Kendrick Lamar has once again shaken the music industry, dropping his sixth studio album, ‘GNX,’ without warning. The 12-track project, released on Nov. 22, follows the rapper’s heated feud with Drake and his recent Grammy-nominated hit “Not Like Us,” which dominated charts earlier this year.
The unexpected release marks a significant milestone for Lamar, coming two years after his introspective double album, “Mr. Morale” & “the Big Steppers”. GNX’s arrival was teased with a cryptic YouTube video hours before its release, featuring Lamar in a dimly lit garage surrounded by vintage muscle cars—imagery mirrored in the album’s cover art. In the teaser, Lamar delivers rapid-fire verses over atmospheric, drone-like sounds and hymnal vocals, setting the tone for what fans can expect.
Lamar’s return to the spotlight has been marked by notable success and controversy. His spring battle with Drake ignited a series of diss tracks, most notably “Like That” and “Not Like Us.” The latter not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but also garnered nominations for both Record and Song of the Year at the Grammys, solidifying Lamar’s dominance in hip-hop’s ongoing narrative.
GNX also marks Lamar’s first major release since parting ways with Top Dawg Entertainment, the label that launched his career. This project is credited to pgLang, the creative collective he co-founded with longtime collaborator Dave Free, and released under Interscope Records.
Among the standout tracks is “Heart Pt. 6,” continuing Lamar’s acclaimed series and serving as a pointed response to Drake’s diss track of the same name. The album also features SZA on the soulful track “Luther,” adding a touch of melodic brilliance.
The surprise drop sets the stage for Lamar’s highly anticipated headlining performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025. The New Orleans event follows his Emmy-winning 2022 halftime performance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.
Fans and critics alike will be dissecting GNX in the weeks to come, but one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release has ensured that his narrative—and his rivalry with Drake—will continue to dominate headlines and playlists alike.
