‘GNX’ review: Kendrick Lamar nonchalantly drops album of the year

In true Beyoncé fashion, Kendrick Lamar dropped his sixth studio album this Friday, catching everyone off guard in the best possible way. No one saw it coming, yet it’s a welcome surprise that has fans buzzing with excitement.

Clocking in at just under 45 minutes, this 12 track masterpiece, named after the Buick Regal Kendrick’s father drove him home from the hospital in after his birth in 1987, serves as the follow-up to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022) and Lamar’s first project after his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment and Aftermath. 

GNX is a dynamic blend of West Coast club anthems, smooth synth-pop, and echoes of the introspective intensity found on DAMN. (2017). The album delivers a concise journey that feels both cohesive and expansive, balancing party-ready bangers with moments of personal reflection. While Kendrick largely sidesteps direct beef with Drake, he doesn’t shy away from calling out former collaborators like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, particularly on the biting opener “Wacced Out Murals,” where he takes aim at the shifting alliances within the rap world. 

The song begins with the haunting vocals of Mexican artist and former La Voz contestant Deyra Barrera, whose voice sets an atmospheric tone that lingers throughout the album. Her presence serves as a reminder of Kendrick’s respect for Latino culture, something he’s expressed consistently over the years, particularly influenced by his upbringing in Los Angeles—a city shaped by its rich Chicano heritage. Barrera’s voice reappears on the closing track, bringing the album full circle and reinforcing the thematic thread of cultural appreciation and unity. This intentional use of Mexican vocal textures highlights Kendrick’s ability to blend global influences into his own sound while maintaining his distinct artistic voice.

Meanwhile, the production on GNX plays a pivotal role in its sonic journey. Mustard, a longtime collaborator known for his signature West Coast sound, contributes punchy, hyphy-driven beats that give tracks like “Hey Now” and “TV Off” their high-energy, club vibe. But perhaps the most surprising touch comes from Jack Antonoff, who, known for his work with pop stars like Taylor Swift and Lorde, takes a bold detour into the world of hip-hop. His contributions—sweeping orchestral textures and ethereal synths—add a rich, cinematic layer to GNX, veering away from his usual pop sound and infusing the album with a striking, contemplative depth. 

As an artist, Kendrick continues to evolve. On tracks like “Heart Pt. 6,” he explores his path to independence, reflecting on his exit from TDE and the emergence of his own creative agency, pgLang.

Between his surprise feature on Metro Boomin and Future’s collaborative album, multiple gut-punching diss tracks, the announcement of his upcoming Super Bowl performance, and his recent appearance in Pharrell’s Lego-animated biopic, Kendrick Lamar’s year has provided fans with an unpredictable, multifaceted tour de force that has both shocked and captivated the music world. From stirring controversy with his lyrical jabs to stepping into new creative spaces, he’s reaffirmed his status as one of the most innovative and compelling artists of his generation, never hesitating to blur the lines between rap, pop culture, and the unexpected.

In a landscape where many artists seem content to rest on their laurels, Kendrick Lamar has once again proven that he’s willing to take risks, dive deep into new creative territories, and keep listeners on their toes. GNX is more than an album—it’s an invitation to witness the ongoing evolution of an artist who is always a few steps ahead, making waves in ways only he can.

Album cover image courtesy of pgLang