Kendrick Lamar releases surprise new album
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Kendrick Lamar has unexpectedly dropped his latest album, GNX.
The album features 12 tracks and is Lamar's sixth major studio release; it can now be streamed on various platforms.
The album, which serves as a sequel to 2022's Mr. Morale and the High Steppers, is set to launch just before Lamar's main performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2025.
The list of songs includes: “wacced out murals,” “squabble up,” “luther,” “man at the garden,” “hey now,” “reincarnated,” “tv off,” “dodger blue,” “peekaboo,” “heart pt. 6,” “gnx,” and “gloria.”
Even though the latest release came as a surprise, fans had been eagerly waiting for it. In a glowing five-star review of Mr. Morale and the High Steppers, Ben Bryant from The Independent referred to Lamar as the "key poet of his generation."
In December 2019, The Independent recognized Kendrick Lamar's third album, "To Pimp a Butterfly," as the top album of the previous ten years. The year before that, he made history by becoming the first rapper to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Music for his fourth album, "Damn."
Lamar has been caught up in a dispute with Canadian rapper Drake for a significant part of the last year.
When it was revealed that Lamar would be the main act for the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, numerous fans speculated that he might have hinted at his ongoing rivalry with Drake.
The rapper, who has won 17 Grammy Awards, announced the news in September by uploading a video of himself on a football field, with an American flag in the background, while he tossed footballs into a passing machine.
"I'm Kendrick Lamar, and I’m excited to announce that I’ll be taking the stage at Super Bowl LIX," he stated in the video. "Are you planning to come? I really hope to see you there. You only get one chance to win a championship—there are no do-overs."
“I don’t want you to miss out on this. Join me in New Orleans on February 9, 2025,” Lamar said. “Make sure to put on your nicest outfit, even if you're just watching from home.”
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In the comments, several fans suggested that the phrase “no round twos” could be a discreet nod to Drake.
The rivalry between Lamar and Drake dates back to 2014, but it intensified this past summer when both artists dropped several diss tracks. They took shots at each other regarding their looks, musical abilities, the use of AI in their work, and even made serious accusations of child exploitation.
In another announcement regarding the halftime performance, Lamar expressed, “Rap music remains the most influential genre today. I’m excited to show everyone why that’s true. They’ve chosen the right person for the job.”
Jay-Z, whose organization Roc Nation collaborates with the NFL to choose the halftime show artist, expressed: "Kendrick Lamar is undoubtedly a rare talent and performer. His profound passion for hip-hop and culture shapes his creative outlook. He possesses a unique talent for shaping and impacting culture around the world."
"Kendrick's creations go beyond just music, and his influence will resonate for many years ahead."
