Critique of Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX': Transforming Hostility into Educational Insight
Revamped Review: Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX': A Hard-Hitting Teachable Moment
Ever since unleashing 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers', Kendrick Lamar could've just chilled for half a decade. But nah, he's been fucking with the hip-hop scene throughout 2024, stirring the pot in the biggest beef to hit the genre over the past two decades. All thanks to that iconicresponse to J. Cole's shout-out on 'First Person Shooter', followed by a fiery verse on Future and Metro Boomin's 'Like That' — yep, Lamar told his peers to "go fuck themselves" — launching a bone-rattling hip-hop feud with Drake.
Fast-forward to 2024, the rap titan's back with 'GNX', his fist-pumping first record under his own label, pgLang. With the swagger of a Buick Grand National driver, Lamar's ready to rattle anyone standing in his way, redefining the rap world in his vision.
The record kicks off on 'Wacced Out Murals', a no-holds-barred look into the world Lamar sees laid bare. Renowned as one of hip-hop's modern icons, this is his State of the Union, establishing his new ethos with a defiant middle finger to the world: "Fuck everybody, that's on my body / My blick first, then God got me." He may not name Drake directly, but it's hard to miss the underlying reference.
Lamar criticizes rap pioneers like Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne for being "fake loyal" in 'Squabble Up', leaning on the classic West Coast g-funk sound to get your feet moving. It's a danceable tune that's equally evident on other tracks like 'Hey Now', where you'll find yourself boogieing down at the hottest block party, breaking out your best C-walk.
But it's not all "fuck, fuck, fuck" — the man's capable of some heartfelt tracks, too. 'Heart, Pt. 6' is a pensive cut, reminiscing about his early days at Top Dawg Entertainment. And while Drake's attempt to create his own 'The Heart, Part 6' earlier this year ended in disaster, Lamar offers a sultry track that tells us to "use your heart and not your eyes," doling out advice on real conflict resolution.
Lamar called on LA's finest talent to join him on this record. On the album's title track, he goes back and forth with promising local youngsters Hitter j3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh, creating a dark, gritty track that embodies the relentless drive of those determined to stand their ground.
When it comes to love, Lamar collaborates with former labelmate SZA on 'Luther'. Together, they pay homage to the late soul legend Luther Vandross, flipping his signature style to tell a modern love story that belies their lofty registers. Later, they channel husbands and wives on 'Gloria', a heartwarming tune highlighting Lamar's love for his wife, Whitney Alford.
Even if you're not keen on following Kendrick Lamar's questionable morals, there's no denying his ability to turn rage into a teachable moment. In a year that's been steeped in venom, 'GNX' serves as a sobering reminder that love might just be mankind's salve.
Details
- Release Date: November 22, 2024
- Label: pgLang
The post Kendrick Lamar - 'GNX' review: turning hatred into a teachable moment appeared first on NME.
- The album 'GNX' by Kendrick Lamar, released on November 22, 2024 under his own label pgLang, delves into the realms of pop-culture, featuring danceable tracks infused with g-funk and hip-hop beats, as well as critiques of the entertainment industry and celebrities.
- Notably, 'GNX' showcases Kendrick Lamar's collaborations with various artists, such as LA-based talents Hitter j3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh, and former labelmate SZA, who together bring a fusion of g-funk and soul music to the record.
- The record presents a tapestry of styles, blending elements of funk, pop, and hip-hop for an album that transcends the boundaries of traditional rap, offering both hard-hitting verses and introspective tracks, making it a significant contribution to contemporary music and pop-culture.
