Kendrick Lamar has a lot of blunt, direct, intense, and hard bars all over his surprise new album GNX, but some lyrical mentions are a bit more vague. For example, a lot of fans raised their eyebrows at this particular line off of the project’s opening track, “wacced out murals.” “N***as cackling about [silence] while all of y’all is on trial,” he raps on the cut. K.Dot’s omission of the name in the song, plus the mention of the trial, got many folks thinking that he’s talking about the Diddy scandal. Sadly, though, it could also refer to other criminal proceedings in hip-hop, such as Lil Durk and Young Thug’s predicaments.
At the end of the day, this is just a theory, and one that Kendrick Lamar clearly wanted to leave open to interpretation. But most of the other verses on here don’t offer listeners that luxury, instead opting for declarative statements that would be hard to misinterpret. For example, he also addressed the Super Bowl halftime show controversy involving Lil Wayne, making it clear that his Weezy fandom doesn’t make him feel any less indignant.
However, there are also some other moments on GNX where Kendrick Lamar gets more personally revealing, such as his remarks on his Black Hippy supergroup with Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and ScHoolboy Q on TDE. These land on the track “heart pt. 6.” “I jog my memory, knowing Black Hippy didn’t work because of me / Creatively, I moved on with new concepts in reach,” he raps on the song. Of course, that track is also notable for its title, one that Drake already used in his battle with Kendrick earlier this year.
All that’s to say that Kendrick Lamar doesn’t pull many punches on GNX, but it’s understandable why he would want to treat the Diddy situation with caution – if that was really his intention, that is. Either way, he probably knows exactly what he’s doing with lines like that, and the impact is sometimes far more important than the intent. We’ll see what other curious bars, possible theories, and lyrical interpretations emerge as we continue to dive into this LP.
Christmas came a bit earlier this year as Kendrick Lamar returned with his sixth studio album, GNX. The 12-song album follows K. Dot’s unanimous victory against Drake earlier this year. Since then, we’ve been on high alert for the possibility of a new album. As the rumors persisted and the year came to a close, Kendrick Lamar is clearly eying another AOTY contender with the release of GNX.
After releasing a short one-minute snippet on his @jojoruski burner account, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX suddenly appeared on streaming services and it’s safe to say he’s coming for what’s his. What’s maybe less surprising is that it’s not necessarily overdone with features. You probably heard a few familiar voices on the project, such as former labelmate SZA and fellow L.A. rappers like AzChike, Lefty Gunplay, and more. GNX also boasts production credits from TDE’s in-house producer and Kendrick Lamar’s long-time collaborator Sounwave, as well as Jack Antonoff, Mustard, Kamasi Washington, and more. Check out the full credits below.
Producer: Craig Balmoris, Dahi, Jack Antonoff, M-Tech, Sounwave, Tyler, Mehlenbacher, franO Composer: Deyra Barrera, Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: Deyra Barrera, Kendrick LamarAdditional Producer: M-Tech Additional Vocals: Deyra Barrera Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty
Producer: Bridgeway, Jack Antonoff, Kendrick Lamar, M-Tech, Sounwave Composer: Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: Kendrick Lamar Additional Producer: M-Tech Associated Performer: Ink, Sam DewBackground Vocalist: Ink, Sam Dew Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruari O’Flaherty
3. luther
Producers: Bridgeway, Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington, M-Tech, Rose Lilah, Sounwave Composer: Ink, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Sam Dew Lyricist: Ink, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Sam Dew Additional Vocals: Sam Dew Associated Performers: Caleb Vaughn Smith, Drew Forde, Geoff Gallegos, Giovanna Moraga, Kerenza Peacock, Luanne Homzy, Luke Maurer, Paul Cartwright, Sam Dew, Stephanie Yu Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Tony Shepperd Strings: Caleb Vaughn Smith, Drew Forde, Geoff Gallegos, Giovanna Moraga, Kerenza Peacock, Luanne Homzy, Luke Maurer, Paul Cartwright, Stephanie Payne, Stephanie Yu Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr.
