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Kendrick Lamar has once again shocked the world with the unexpected release of his new album, GNX. Dropping without warning or promotion, the project arrives amidst swirling rumors about Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl Halftime performance and a highly anticipated world tour reportedly slated for next year.
Known for his meticulous approach to music, Kendrick has taken a bold turn with GNX, delivering what might be his most spirited and carefree album since his early Overly Dedicated mixtape days.
The album comes at a pivotal moment in Kendrick’s career, following his much-publicized lyrical sparring with Drake—a clash that reignited interest in Hip-Hop’s competitive spirit and reaffirmed Kendrick’s position as one of the genre’s elite.
That energy permeates GNX, an album that balances sharp lyricism with a palpable sense of freedom. It feels as though Kendrick, riding high on his recent victories, is fully embracing the moment.
From playful wordplay to experimental sonics, GNX showcases a side of Kendrick rarely seen in his more conceptual albums. While projects like To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN. delved into heavier themes of identity, politics, and spirituality, GNX is a celebration—a victory lap for an artist at the peak of his powers.
The soundscape is vibrant and eclectic, blending elements of jazz, funk, trap, and even house music, creating a dynamic listening experience that reflects Lamar’s current mindset: confident, unbothered, and creatively untethered.
With GNX, Kendrick Lamar not only delivers a surprise gift to fans but also reasserts his dominance over a year that feels defined by his influence. It’s a testament to his ability to evolve and stay ahead, offering an album that feels as fun as it is masterful. As the world gears up for his next moves, GNX feels like the perfect prelude to a year of continued Kendrick Lamar supremacy.
After having given the album a few focused spins, here are our picks for the five best songs that Kendrick Lamar’s GNX has to offer and are primed for heavy rotation.
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“peekaboo”
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Instead of popping out, Kendrick Lamar plays a game of “peekaboo” this time around, as he makes his presence felt before drawing back to allow Cali spitter AzChike to step to the forefront. Preceded by a soulful vocal sample, the beat transforms into a steely thumper, with Kendrick and Chike cascading atop the pulsating 808s and synths.
Trading couplets throughout the track, K.Dot finds a capable collaborator in Chike, whose profile will likely skyrocket on the strength of this standout performance. Yeah, the repetitive hook takes some time to get accustomed to, but not enough to diminish returns on its replay value, as it rates among the more enjoyable listens on GNX.
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“wacced out murals”
Image Credit: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images
Kendrick Lamar has been more confrontational than ever in the aftermath of his rhyme war with you-know-who, which is the energy he gives off in this introductory salvo.
Shunning double entendres and subliminals, K.Dot drops names, whether it be him giving the side-eye to Snoop Dogg for his seeming support of the opposition or voicing his disappointment by Lil Wayne’s outcry regarding his forthcoming Super Halftime performance.
While the rapper makes it clear it’s “f**k” everybody while airing his grievances, he reserves respect for rap legend Nas, allegedly the sole rap artist to personally congratulate him on his Super Bowl gig. Overall, the song gives a strong first impression and captures Kendrick in a war-ready, yet triumphant vibe.
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“tv off”
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Kendrick Lamar and DJ Mustard’s chemistry has continued to manifest in lively jams that conjure K. Dot’s more rambunctious side. On his latest release, the pair spin the block and unload this two-pronged heater, “tv off.” Revealing the inspiration behind the title GNX and his love for the Buick Grand National, the track is in a similar vein to his seismic smash, “Not Like Us,” but avoids being labeled a retread largely due to its spirited second half.
Featuring glorious horns courtesy of jazzman Kamasi Washington, Lamar goes Super Saiyan, rising to the height of his lyrical abilities with a flurry of rewind-worthy couplets that remind us he’s capable of dismantling a beat at will. Plus, anybody who can admit to cutting their own Grandmother off without shame is of a different breed, that’s for sure.
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“gloria” featuring SZA
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On this string and percussive-laden composition, Kendrick Lamar tackles matters of the heart alongside SZA, weaving a tale of a ride-or-die romantic companion while tapping into his more tender and vulnerable sides.
Featuring an appearance by Deyra Barrera, the song also adds to Kendrick and SZA’s discography of duets, as they’ve grown into a modern version of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, of sorts.
Leaning on his conceptual brilliance and storytelling, K. Dot drafts a heartfelt sonnet that displays his versatility and has the makings of a song that will resonate with fans within the genre’s borders and beyond.
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“squabble up”
Image Credit: Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
With the hype and radio spins surrounding “Like That” and “Not Like Us” having tempered a bit, Kendrick Lamar looks to conquer the charts yet again with this infectious offering, which captures the lyricist in a carefree, yet aggressive zone.
Produced by Sounwave, Bridgeway, Jack Antonoff, M-Tech, and K.Dot himself, the song pairs a dancefloor-ready backdrop and vocal sample with cocksure lyrics as Kendrick lives it up while stiff-arming the haters and hang-ons.
Filled with various moments opportune for call-and-response chants, “squabble up” is Kendrick simply styling and having fun, simultaneously basking atop his perch as the reigning king of Hip-Hop.
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