GNX: Kendrick Lamar’s Sixth Studio Album
When Kendrick Lamar drops a new album, it’s like the sun rising after a long, dark night. GNX, his sixth studio album, is no exception. Released on November 22, 2024, as a surprise through PGLang and Interscope Records, it’s a testament to his enduring influence in hip hop.
Who Put the West Back in Front of Shit?
The title track, ‘GNX,’ is a posse cut with Los Angeles rappers Peysoh, Hitta J3, and YoungThreat. Kendrick doesn’t have a verse; instead, he provides a hook that questions who put the West back in front of shit? This rhetorical question encapsulates his journey and the album’s theme: reclaiming and celebrating the essence of West Coast hip hop.
Surprise Teaser and Release
On November 22, Kendrick Lamar dropped a one-minute teaser on YouTube and Instagram. The surprise release through PGLang and Interscope just 30 minutes later was like a lightning bolt out of the blue. It’s hard to predict when Kendrick will drop something new, making every moment count.
Grand National Tour
Kendrick Lamar announced the Grand National Tour, co-headlined with SZA, in support of GNX. The tour is set to begin on April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis and conclude on June 18, 2025, in Landover. It’s a grand journey, much like a pilgrimage, where Kendrick will share his music with fans across the globe.
Widespread Acclaim
Upon release, GNX received widespread acclaim from music critics. With an average score of 87 out of 100 from 18 critic scores, it’s clear that Kendrick has once again delivered a masterpiece. Critics praised the album for its tributes to West Coast hip hop and Lamar’s ability to distill various elements into a cohesive record.
Streaming Success
The album was an instant hit on streaming platforms. GNX earned over 44.2 million first-day streams on the global Spotify chart, averaging over 3.6 million streams per song despite being available only seven hours prior. It simultaneously occupied the top two slots on the American Spotify charts. In the UK, it became Lamar’s first number-one album since To Pimp a Butterfly (2015).
Technical Details
The technical personnel for GNX include Ruairi O’Flaherty (mastering), Oli Jacobs, Jack Antonoff, Johnathan Turner, Laura Sisk, and Ray Charles Brown Jr. The album features uncredited vocals from Dody6, samples from ‘Made Niggaz,’ and interpolations of ‘Kick in the Door’ and ‘MacArthur Park.’ It also includes a sample from ‘The Black Hole – Overture.’
GNX is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a celebration of Kendrick Lamar’s legacy and his continued influence in the hip hop world. It’s a reminder that no matter how many years pass, Kendrick Lamar remains a driving cultural force in music.
In conclusion, GNX stands as a testament to Kendrick Lamar’s enduring talent and innovation. It’s a must-listen for any fan of hip hop, and it cements his status as one of the greatest artists of our time. As we listen to the album, let us reflect on the power of music to unite and inspire.
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This page is based on the article GNX (album) published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 11, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
