GNX: Kendrick Lamar’s poetic wrath

Earlier this year, when Kendrick Lamar released 'Euphoria', 'Meet the Grahams' and 'Not Like Us' among other tracks it had every fan in a chokehold. The songs resulted from a petty 'internet beef' between Drake and him and a full-blown rap battle everyone had anticipated for years. 

 

Although Kendrick Lamar poetically unleashed his full wrath as the lyrical genius he is, he took fans by surprise with the unexpected release of his latest album, 'GNX'.

When Kendrick dropped 'GNX' a few weeks ago on 22 November, there were no promotions, no snippets or teasers, just an album release. What followed later was one milestone after another, living up to Lamar's legacy. 

As per Lamar's style, the new album ties storytelling, societal critique, and pure honesty into an unforgettable 12-track experience.

It opens with 'Squabble Up', a playful yet confident entry that sets a vibrant tone. 'Man at the Garden' follows, combining religious undertones and self-appreciation as Kendrick reflects on family and faith as his grounding forces. 

With only the third track, the album takes a short step back from its hard-hitting lyrics to deliver a soulful duet. The soothing 'Luther' featuring SZA is a personal favourite that has been on repeat. It delivers a therapeutic balance—her soft vocals weave seamlessly with Kendrick's introspective lyrics, making it a standout for its serene yet emotional resonance. 

The ballad-like song features excerpts of Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn's version of 'If This World Were Mine' by Marvin Gaye. The song builds on its original beat but SZA and Lamar manage to make the song their own. 

'Dodger Blue' relaxes the album's tempo, painting vivid scenes of chilled camaraderie among friends, evoking a nostalgic and carefree mood.

The album's emotional core intensifies with 'Heart Pt. 6', a cathartic continuation of his iconic 'Heart' series. Here, Kendrick lays bare his ego and emotions, like a session with a therapist. The fact that Drake used the song title against Lamar during their feud is not lost on the public. In a way, it feels like Lamar is reclaiming his music with this track. 

This unfiltered honesty transitions into 'Wacced Out Murals', a storytelling masterpiece where anger and rhythm come together. The song opens strongly with a verse from Deyra Barrera in Spanish, setting the tone for the rest of the song.

As always, Lamar's music remains honest as ever, referencing feuds he had with others in the past, specifically because he was chosen to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. 

But the lyrics remain powerful, especially in the concluding lines, "You ever ate Cap'n Crunch and proceeded to put water in it?/Pulled over by the law, you ridin' dirty, so you can't argue with 'em?/Then make it to be a star, bare your soul and put your heart up in it? Well, I did"

His fiery lyricism carries into 'Reincarnated', a track defined by sharp flow and no-nonsense production as Kendrick narrates his rebirth with themes of forgiveness and renewal. 

Meanwhile, 'TV Off' amplifies his frustration with society, calling out hypocrisies through palpable anger and sharp critique. The track is another standout one across the album, especially since many have linked the beat to Lamar's hit song, 'Not Like Us'. The song has a clear division around the two-minute mark, with the second half cranking up the energy. 

Even 'Hey Now', though polarising in its Drake-directed jabs, highlights Kendrick's competitive edge and refusal to hold back.

The album rounds out with inventive tracks like 'Peekaboo', where Kendrick infuses humour by mimicking Kawhi Leonard's viral "hey, hey, hey," demonstrating his knack for merging pop culture into flow. 'GNX', the title track, is both a homage to his beloved Buick and a lyrical testament to the Drake feud that has shaped contemporary hip-hop discourse. 

Closing with 'Gloria', Kendrick and SZA create a therapeutic space for reflection and calm, a fitting finale to an album that dances between anger, healing, and reinvention. 

As expected, the surprise album 'GNX' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking his fifth chart-topper, all earned consecutively. 
Barrera, a singer from Compton, delivers soulful Spanish vocals across GNX, appearing on three tracks throughout the album. Kendrick Lamar first discovered her during the 2024 Baseball World Series, where her performance left a lasting impression on him. 

Inspired by her voice and cultural roots, Kendrick invited Dayra to contribute to his project, combining her Spanish melodies seamlessly with his narrative.

Kendrick Lamar's GNX is a journey of storytelling, introspection, and cultural critique. It is an album that showcases his lyrical precision and emotional depth.