On November 22, 2024, Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar Duckworth returned from a hiatus with a surprise album entitled GNX.
For hip-hop fans, 2024 has been an eventful year, marked by monumental releases from various artists. However, no one anticipated the seismic clash between two titans of the genre: Canada’s Aubrey “Drake” Graham and Kendrick Lamar. The two artists have had a contentious history dating back years to when Lamar released his critically acclaimed debut album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City and Drake dropped the well-received Take Care. The conflict between the two started out as a partnership, Lamar accompanied Drake on tour while as an upcoming artist and was featured on some songs by the artist, however tensions rose as Drake began to downplay Lamar’s monumental success and rise to fame while trying to “remain on top”.
In a week that will be remembered as iconic in hip-hop history, the two exchanged a series of diss tracks. The battle culminated with Lamar being widely declared the victor after serious allegations, including pedophilia, surfaced against Drake. Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us became a cultural phenomenon, reshaping public perception of Drake and solidifying Lamar’s position as a leading figure in the music industry. The song’s viral success ignited renewed appreciation for Lamar’s artistry and influence.
After releasing Not Like Us, Kendrick retreated into silence, seemingly returning to his hiatus after his previous album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. But that silence was broken on November 22 with the release of his sixth studio album, GNX.
The album once again consists of Lamar using his lyrical and artistic vision to express his thoughts on current conflicts arising in the rap industry, mainly with his conflict against Drake that arose into his own conflicts against other rappers and the entire music industry itself. In the album Kendrick reflects on his place as the number one rapper in the world, paying homage to those who were before him as well as embracing the new side that the public saw of him on his diss tracks and Not Like Us, showing a sort of metamorphosis on what fans can expect to hear on future albums and singles.
Released to critical acclaim, GNX has already made waves in the hip-hop world. Tracks from the album are being hailed as some of Lamar’s best, cementing his position as one of the most revered artists in the genre. Fans and critics alike were surprised by Lamar’s swift return to music, as many expected him to retreat into his private life with his family.
With his ongoing influence, anticipation for his creative future, and an upcoming Super Bowl performance in February, Kendrick Lamar remains as one of hip-hop’s most loved artist.
GNX is now available on Spotify, iTunes, and other major streaming platforms.
