Kendrick Lamar reminds us that he deserves it all on 'GNX'

It's been quite the year for Kendrick Lamar. Following multiple career achievements in 2024, Lamar is back with new music. And this time, it's not an attack on Drake.

It's a full-length 12-track album that arrived out of nowhere. "GNX," released midday last Friday, is his first album since the Grammy-winning "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" in 2022. With help from executive producer Jack Antonoff and multiple features from SZA, the Big Stepper has made yet another statement in the rap community.

K. Dot didn't need an album for 2024 to be his year. After outperforming Drake in every aspect of their feud, "Not Like Us" became a West Coast anthem. Drake stayed silent while Lamar continued to win and was announced to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show next February. Now, with "GNX," it's an understatement to say that Lamar owns 2024.

Just before the album found its way to streaming services, Lamar's burner Instagram account released a minute-long video with the caption "GNX." Fans quickly questioned whether this was yet another teaser that would lead to nothing. Fortunately, the album dropped before fans could even begin to speculate what was next, breaking the internet.

K. Dot's prowess is not only felt by fans but also by himself. On the album opener, "wacced out murals," he makes it clear he's proud of all the accomplishments he's made this year. The longest track on "GNX" speaks on Lamar's dedication to his artistry through a medley of vignettes promoting his ability to avoid hate and stay on top.

For example, when Lamar was announced as the Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner, rapper Lil Wayne responded, saying he felt hurt. Lamar clapped back at him on the opening track, putting the beef to rest, reminiscent of other rap feuds including Lamar this year. He raps, "Used to bump 'Tha Carter III,' I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down."

Although Lamar has had countless beefs this year, he still reminds us of the magic that happens when he collaborates with other artists. An instant highlight of "GNX" is SZA's two features, the first of which comes on track three, "luther (with sza)." The duo famously worked together on 2018's "All The Stars (with SZA)" for "Black Panther," with the song going double platinum. On "luther," the two trade lines on a shared chorus — behind an arrangement of luxurious and luscious instrumentals, the pair blend perfectly once again. 

SZA was not the only former K. Dot collaborator to return. Last summer, the one song on everyone's playlist was "Not Like Us," which could not have been done without production from Los Angeles legend Mustard. Like SZA, Mustard helps Lamar on two tracks off "GNX."

The first is "hey now (feat. dody6)," an honest take on Lamar's relationship with the rap industry. This builds on the message of "wacced out murals" that his discography is a treasure and his work should not be taken for granted. On the track, he says, "I'm way too important to ever let you slide on me again."

The artistry of "GNX" peaks halfway through on "reincarnated." Immediately, listeners are captivated by a dazzling piano that backs an angsty first verse from Lamar. Lamar finds a new pocket in his voice, releasing a certain rasp that only a few Lamar tracks are lucky enough to include. The track's uniqueness is thanks to the sample of 2Pac's "Made N****z."

This track is more powerful than anything else on "GNX" by way of Lamar connecting his life to past iconic artists. The first verse shares similarities with the story of legendary blues guitarist John Lee Hooker before breaking off into a tale reminiscent of the life of jazz vocalist Billie Holiday. 

K. Dot successfully lays the groundwork for the track before turning the song on himself, rapping about what he has achieved through a life full of possible blunders. On the most personal track of the album, K. Dot reestablishes his L.A. heritage by paying homage to 2Pac while also reflecting on his career and shortcomings.

While the entire rollout for "GNX" was unconventional, Lamar throws a couple of bones to longtime fans. Since his first album, "Section.80," Lamar has added to his "The Heart" series, a collection of songs that signified that a new K. Dot era was on the way. This series is continued on track 10 of "GNX," "heart pt. 6." 

One of Drake's many responses amid Lamar and Drake's feud was titled "THE HEART PART 6." Like most of Drake's chirps, this one meant nothing, as Lamar felt confident enough to release a song with the same title. Reflecting on Drake's attempt, it was a mediocre attack, weak enough for Lamar not to respond.

Still, "heart pt. 6" had nothing to do with Drake, focusing on Lamar's experience in the short-lasting rap group "Black Hippy," which may have replicated the impact of Odd Future or A$AP Mob if Lamar focused on the group as much as he did his solo career. He gets vulnerable, saying, "Now it's about Kendrick, I wanna evolve, place my skillset as a Black exec' / I jog my memory, knowin' Black Hippy didn't work 'cause of me / Creatively, I moved on with new concepts in reach."

Lamar's lack of attention toward Drake on "GNX" is another reminder of who won their feud. Instead of getting distracted by the noise, he continues to look inward.

"GNX" may have been a shocking release, but there's no surprise Lamar has added another gem to his overwhelmingly legendary discography. This is Lamar's most self-assured album yet, thriving in discussing his undeniable legacy. Unlike 2022's "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" or 2017's "DAMN.," it's strong from start to finish, bringing with it a fresh sound.

Lamar continues to break the mold of rap, always being ahead of the curve of his counterparts. There's truly no artist who finds the bond between creativity and impactful lyrics like him, expressing it at every step of his career.