GNX: Yapping My Way Through Kendrick's New Album
A take on Kendrick's latest drop—no think pieces, just vibes
November 22, 2024: Surprise!!! Kendrick Lamar dropped a new album—happy Friday. We all remember where we were when we found out. Personally, I was battling a viral infection from a music festival, but I got geeked enough to make it through the album. Now, just under two weeks after the release, it’s time for me to yap about it.
Disclaimer: this is not much of a think piece, I just need to yap about it.
This album makes me happy. People have said this is an LA joint, and it absolutely is. I can't imagine what it must be like to be from South Central and listen to this album. The entire country has revolved around this release—McDonald’s even made an entire ad campaign around a single line. Everyone bumping songs about your neighborhood has to be an amazing feeling. For the rest of us Kendrick fans, or hip-hop fans in general, this album gives a little bit of everything. WE ARE EATING GOOD!
We get insight into what’s been going on in Kendrick’s head this year (post-beef) with songs like "Whacced Out Murals" and "Man in the Garden." The intro rolls in, and there are things in there that we learn about Kendrick. The most relatable part is that Kendrick is chronically online. From the lines "take it to the internet, I’ll take it there," Snoop posting Taylormade, or referencing the TikTok clip that went viral (known only to the chronically online) of a white comedian making fun of Black women—it’s clear he’s in tune with the digital world. He feels slighted that people hate on him for his hard work and success, even people he thought were close. Listen to the song; I’m not going to walk you through the entire intro.
"Man in the Garden" is Kendrick taking in the flowers that he grew in his garden. He is giving himself his well-deserved flowers. A valuable lesson for us all: enjoy your success and appreciate your external and internal victories. It will light a fire inside of you.
There are a handful of songs that are artistically beautiful: "Luther," "Reincarnated," "Gloria," and "Dodger Blue."
Kendrick and SZA have a special bond, and their ability to make music together is a straight blessing to our ears. "Gloria" is a beautiful love letter to his pen. SZA’s voice on it is just perfect. "Reincarnated" tells the crazy story of Kendrick being the rebirth of other amazing musical artists. Again, listen to it—I don’t need to walk you through the entire song. "Dodger Blue" is another beautiful love letter, but this time it's to LA (LA south of the I-10, of course).
Then we have songs that give us a look back into the past, like "The Heart Part 6," a piece dedicated to the homies and the journey they had together, and growing apart from Black Hippy.
Best of all, he gave us a handful of bangers: "Squabble Up," "Hey Now," "TV Off," "Peekaboo," and "GNX." My personal favorites are "Squabble Up" and "TV Off." I instantly get life in me and start dancing when they come on. Any TikTok sports edit with "Peekaboo" playing is an instant watch. The others will get stuck in your head just as easily.
I’m not going to rank this album. I have no desire to even think about where it belongs in any list. I’m just enjoying the music. I’m still catching new lines and sounds as I listen. I feel very blessed that my favorite artist gave me music I’ll be listening to well into 2025.
