GNX- Kendrick Lamar

   By: Sky Rodriguez

      After his latest surprise album, GNX, Kendrick Lamar is the talk of the music town. 12 songs, 44 minutes, and 11 artists later, this album takes you on a journey that is emotional, ambitious, and so musically appealing. I have never followed Kendrick Lamar very closely but after listening to this album I am extremely interested in going to earlier albums, listening further, and continuing to listen out for new stuff. This album has a major focus on Kendrick as an artist and the specific roll he plays as one of the leading voices in hip hop. It also points to issues within the music industry such as fraud, feuds, and losses. I think is easy to gloss over these problems and forget what artist go through behind the scenes but Kendrick bringing attention to it is so important. 

            There are a good amount of features in the album from really popular artists like SZA to less well known rappers like lefty gunplay. I really appreciate how Kendrick is bringing attention to smaller rappers and they sound really great in his songs. A couple of my favorite songs from the album like “gloria” and “luther” have SZA on them and they do a great job of showcasing her voice. I know SZA and Kendrick have worked together a lot in the past and are planning to go on tour together this year which is super exciting. I wonder if any of these other artist that are on the album will also be popping up on tour at all. Tv off (ft. Lefty gunplay) is one of my favorite songs off the album and I think one of the most listened to by others as well and for good reason. It’s super catchy and has a variety of themes, metaphors, and cultural references within it that if you listen to close enough, you will catch. Another favorite of mine is gloria with SZA. This song represents his often times conflicted relationship between him and his art and its a really fun listen. If I had to choose one final favorite song off the album it would have to be reincarnated. It’s emotional, upbeat, and a super easy listen.   

Overall I would rate this album a 8/10. There’s definitely something for everybody.