Producer: Craig Balmoris, Jack Antonoff, M-Tech, Sounwave, Tyler Mehlenbacher Composer: Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: Kendrick LamarAdditional Producer: M-Tech Associated Performer: Sam Dew Background Vocalist: Sam Dew Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Ruari O’Flaherty
5. hey now
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Mustard, Sounwave Composer: Dody 6, Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: Dody 6, Kendrick Lamar Associated Performer: Sam Dew Background Vocalist: Sam Dew Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Kendrick Lamar, M-Tech, Noah Ehler, Sounwave Composer: Deyra Barrera, Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: Deyra Barrera, Kendrick Lamar Associated Performer: Sam Dew Background Vocalist: Sam Dew Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacbons Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Olu Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown, Ruairi O’Flaherty
7. tv off
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington, Mustard, Sean Momberger, Sounwave Composer: Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: Kendrick Lamar Additional Vocals: Lefty Gunplay Associated Performer: Amber Wyman, Chad Jackson, Evan Smith, Lefty Gunplay, Malik Taylor, Marta Joner, Miles Mosley, Paul Cartwright, Peter Jacobson, Reika Nakano, Rickey Washington, Ryan Porter, Sean Sonderegger, Serafin Aguilar, Tylana Renga, Yvette Devereaux, Zem Audu Baritone Sax: Evan Smith Bass: Miles Mosley Cello: Peter Jacobson Horn: Amber Wyman, Malik Taylor, Rickey Washington, Ryan Porter, Sean Sonderegger, Seragin Aguilar Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Evan Smith, Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Tony Austin, Zem Audu Studio Personnel: Evan Smith, Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Tay Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty, Tony Austin, Zem Audu Tenor Saxophone: Evan Smith, Zem Audu Violin: Chad Jackson, Marta Honer, Paul Cartwright, Reika Nakano, Tylana Renga, Yvette Devereaux
8. dodger blue
Producer: Jack Antnoff, Soundwave, Tane Runo, Terrace Martin, Tim Maxey Composer: Kendrick Lamar, Sam Dew, Siete, Wallie The Seinsei Lyricist: Kendrick Lamar, Sam Dew, Siete, Wallie The Seinsei Additional Producer: Terrace Martin Additional Vocals: Ink, Roddy Ricch, Sam Dew Associated Performer: Ink, Roddy Ricch, Sam Dew Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty
9. peekaboo
Producer: Bridgeway, Sean Mombnerger, Sounwave Composer: AzChike, Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: AzChike, Kendrick Lamar Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty
10. heart pt. 6
Producer: Jack Antonoff, JuJu, M-Tech, Sounwave Composer: Kendrick Lamar Lyricist: Kendrick Lamar Additional Producer: JuJu, M-Tech Associated Performers: Bobby Hawk, Ink, Sam Dew Background Vocals: Ink, Sam Dew Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty Violin: Bobby Hawk
Producer: Jack Antonoff, KENNY & BILLY, Rascal, Sounwave, Tim Maxey Composer: Hitta J3, Kendrick Lamar, Peysoh, Young Threat Lyricists: Hitta J3, Kendrick Lamar, Peysoh, Young Threat Additional Producer: Tim Maxey Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty
12. gloria
Producer: Deats, Jack Antonoff, Sounwave Composer: Deyra Barrera, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, SZA Lyricist: Deyra Barerra, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, SZA Associated Performer: Bobby Hawk, Sam Dew Background Vocalist: Sam Dew Mastering Engineer: Ruairi O’Flaherty Mixer: Oli Jacobs Recording Engineer: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr. Studio Personnel: Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, Oli Jacobs, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Ruairi O’Flaherty Violin: Bobby Hawk
Kendrick Lamar mostly featured lesser-known and up-and-coming West Coast names on his surprise new album GNX, but there are also some stars on here beyond an impressive production roster. Roddy Ricch contributes to the track “dodger blue,” and the one and only SZA appears on two cuts off this new LP. “luther” sees the SOS singer and K.Dot get ethereal and wavy once more with a romantic cut backed by gentle guitars, gorgeous strings, and some other dreamy musical elements. “gloria,” on the other hand,” features the duo in a more soulful and dramatic bag, although there’s a similarly evoked sense of grandeur and beauty.
Of course, this isn’t the only time that these two linked up recently, as Kendrick Lamar and SZA interviewed each other for Harper’s BAZAAR earlier this year. They talked about a lot of things. Their emotions and tendencies as artistic creatives, the “true meaning” behind “Not Like Us,” insecurities, family, and a whole lot more emerged as compelling subjects. Turns out that this was more of a sign for more work on the way than we thought it was…
Elsewhere, fans are reacting wildly to this new Kendrick Lamar album, all of its lyrical references, and its California-loving instrumentals. Not everyone’s a fan, but that’s literally what he raps about on a lot of songs on GNX, so we’re not surprised that he turned some folks off with his choices. There’s a lot to dive into when it comes to what the Compton lyricist addressed on here, his energy on these records, and how it relates to the massive year that he had before this. There is still more to find, and we’re sure these initial hours of listening will evolve into more developed conversations.
