Kendrick Lamar surprised fans with an unexpected drop of an album back in November, his first album since 2022 with “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers”, but now that time has passed, is “GNX” any good? 

Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” is definitely different compared to albums like “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” that are more story driven. In “GNX” Lamar delivers a project that is stripped down and rooted in LA’s street culture. Tracks like “Dodger Blue” and “Squabble Up” are tributes to local culture, featuring references to lowriders, freestyle music, and some references to the harsh realities of LA. Critics point out how the album feels personal, like it was made for a certain audience which is why it has also received mixed reviews. 

A stand out moment on “GNX” is SZA’s contribution on tracks like “Luther” where we get some of SZA’s best soulful vocal work which also enhances Lamar’s flow on the song and elevates him, a very underrated unexpected match in the industry. Another stand out moment is on the opening track “Wacced out Murals” where Kendrick Lamar seems to address the aftermath of his beef with Drake back in the summer in lines like “keep your feelings out the way / Never let no one put smut up on your name”. Lamar emphasizes how committed he is to maintain his integrity, even if it means scarring relationships with once good friends in the industry . 

Kendrick Lamar is very unpredictable and many fans seem to be bracing themselves for another project from him due to his roll out video that came out just 30 minutes before the album unexpectedly dropped. In the video the snippet that was included was not on the album which had led fans to speculate he has more to deliver. 

Overall this album is a fun listen and after a few weeks of listening to it and getting a true opinion I would give this album a solid 7 out of 10.