Kendrick Lamar: Rapper surprises fans with new album GNX

American rapper Kendrick Lamar has unexpectedly dropped a new album titled GNX.

The artist's sixth studio album, featuring 12 songs, was released on his social media accounts at approximately 5 PM GMT on Friday.

It includes input from American R&B sensation SZA and jazz musician Kamasi Washington, among others.

GNX marks Lamar's first album since his 2022 release, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. It also precedes his upcoming headline show at the Super Bowl halftime in February.

For several months, there were whispers that Lamar, a multiple Grammy winner and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music, was involved in creating something new.

Initial feedback on the album has largely been favorable, and fans have been expressing their appreciation for the new release on social media.

"Whatever happens from here on out, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author has produced another exciting installment in what continues to be the most captivating long-form narrative in hip-hop," reported AP News.

The publication described Lamar as a driven and exceptionally gifted poet from Compton who grapples with both personal and global contradictions while performing at the highest level, always feeling uneasy about the recognition he receives.

Rating Game Music remarked that the album serves as a reminder of why he is considered one of the best. However, they also noted that the album doesn’t come across as a major landmark in his career; instead, it seems more like an artistic release, allowing Kendrick to express and release some ideas that have been on his mind.

"I have a feeling that the true project is just around the corner."

There were rumors that Taylor Swift might show up, but it seems the pop star didn't make it after all.

The two have collaborated in the past, specifically when the rapper featured on Swift's song "Bad Blood" from her album 1989.

SZA contributes her vocals to two songs, "Luther" and "Gloria."

Lamar and SZA recently had a conversation with Harper's Bazaar, discussing various subjects including spirituality and mental well-being.

Additional songs on the album are "TV Off," "Dodger Blue," "Peekaboo," and "GNX."

In the first song, titled "wacced out murals," Lamar alludes to his anticipated performance at the Super Bowl.

The highly sought-after performance occurs during the NFL season finale and attracts millions of viewers across the country. Nonetheless, it stirred some frustration among Lil Wayne's fans, who believed he should have been chosen for the spot instead.

"I believe my dedication has disappointed Lil Wayne," the rapper from Compton expresses in his song.

"I won the Super Bowl, and Nas was the only one to congratulate me."

The latest album also reflects an ongoing feud with Drake that has lasted for years. However, things intensified earlier this year when the two artists exchanged insults through a series of new tracks.

The dispute led to the creation of some major hits, particularly Lamar's "Not Like Us."

Fueled by a captivating DJ Mustard rhythm, "Not Like Us" shattered Spotify records, emerging as the hip-hop track with the highest number of streams in one day.

It dominated the US music charts and landed at number six in the UK, marking Lamar's biggest success as a solo artist.