Indignation Drives Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’

Fresh off a high-profile clash with Drake, five Grammy nominations and a BET Hip-Hop Awards sweep, it’s a shock rapper Kendrick Lamar’s year is only getting started.

Released Nov. 22, Lamar’s surprise sixth studio album “GNX” brings new life to a decade-long career, marking his first release outside of Top Dawg Entertainment. 

Sharing its name with the 1987 Buick GNX, of which under 600 were produced, “GNX” reestablishes Lamar as a rarity in the hip-hop industry — unafraid to defy norms and stand against the biased positive treatment of established artists.

Lamar redefines an unyielding commitment to his art in “wacced out murals,” launching the album with undaunting commentary on his legacy post Drake feud.

“They like, ‘Dot big trippin,’ I just want what I deserve / What bridge they done burnt? All of them, it’s over with / I’m doin’ what COVID did, they’ll never get over it,” Lamar raps.

The following “squabble up” reinvigorates Lamar’s sense of purpose. The hyphy, funk-infused beat complements buoyant lyricism as Lamar reaps the rewards of his 2024 season.

“I got hits, I got bucks, I got paper cuts / I got friends, I got foes, but they all sitting ducks / Hit his turf and get crackin,’ double back like a deluxe,” Lamar raps.

Carrying the groove of “squabble up,” “luther” seamlessly blends Lamar’s loose vocals with R&B artist SZA’s soulful inflection. The track is a lush and airy duet which dreams of a world free from conflict and pain.

The soft instrumental of “man at the garden” pumps the brakes — but not the momentum. Lamar justifies his success through the sacrifices he’s made and principles he’s upheld, boldly proclaiming he deserves it all.

“hey now,” featuring up-and-coming rapper Dody6, is another brazen declaration from Lamar, asserting his indispensability to the music industry.

However, Lamar’s pride is quickly challenged in the sixth track, “reincarnated.” Sampling a classic 2pac beat, Lamar grapples with the potential misuse of his gift, questioning the impact he’s had. In a face-to-face with God, Lamar condemns his past and vows to live in harmony — reborn once again.

While poignant, “reincarnated” feels misplaced in the album’s flow. Lamar seeks redemption before immediately resuming his tirade against the hip-hop industry. 

“I sent you down to Earth ‘cause you was broken / Rehabilitation, not psychosis / But now we here now / Centuries you manipulated man with music,” Lamar raps.

It’s not just Lamar’s soul that’s reborn.

“tv off” breathes new life into the beat of Lamar’s single “Not Like Us,” launching a crusade of self-promotion. Lamar takes to the defensive, firmly owning his denouncement of the hip-hop industry as a potent trap beat hammers home his distaste.

A break from the record’s reprimanding nature, “dodger blue” is a rich ode to Los Angeles from which Lamar and featured artists Wallie the Sensei, Roddy Ricch and Siete7x hail.

Highlighting specific neighborhoods like Compton, the four rappers reflect on their shared loyalty to their city and how it impacted their passions for music.

“peekaboo” is a comedic diss against the creatively-devoid rappers they allege have oversaturated the hip-hop scene. Lamar and rising rapper AzChike’s lyrics are as shallow as the artists they’re dissing, crafting an amusing and pointed critique.

“Bing-bop-boom-boom-boom-bop-bam / The type of shit I’m on you wouldn’t understand,” Lamar raps.

After Drake’s divisive diss “The Heart Part. 6,” Lamar reclaims the title as the latest installment of his long-running song series. Lamar’s “heart pt. 6” makes no mention of Drake, instead focusing on his early career and departure from Top Dawg Entertainment.

Previously, songs in the series were released as singles to promote upcoming records, but were ultimately excluded from the initial album. Reflecting on his rise to fame, “heart pt. 6” acts not as a prelude to another record, but a new chapter in Lamar’s independent journey.

Titular track “gnx” is arguably the album’s weakest point.

A monotonous and grating piano loop dominates the three-minute track, with guest features from Hitta J3, Young Threat and Peysoh serving as the only elements of variation.

The record’s last track, “gloria,” ends the LP with a complex exploration of love, blending Lamar’s introspective lyricism with SZA’s portrayal of the vulnerability in emotional attachment through her singing and lyrics.

“GNX” spends much of its runtime criticizing the music industry and the hip-hop artists who profit without merit — so the loving nature of “gloria,” while refreshing, feels out of place.

“Scared of forever, you know nothin’ else is gon’ pass / I just gotta let you know / Whenever you want me, you got me ‘till the end of time,” SZA sings.

Although a solid showing from Lamar, “GNX” can feel like a customary release when comparing it to his extensively unforgettable catalog — though it doesn’t set out to do more. “GNX” is from the heart and a focused commentary on the hip-hop industry Lamar wants to prosper.

In a year crowded with accolades and honors, “GNX” is proof Kendrick Lamar stays on top.

“GNX” is available on all major streaming platforms.