The Surprise Release of GNX 

Kendrick seemingly ended his career in a neatly tied bow with Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers by realizing his trauma and exploring unhealthy coping mechanisms found in minority communities. However, following his heated rap battle with Drake, he dropped the surprise album GNX independently from Top Dawg Entertainment. This unexpected play proved Kendrick’s dominance and mastery of rap. The album follows themes of ego, love, peace, hate, and the details of Kendrick’s life. On the cover, Lamar leans against a 1987 Buick GNX, referencing the car in which his parents first drove him home from the hospital. Kendrick’s work is intertwined with contradicting messages of anti-materialist humbleness in “heart pt. 6” and ego-inflating verses about his superiority in “gnx” and “tv off” while “man at the garden” leaves the message to interpretation. He smoothly adds melodic features from SZA, Dody6, Lefty Gunplay, Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, Roddy Rich, AzChike, Hitta J3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh, continuing his tradition of uplifting on-the-come-up artists that add depth to his tracks. The Regional Mexican singer Deyra Barrera adds hauntingly emotional solos to “wacced out murals,” “reincarnated,” and “gloria.” His West Coast style shines through in “dodger blue” through the laid-back beat and commentary on Los Angeles. “luther (with sza)” provides optimism and idealistic thoughts of a loving relationship in a culture of clubbing. Kendrick references Tupac’s poem, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete” in the line “In this world, concrete flowers grow.” GNX pays homage to West Coast rap culture while gleaming with experimental ideas that further the genre and Kendrick’s reputation. Any listener remotely interested in rap should stream GNX.