Over four months after Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video had many heads turning, Lamar released a surprise album: GNX. While Lamar displayed Easter eggs through Instagram, such as a post of a GNX car, nobody suspected an album drop.
The album’s title, an abbreviation for “Grand National Experimental,” the 1987 Buick Grand National Experimental automobile, reflects the art of Lamar’s lyricism and symbolism through his title. As the only rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize, Lamar is known for his intelligent, meaningful storytelling through his carefully crafted verses.
The 12-track album features collaborations with artists such as SZA, who appears on “luther,” a love ballad that samples “If This World Were Mine” by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. The song blends contemporary R&B and hip-hop elements, blending the different natures of the two artists’ various genres.
The album is introduced with the first track being “wacced out murals,” as a powerful response to his past year of conflict. Lamar settles the stigma around people speaking in certain ways about him and attempting to alter his image, similar to the way a mural can be vandalized. The melodic introduction sung by Deyra Barrera in Spanish clashes with Lamar’s bold response, highlighting and signifying it.
Critics have noted that GNX balances Lamar’s raw, provocative style with his evolving role in the music industry. While some tracks exhibit a polished production, the album retains moments of competitive spirit which lingers from his feud with Aubrey “Drake” Graham.
In support of GNX, Lamar has announced the “Grand National Tour,” a co-headlining stadium tour with SZA. The tour was announced shortly after the album release and will begin in April 2025. The tour is national and takes place in multiple states throughout the United States.
Overall, GNX is a testament to Kendrick Lamar’s ability to innovate and adapt, offering a complex narrative that reflects his personal growth and the intricacies of his position within the music industry.
