Genre: Rap Label: pgLang / Interscope
Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated sixth album, GNX, arrived with the weight of the year punctuated with undeniable triumphs. Sweeping the 67th Grammy Awards or his renowned diss track, "Not Like Us" and then garnering critical acclaim for his Superbowl Halftime Performance, Lamar has had an astonishing year. The glossy and hyper-local album paints a vivid image of California's, more specifically, Compton's, life filtered through Lamar's introspective lens. This album is the victory lap of Lamar's insane run.
The album plants its flag in the Los Angeles soundscape weaving together West Coast hip-hop, hard beats, funky rhythms, and old-school R&B. The production is a dynamic mix, reflecting his multi-faceted mood. The production was handled by Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, alongside Mustard, Sean Momberger, and Kamasi Washington, Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, alongside Mustard, Sean Momberger, and Kamasi Washington which explains the different blends of beats. Wacced out murals is a raw and expressive track that offers advice as Lamar tells his listeners, “Never let no one put smut on your name”. The track is filled with grit, frustration, and a little bragging on top of an industrial beat. Then, the album offers a playful bounce with Squabble Up and Lamar continues his happiness, "‘I feel good, get the f --k out my face”.
SZA makes an appearance on the track Luther, and after many collaborations, there is no doubt that music lovers will get tired of the duo. The love song is slow and R&B with lyrics like, "I’ll give you everything” which illustrates the emotions beautifully. Another track that falls into the category of love is Gloria which showcased a softer side of Lamar. The lo-fi beat of Man At The Garden is a fitting production considering that he is manifesting his life and career on the track with the main mantra being, "I deserve it all".
In true Gemini spirit, Lamar shows that there are always many different sides of him. Tracks like Hey Now and Reincarnated showcase a more aggressive edge as he raps about exploring sobriety and spiritual growth. Conversely, TV Off, Dodger Blue brings back the fun and playful lyrics. Alongside that is Peekaboo which is Lamar's way of trolling the haters. "Strategies on how to be great among the averages” is a lyric on Heart pt. 6 that lets listeners in on Lamar's career plan. GNX offers a more chilled-out experience. The overall mood is a rollercoaster, fluctuating between anger, joy, and introspection.
The album feels like a significant step in Kendrick Lamar's artistic revolution. It showcases a wider range of lyricism. Which then reveals a more nuanced and complex artist. The album serves as a clear expression of their personal and artistic identity, reflecting their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Just as his Halftime performance was lauded for its powerful message, precise choreography, and unflinching social commentary, "GNX" showcases Kendrick's ability to deliver a concentrated dose of artistic brilliance. The same precision, the same unwavering commitment to his message, and the same undeniable stage presence that electrified the world are present in this track. It's a testament to his consistent ability to deliver impactful art across different platforms, whether it be a stadium stage or a single track on an album.
Pitchfork Rating: 66%
Metacritic Rating: 87%
My Rating: 85%
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