Kendrick Lamar's "GNX" - A Review

by Noah Santiago

Kendrick Lamar prepares to perform during the music video shoot for "Not Like Us" at Compton Courthouse on June 22, 2024, in Compton, California. (Michael Blackshire/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

On Nov. 22, Kendrick Lamar released a new surprise album, "GNX." Kendrick had hinted at dropping an album earlier in the year, but this was a nice surprise. The 12-track album stands out from the rest of Kendrick's discography as it isn't a conceptual album, and there is no underlying theme between the songs. Here's what I think:

The album starts with 'wacced out murals' which sets the tone for the album. Kendrick states that this album will be straight up with no deeper theme. This song is pretty solid with its good production and flow. 8/10

The next track is 'squabble up' where Kendrick revisits the snippet he used at the beginning of the 'Not Like Us' video in the summer. This song seems like it is made for clubs with its energetic beat and production. It does feel all over the place at times and you can tell Kendrick isn't used to making these types of songs. 6/10

The third track 'luther' features SZA, who adds much to the song. This intro is a bit lackluster but SZA's feature can be described as nothing short of heavenly. The vocals on this song are perfect along with its amazing production.

9/10

In the next track, 'man at the garden', Kendrick seems to be talking more than he is rapping. This track is very different from the previous ones as it has a more somber tone to it. He picks up the pace near the end as he finally starts rapping and the beat picks up.

7/10

The album continues with 'hey now'. The first half of this song is kind of boring as not much is going on. It then picks up toward the middle. Kendrick tries to sing which sounds alright and dody6's feature is also just alright.

6.5/10

In the next song, 'reincarnated', Kendrick goes back to his usual storytelling type of song. He talks about his struggles growing up and how he overcame them. He sounds more amped up, almost angry. This song is nonstop rapping with a really good flow.

9/10

The next song has probably been the most popular so far - 'tv off'. This song, produced by Mustard, has the best production of the album including a beat switch.

The feature by Lefty Gunplay at the end doesn't add much to the song as he is only repeating the same line for 20 seconds. This is an overall good song, one of the better ones on the album.

8.5/10

Dodger blue, which is the next song, has 3 features from wallie the sensei, siete7x, and Roddy Ricch. The features are the best part of the song and add much vocally. Kendrick's part is subpar and he is outshined by each of the 3 other people on this song.

6/10

In the next song 'peakaboo', Kendrick is once again outshined by his feature, this time from AzChike. The song has no redeeming qualities to it as the lyrics nor the production stand out.

4/10

Kendrick continues his Heart series with 'the heart pt. 6.' The heart series once again gets another great installment as everyone performs well. The melodic chorus from SWV and Coko deserves applause for how well they sing. Kendrick raps really good as well and the production also adds to the more melodic tone of the song.

8.5/10

The title song 'gnx' might be the worst on the album. Kendrick seems to be randomly making incoherent sounds while none of the features stand out. Peysoh's feature is OK at best while Hitta J3's feature is pretty solid, but this gets canceled out by YoungThreat's feature, which can be described as inaudible.

3/10

The outro, 'gloria' once again features SZA. SZA once again delivers with her amazing vocals. Kendrick delivers a heartfelt verse that fits perfectly. The production of this song is amazing as well. This is the perfect outro for the album

9.5/10

Overall, this album is pretty solid but far from Kendrick's best. It has its highs and lows but nothing that makes it spectacular.

Best Song: gloria

Worst song: gnx

Overall Album Rating: 7.1/10

But, that's enough from me. Here is what other people think:

"GNX is one of my favorite Kendrick Lamar albums" says Victor Casado '26. "I love the energy he brings to the record, Kendrick really dives into his west coast heritage and put out a truly incredible album."

"I think it was really rushed and not close to Kendrick's best, 7/10" says Daniel Gonzalez '26

"Overall, I don't think is good. But the best song is 'luther.'" said Sebastian Romero '25.

As you can see, there are mixed reviews on this album but maybe you should give it a listen and decide what you think.