Kendrick Lamar's GNX - Poetry With A Razor Edge
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Dec. 5, 2024 • By Jason Elhilow
DescriptionA review of Kendrick Lamar's album GNX and its playlist of hits and razor-sharp cuts.
MessageWe recommend listening to GNX to form your own opinions about the album.
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Kendrick LamarIntroductionOn November 17, Kendrick Lamar delivered GNX, his latest album, surprising many after the saga between him and Canadian artist Drake earlier this year.
Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper and cultural icon, has consistently redefined the boundaries of hip-hop. From the introspection of good kid, m.A.A.d city to the seismic impact of DAMN., he has wielded his pen as a scalpel, carving stories of identity, resilience, and systemic critique into the very fabric of modern music.
This year in particular, Kendrick has really hit for so many, as the song Not Like Us took over the summer, giving a definitive end to his previously mentioned beef and acting as an anthem for all to enjoy. Seeing this reaction, it seems that GNX was born, Kendrick seeking to capitalize on both that success AND the potential to create further art from his feelings related to it and other issues in the industry/his life.
So, let's look at some of the fantastic songs off of this sudden album drop, and see if it holds up to the extremely high standards of Lamar (spoilers: it absolutely does).
Favorite SongsLuther introduces a sultry atmosphere with a simple guitar strum and a sample of Luther Vandross’s If This World Were Mine. Kendrick’s vocals blend seamlessly with SZA’s soulful feature, creating a poignant love song. Beneath its lush R&B vibes lies a deeper message of replacing pain with empowerment through connection. In contrast, Gloria, the album’s closing track, reimagines love as a metaphor for Lamar’s relationship with his craft. The track delves into the vulnerability and power of artistic expression, capturing the essence of writing as both a gift and a responsibility. Together, these songs highlight Kendrick’s creative range, from intimate ballads to layered introspections.
On the more experimental side, TV Off offers a hard-hitting, bass-heavy anthem that urges listeners to rise above distractions and pursue purpose. Its dual halves, featuring the rising LA rapper Lefty Gunplay, provide a thrilling contrast of energy and introspection. Meanwhile, Heart Pt. 6, a continuation of Kendrick’s renowned Heart series, takes a minimalist approach. With heartfelt verses that pay tribute to collaborators like producer Sounwave, it reflects on Kendrick’s journey with profound gratitude.
The album’s thematic core lies in Man At The Garden and Reincarnated, where Kendrick’s lyrical precision shines brightest. MATG builds with the sound of rain, as Kendrick reflects on his sacrifices and wrestles with his worthiness of greatness, evoking the biblical "garden" of paradise. The track crescendos with the haunting question: “Tell me why you think you deserve the greatest of all time?” Reincarnated continues this introspection, weaving stories of musical legends like John Lee Hooker and Billie Holiday with Kendrick’s own struggles and triumphs. Anchored by a 2Pac sample, the song’s defining moment comes in the line, “I could tell you where I’m going / I could tell you who you are,” encapsulating Kendrick’s internal conflict between gratitude for his gift and the sacrifices required to wield it. This track is a lyrical tour de force and cements itself as the album’s emotional pinnacle.
ConclusionKendrick Lamar’s GNX is a masterful tapestry of storytelling, introspection, and social critique. Each track is a testament to his unparalleled ability to distill complex emotions and ideas into verses that resonate universally, cutting deep into every feeling and belief a listener could have. Its songs are more than music—they’re conversations, challenges, and calls to action.
With GNX, Lamar continues to prove why he’s one of the most vital voices in contemporary music. Every song feels intentional, every lyric razor-sharp. In a world that often prioritizes volume over substance, Kendrick remains a beacon of artistry, reminding us of hip-hop’s and music's potential to both inspire and provoke. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this album demands and deserves your attention. Give it a listen, and prepare to be changed.
Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper and cultural icon, has consistently redefined the boundaries of hip-hop. From the introspection of good kid, m.A.A.d city to the seismic impact of DAMN., he has wielded his pen as a scalpel, carving stories of identity, resilience, and systemic critique into the very fabric of modern music.
This year in particular, Kendrick has really hit for so many, as the song Not Like Us took over the summer, giving a definitive end to his previously mentioned beef and acting as an anthem for all to enjoy. Seeing this reaction, it seems that GNX was born, Kendrick seeking to capitalize on both that success AND the potential to create further art from his feelings related to it and other issues in the industry/his life.
So, let's look at some of the fantastic songs off of this sudden album drop, and see if it holds up to the extremely high standards of Lamar (spoilers: it absolutely does).
Favorite SongsLuther introduces a sultry atmosphere with a simple guitar strum and a sample of Luther Vandross’s If This World Were Mine. Kendrick’s vocals blend seamlessly with SZA’s soulful feature, creating a poignant love song. Beneath its lush R&B vibes lies a deeper message of replacing pain with empowerment through connection. In contrast, Gloria, the album’s closing track, reimagines love as a metaphor for Lamar’s relationship with his craft. The track delves into the vulnerability and power of artistic expression, capturing the essence of writing as both a gift and a responsibility. Together, these songs highlight Kendrick’s creative range, from intimate ballads to layered introspections.
On the more experimental side, TV Off offers a hard-hitting, bass-heavy anthem that urges listeners to rise above distractions and pursue purpose. Its dual halves, featuring the rising LA rapper Lefty Gunplay, provide a thrilling contrast of energy and introspection. Meanwhile, Heart Pt. 6, a continuation of Kendrick’s renowned Heart series, takes a minimalist approach. With heartfelt verses that pay tribute to collaborators like producer Sounwave, it reflects on Kendrick’s journey with profound gratitude.
The album’s thematic core lies in Man At The Garden and Reincarnated, where Kendrick’s lyrical precision shines brightest. MATG builds with the sound of rain, as Kendrick reflects on his sacrifices and wrestles with his worthiness of greatness, evoking the biblical "garden" of paradise. The track crescendos with the haunting question: “Tell me why you think you deserve the greatest of all time?” Reincarnated continues this introspection, weaving stories of musical legends like John Lee Hooker and Billie Holiday with Kendrick’s own struggles and triumphs. Anchored by a 2Pac sample, the song’s defining moment comes in the line, “I could tell you where I’m going / I could tell you who you are,” encapsulating Kendrick’s internal conflict between gratitude for his gift and the sacrifices required to wield it. This track is a lyrical tour de force and cements itself as the album’s emotional pinnacle.
ConclusionKendrick Lamar’s GNX is a masterful tapestry of storytelling, introspection, and social critique. Each track is a testament to his unparalleled ability to distill complex emotions and ideas into verses that resonate universally, cutting deep into every feeling and belief a listener could have. Its songs are more than music—they’re conversations, challenges, and calls to action.
With GNX, Lamar continues to prove why he’s one of the most vital voices in contemporary music. Every song feels intentional, every lyric razor-sharp. In a world that often prioritizes volume over substance, Kendrick remains a beacon of artistry, reminding us of hip-hop’s and music's potential to both inspire and provoke. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this album demands and deserves your attention. Give it a listen, and prepare to be changed.
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