GNX by KENDRICK LAMAR: Review
Photo credit - PG Lang via the Guardian
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX feels like a deep exhale—a reminder that one of rap’s sharpest minds can still cut loose without sacrificing his signature depth. Where To Pimp a Butterfly and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers thrived on weighty concepts and dense narratives, Kendrick Lamar's GNX strips things back, swapping some of the heaviness for club-ready rhythms and moments of playful experimentation. It’s not a retreat from artistry—it’s a pivot, a new angle on how Kendrick wants to tell his story.
His reflective side never disappears. “reincarnated” is one of the record’s emotional heavyweights, where he ties his own journey as a Black artist to legends like Billie Holiday, tracing cycles of fame, pain, and resilience that echo across generations. It’s tracks like this that remind you: even when he’s having fun, Kendrick’s pen stays razor-sharp.
SZA’s appearances, especially on “luther,” add another layer of brilliance—her airy, soulful delivery melts into Kendrick’s bars, making those songs the emotional core of the album. Not everything lands perfectly, though: “dodger blue” feels undercooked compared to the rest, a sketch of a great idea that never quite takes off. But even the “misses” give the album a raw, candid texture, like we’re hearing Kendrick experiment in real time.
And then there’s “heart pt. 6.” Just when you think Kendrick has fully detached from his past playbook, he pulls you back into the reflective, autobiographical zone. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s him reframing his rise to fame through the lens of where he stands now, older, wiser, and less weighed down by needing to prove himself.
At its core, GNX feels like Kendrick shaking off the myth of being only a serious, “concept-album” rapper. It’s looser, more eclectic, even playful—but without losing the sharp edges that make his work resonate. It may not carry the seismic weight of his earlier projects, but it’s exciting in its unpredictability. It feels alive, curious, and unafraid to get messy.
In short: GNX is Kendrick Lamar having fun, but even his fun is smarter, sharper, and more layered than most artists’ serious work.
GNX by KENDRICK LAMAR available on all major streaming platforms.
Follow Kendrick Lamar - Instagram | X | Youtube
Listen to Kendrick Lamar and similar artists on our Spotify Playlist - ‘New Music Spotlight - Hip-Hop’
