid cadence. Together, they craft a track that’s filled with vivid imagery, sharp wordplay, and unapologetic confidence, solidifying “hey now” as a standout in Kendrick’s evolving catalog. The beat, another DJ Mustard creation, blends California’s hyphy roots with contemporary trap rap.
6. “reincarnated”
Sampling 2Pac’s “Made Niggaz,” this track serves as the thematic core of the album, addressing Kendrick’s evolution and survival in a ruthless industry. In “reincarnated,” the rapper delivers a deeply introspective narrative, blending spiritual reflection, past-life recollections, and an exploration of personal growth. The production’s haunting yet soulful undertones set the stage for Kendrick’s vivid storytelling, where he recounts past lives as a rebellious musician, a troubled yet talented vocalist, and ultimately his present life as a rapper striving for purpose. The Spanish opening, “Que reflejan tu mirada / La noche, tú y yo” (which translates to “That reflect in your gaze / The night, you and I”), symbolizes deep introspection and the intimacy of self-awareness, mirroring the song’s theme of spiritual and personal evolution. Featuring poignant dialogue with a father figure—possibly God—Kendrick wrestles with ego, pride, and redemption, ultimately vowing to use his talents for harmony and understanding. Through its intricate lyrics and layered production, “reincarnated” stands as a profound meditation on the cycles of life, the burdens of fame, and the quest for a higher purpose. The sample underscores his connection to hip-hop’s legacy, while his introspection deepens the narrative.
7. “tv off” (feat. Lefty Gunplay)
Produced by DJ Mustard, “tv off” blends gritty lyricism with pulsating production to deliver a hard-hitting anthem of defiance, survival, and self-empowerment. Over a beat crafted by Mustard, Kendrick’s sharp verses explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and resilience, capturing the high stakes of his environment with lines like, “Few solid n*ggas left, but it’s not enough.” The track’s hook, “Turn his TV off,” becomes a chilling metaphor for silencing opposition, underscoring Kendrick’s no-nonsense attitude toward those who challenge his position. The production is bold and unrelenting, matching Kendrick’s intensity with booming basslines and eerie undertones that evoke the chaos and danger he describes. With its fusion of sharp social commentary and commanding energy, “tv off” cements Kendrick’s status as a master of storytelling and sonic innovation.
8. “dodger blue” (feat. Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, Roddy Ricch)
K. Dot’s “dodger blue” delivers a vibrant tribute to Los Angeles culture. The title itself is in reference to him being a proud Los Angeles Dodgers fan (team colors are blue and white). The song blends gritty street narratives with sharp social commentary and a nod to the city’s iconic resilience. The production is a dynamic mix of West Coast bounce and atmospheric melodies, capturing the energy of L.A.’s streets and its dichotomy of glitz and struggle. Kendrick’s verses are raw and unapologetic, as he asserts his roots with lines like, “Bitch, I’m from the LAnd / Don’t say you hate L.A. when you don’t travel past the 10,” calling out superficial perceptions of the city. The track’s swagger is amplified by an uncredited female artist whose commanding chorus injects a confident, almost hypnotic rhythm with lines like, “Walk, walk, walk, walk / Tip-toe, pivot, walk.” Together, they craft a song that celebrates L.A.’s complexities—its ambition, its grit, and its code of loyalty—while showcasing Kendrick’s ability to weave personal and cultural identity into a rich sonic tapestry.
9. “peekaboo” (feat. AzChike)
“In “peekaboo,” Kendrick Lamar delivers high-energy, critiquing performative culture while asserting his dominance in the rap game. The pulsating production underscores his sharp lyricism, with the repetitive hook, “What they talkin’ ’bout? They ain’t talkin’ ’bout nothin’,” highlighting the emptiness of superficial bravado. AzChike’s feature injects a gritty, playful energy with lines like, “Peekaboo, surprise, bitch, it’s that n*gga Chuck E. Cheese,” blending humor and aggression. Together, Kendrick and AzChike craft a bold, unapologetic track filled with swagger, vivid imagery, and cutting cultural commentary.
10. “heart pt. 6”
The sixth installment in Kendrick’s Heart series explores his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment and the formation of pgLang. The production is lush, featuring strings and layered harmonies, creating a sense of grandeur. In “Heart Pt. 6,” Kendrick Lamar delivers an introspective ode to his journey with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), reflecting on the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs that shaped him and his team. Kendrick pays homage to key figures in TDE’s rise, such as Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, and MixedByAli, weaving vivid memories of their early days with themes of loyalty, ambition, and growth. Lines like “It was simple math, if he made it, that mean I made it” showcase Kendrick’s unwavering commitment to the collective, while his reflections on personal evolution, including his creative shifts and regrets, highlight his maturity. With a refrain urging listeners to “use your heart and not your eyes,” Kendrick delivers a powerful reminder to prioritize empathy and understanding, offering the song as both a tribute to his roots and a guide for navigating life’s complexities.
11. “gnx” (feat. Hitta J3, YoungThreat, Peysoh)
In “gnx,” Kendrick Lamar crafts a hard-hitting celebration of his impact on hip-hop and his unapologetic dominance in the industry. The production is intense and aggressive, with a pulsating beat that underscores the track’s raw energy. Kendrick’s recurring refrain, “Tell ’em Kendrick did it,” boldly asserts his role in elevating the West Coast and solidifying his legacy. Featured artists Peysoh, Hitta J3, and YoungThreat each bring their unique energy to the track, enhancing its gritty and streetwise vibe. Peysoh added edge to the track with lines like, “We’ll treat an enemigo like some breadcrumbs” and “Let ’em claim it, we the ones who really pop.” Together, the artists craft a relentless, anthemic track that blends assertive lyricism with raw, unfiltered energy, creating a powerful testament to West Coast dominance.
12. “gloria” (feat. SZA)
In “gloria,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA explore the complexities of love, loyalty, and ambition over a soulful yet intense production. Kendrick’s verses personify his relationship with creativity and struggle, while SZA’s ethereal vocals add depth with lines like, “Gloria, I wanna take you to euphoria.” Mariachi singer Deyra Barrera opens the track with the reflective Spanish line “Sentado, Anita y tú” (translating to “Sitting, Anita and you”), adding a layer of cultural richness and intimacy. Together, they create a poignant, multi-layered track about the beauty and chaos of life and self-expression.
Final Thoughts
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is a layered, introspective project that showcases his lyrical genius and fearless experimentation. From sharp disses and social critiques to vulnerable reflections and hometown pride, the album offers a complete spectrum of his artistry. While not as sprawling as some of his previous works, GNX feels purposeful and deeply personal, cementing Kendrick’s role as one of hip-hop’s most essential voices.
Revisions, Editor KeyIce:
Edit 11/23/24: Added meaning of ‘GNX’
Edit 1/5/25: Fixed sequential order of songs and corrected summary body text.