Meanwhile, SZA also has her new album Lana on the way, which fans are incredibly excited about. It was originally going to be a deluxe for SOS, but it looks like it took on a whole new life of its own. The question now is whether or not she will collaborate with Kendrick Lamar again soon or if we’ll have to wait for the next blue moon to hear their chemistry again.
If other rappers are going to want to knock Kendrick Lamar off his pedestal, then they’re going to have to “squabble up.” While there are a ton of stellar tracks on his shocking sixth studio album, this one looks to have the most mainstream appeal. But don’t get it twisted, “squabble up” is mega banger with some great wordplay, slick flows, and some great personality. The chorus is going to be in everyone’s ears, maybe just as much as “Not Like Us.” In fact, it borrows some elements from that Drake diss record. “Thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, baby rockin’ it,” sounds reminiscent of “Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot, f*** ’em up / Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I’ma do my stuff.”
Most will remember, but in case you forgot, “squabble up” was previewed a few months ago. Just before the “Not Like Us” visual got underway, Kendrick teased a little 20-second snippet. It previewed the entire intro of “squabble up,” and many were clamoring for him to drop the full recording. Well, it’s here now and didn’t disappoint in the slightest. The same can be said for the rest of the tracklist of GNX, which hit streaming platforms out of the blue just moments ago. See what K. Dot did with “squabble up” with the link below.
I got hits, I got bucks, I got new paper cuts I got friends, I got foes, but they all sitting ducks Hit his turf and get crackin’, double back like a deluxe Fifty deep, but it ain’t deep enough F*** a plea, there he go, beat him up Fallin’ from my money tree and it grow throughout the months
Kendrick Lamar might have really cemented himself as the hip-hop GOAT of 2024 with the surprise release of his new album GNX today (Friday, November 22). Of course, he already made one heck of a case for himself thanks to the Drake battle, but if this new project ends up being a hit, then it will really quell any doubts about this being his year. What’s more is that fans can’t believe that they already got the album so soon, as they usually have to wait a long time and endure a lengthy rollout for a new K.Dot project. But as you can see from the reactions on social media down below, fans have never been happier to experience a change of pace.
Sure, it’s not like Kendrick Lamar was back to back to back with all his new drops, but he certainly fed fans a lot more than they expected this year. Also, we just received an album trailer – that we didn’t even know was an album trailer – about 30 minutes before GNX actually came out, so fans didn’t even have time to process everything.
Overall, the surprise nature of this drop is something that we’re all still clearly reeling from, and certainly an exciting and impactful wind-down to 2024 as a whole. Kendrick Lamar’s 12 new tracks, 44 minutes in length, have a lot to get into, but we’ll try not to spoil much. It also comes at a curious time now that we’re months away from the Drake feud, since folks like Future and Metro Boomin are reminiscing on the whole thing. Also, now that the Super Bowl halftime show is right around the corner, K.Dot has some new material to create a spectacle with and a huge new hype boost.
Meanwhile, the Grammys are also right around the corner, and we have a feeling that Kendrick Lamar’s nominations won’t stop in 2025. This new project should definitely result in a couple of Grammys for just opening his mouth, and however well “Family Matters” ages doesn’t change the critical acclaim from pretty much every lane. In any case, check out more reactions to this surprise drop down below.
Kendrick Lamar… are you kidding!? The widely celebrated Compton, California visionary has just come by literally minutes ago with GNX. It’s probably the most casual release from an artist of this caliber maybe ever, but without a doubt in recent memory. About an hour ago, Lamar dropped off a one-minute teaser of a multi-phased track named after the project. That was a major shock in and of itself, but him delivering the LP just moments after is flat out insanity. Obviously, though, we mean that in the best way possible. There will be so much to unpack going forward, as there is with any Kendrick album. However, in this case, that will be true even more so. Since the beef with Drake, there were some rumblings from outsiders that K. Dot was going to release a new project.
However, no one really knew if this was going to happen. He’s already got the Super Bowl Halftime Show on his schedule. But it’s clear that Lamar wanted to capitalize on his evisceration of his Canadian foe, as well as all of the major records that came from it. “Not Like Us” and “Like That” accumulated numerous nominations at the GRAMMYs as well. There was already a serious belief that Kendrick has been the MVP of rap in 2024. But with the release of GNX there really isn’t much of a debate anymore; Kendrick Lamar is on top and will continue to be for as long as he’s around. Check out the album with the links below.
