Kendrick Lamar - GNX
Are you not entertained?
Kendrick Lamar is the gladiator of modern music—a master storyteller whose every move captivates, educates, and challenges us. With GNX, a surprise album that dropped without warning, Lamar once again proves that he’s not just playing the game—he’s redefining it.
This year alone, Kendrick dominated headlines, even without an album, thanks to his unforgettable sparring with Drake, which turned the latter into a cautionary tale for future history books of music. Yet, just when we thought the story was over, Kendrick hit us with a twist, stepping back from personal feuds to take a panoramic view of the music industry itself. Enter GNX, a bold, scorching critique of the current state of hip-hop and beyond. From the very first track, "wacced out murals," Lamar pulls no punches, declaring his mission to cleanse the industry and push its boundaries.
The album's first half is a firestorm of anthemic tracks, balancing brash bangers with introspective cuts. Highlights like "reincarnated" showcase Kendrick at his most impassioned, channeling an almost theatrical intensity. Here, he fully embraces the role of a villain for the greater good—a self-styled Wicked Witch of the West, fighting to rebuild a broken kingdom.
However, as GNX. unfolds, its initial grandeur begins to lose momentum. Tracks like "peekaboo" and the titular "gnx" feel oddly out of place. These songs, while playful and experimental, feel disconnected from the overarching narrative, diluting the impact of the album’s thematic core. Still, Kendrick manages to reclaim the spotlight with "heart pt. 6," a deeply reflective centerpiece that pulls listeners back into his world of raw introspection. Here, he masterfully balances vulnerability and self-awareness, reminding us why he remains one of the most compelling voices in hip-hop. The journey concludes with "Gloria," a cinematic closer featuring SZA’s ethereal vocals, which elevate the track into a soaring, almost spiritual finale.
While undeniably ambitious, GNX feels like a kaleidoscope of ideas, some sharper than others. It’s a daring experiment, but its patchwork nature might leave fans longing for the meticulous cohesion of past projects like To Pimp a Butterfly or DAMN. At times, Kendrick seems to revel in the chaos, leaning into Eminem-esque theatrics that blur the line between brilliance and excess.
But. GNX is less of a definitive statement and more of a bold, experimental interlude in Kendrick’s evolving story. Its bombast and swagger demand attention—attention you’ll give simply because he said so. Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here—this is Kendrick Lamar, a generational talent who redefines greatness with every project. Even when venturing into slightly odd territory, he delivers a captivating album filled with daring ideas, powerful performances, and undeniable vision. For now, GNX stands as a fascinating chapter in the ongoing saga of one of hip-hop’s greatest minds—a reminder that even in his bridge moment, Kendrick remains miles ahead of the competition.
8.1/10
