Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: GNX
Released: November 22, 2024
Genre: Rap, R&B, Hip-Hop
Executive Producer: Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free
Label: pgLang & Interscope Records
On November 22, 2024, Kendrick Lamar released a one-minute teaser of his new album GNX on YouTube, featuring him posing with a Buick GNX. Half an hour later, the album was shockingly made available across all platforms.
The surprise release of these 12 tracks thrilled fans, marking the return of one of hip-hop’s most beloved voices.
There had been rumors that Kendrick Lamar was working on a new album following his feud with Drake. In the album’s opening track, “wacced out murals,” he references this feud.
Their conflict escalated through diss tracks exchanged between them, culminating in a highly publicized clash that many believe Kendrick won. His diss track, “Not Like Us,” was a massive success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning five Grammy nominations. This album concludes a triumphant year for Kendrick.
GNX stands for Grand National Experiment, and throughout the album, Kendrick references this car, symbolizing his connection to West Coast culture.
SZA collaborates with Kendrick Lamar on the tracks “Gloria” and “Luther.” The album also features contributions from artists like Dody6, AzChike, Sie7e, and Hitta J3.
| Track # | Title | Duration | Theme & Concept |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wacced Out Murals | 5:17 | Resilience, authenticity, and the harsh realities of fame |
| 2 | Squabble Up | 2:37 | Assertive confidence, street culture, and self-reliance |
| 3 | Luther | 2:57 | Romantic devotion, self-assurance, and the desire for a better life |
| 4 | Man at the Garden | 3:53 | Entitlement, perseverance, and self-empowerment |
| 5 | Hey Now | 3:37 | Swagger, resilience, and unapologetic ambition |
| 6 | Reincarnated | 4:35 | Redemption, self-discovery, and the cyclical nature of life |
| 7 | TV Off | 3:40 | Rebellion, authenticity, self-reliance |
| 8 | Dodger Blue | 2:11 | West Coast pride, resilience, authenticity |
| 9 | Peekaboo | 2:35 | Bravado, confrontation, street pride |
| 10 | Heart Pt. 6 | 4:52 | Brotherhood, reflection, growth |
| 11 | GNX | 3:13 | West Coast pride, survival, street legacy |
| 12 | Gloria | 4:47 | Toxic love, power struggles, duality |