GNX by KENDRICK LAMAR: Review
Photo credit - PG Lang via the Guardian
Kendrick Lamar’s new album, GNX, flips the script in a way only he can. Known for his heavy, conceptual masterpieces like To Pimp a Butterfly and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick takes a chill detour here. This time, it’s all about club-ready vibes mixed with the introspection that keeps his fans coming back for more.
The album kicks off with “wacced out murals,” a sharp, no-holds-barred commentary on wealth in hip-hop. It’s bold and fiery, setting the stage for an album that doesn’t sit still. From there, Kendrick dives into experimental waters. Tracks like “reincarnated” bring his storytelling A-game, exploring themes of identity and the struggles of being a Black artist. On the flip side, “peekaboo” and “tv off” crank up the energy, giving you those tracks you can’t help but move to.
And then there’s SZA, who comes through with pure magic on songs like “luther.” Her soulful vibe balances Kendrick’s intensity, creating some of the album’s most memorable moments. But not every track hits as hard—songs like “dodger blue” feel a bit half-baked, missing that spark to really shine. Still, this rawness adds a candid, unfiltered edge, giving us a glimpse of Kendrick just having fun and experimenting.
But GNX isn’t just surface-level bangers. Tracks like “heart pt. 6” take us back to his rise to fame, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking vibe. Meanwhile, “reincarnated” draws deep parallels between Kendrick and legendary Black artists like Billie Holiday, exploring the ongoing cycles of fame, trauma, and resilience in Black music.
At its core, GNX feels like a snapshot of where Kendrick is right now—an artist who’s still evolving, still curious. It might not hit as hard as his earlier, groundbreaking work, but it’s exciting in its own way. For fans, this is Kendrick showing he can let loose without losing what makes his music thoughtful, vibrant, and deeply personal.
GNX by KENDRICK LAMAR available on all major streaming platforms.
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