This past Friday afternoon, Kendrick Lamar made a massive return with his sixth studio album, GNX. Hot on the heels of his victory over Drake and his announcement to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show, it seemed only fitting that Kendrick would drop a new album to ride the wave of his growing momentum. In this latest episode of Bad For The Community, the hosts dissect the album, offering their initial thoughts on its reception, its artistic depth, and whether GNX represents a definitive moment in Kendrick’s career or just a teaser for what’s to come.
The crew also addresses the timing of GNX‘s release, overshadowing J. Cole’s long-anticipated The Fall Off. There’s a discussion on how Cole might need to adjust his strategy in the wake of Kendrick’s latest drop. Additionally, the hosts touch on the first few episodes of Rhythm and Flow Season 2 on Netflix, a rap competition series that features Bad For The Community‘s friend, SeeFour, who’s representing Boston on a major stage.
The album has received mostly positive feedback from the hosts, with tracks like At the Garden, Reincarnated, and TV Off standing out. While Kendrick’s confidence on the album is apparent, it’s noted that his approach feels less humble compared to his previous works. The album subtly touches on Kendrick’s relationship with Lil Wayne, hinting at past tension. However, Kendrick’s response is seen as more measured and thoughtful than a direct confrontation.
The hosts dive into Kendrick’s connections with other artists, his place in hip-hop, and his evolving status in the industry. The hosts view Kendrick as almost prophetic, with an ability to convey complex themes through storytelling. GNX is celebrated as a reflection of Kendrick’s personal and spiritual growth. The discussion touches on Kendrick’s potential status as the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) in rap, especially given his unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
Despite the album’s positive reception, one host shares mixed feelings about its standing in Kendrick’s discography. While they acknowledge the album’s strengths and appreciate its concise nature, they argue that it doesn’t measure up to his best work, placing it outside of his top three albums. The host also feels that the hype surrounding the album has been exaggerated, with some fans overreacting to its impact.
The episode also touches on other rap releases, such as Tyler, the Creator’s albums, and the anticipation around Pusha T’s upcoming project. There’s also frustration about J. Cole’s delayed The Fall Off, with one host expressing that the album’s rollout has been overshadowed by Kendrick’s surprise release. The conversation also dives into the diversity of rap this year, from AB’s rugged rap performance to Schoolboy Q’s Blue Lips. However, no clear consensus emerges on which album stands out the most in 2024’s rap scene.
