There’s a lot to celebrate in the world of rap right now. From groundbreaking albums that have pushed the genre forward to a historical rap beef that’s keeping fans and critics on edge, 2024 has been an unforgettable year for hip-hop. But just when we thought the year couldn’t get any better, Kendrick Lamar returned with more heat.
Kendrick Lamar completely shocked the world on Friday, November 22 with the surprise release of his new album, GNX. Although it’s only 12 tracks, this album is packed with so many layers. In typical Kendrick fashion, the project came without warning and immediately sparked conversations and think-pieces across social media.
Fans and critics alike are already calling it one of the year’s defining projects, adding yet another masterpiece to Kendrick’s discography. The album’s track list doesn’t hold back and is filed with gems. From rapping about identity and even doubling-down on Kendrick proves once again why he’s considered one of the greatest rappers of all time.
With so much to unpack, Remixd Mag is diving deep to bring you five of the biggest takeaways from this release.
1. Kendrick Lamar is Tupac in “Reincarnated”
It’s common knowledge that Kendrick Lamar’s biggest influence is the late great, Tupac Shakur. Uniquely, K-Dot paid homage to the legend on his song “Reincarnated.” He embodied Tupac’s spirit on the track by sampling his song “Made N*****” which came off of the Gang Related soundtrack. It’s amazing how he transformed a classic Pac track into something completely new without tainting it. Without a doubt, Tupac would be proud of his successor as he channeled Tupac’s iconic “Makaveli” cadence and delivery.
2. No Friends In The Industry
Kendrick Lamar made it loud and clear that he would not be biting his tongue for anyone on GNX. Coming out of the gate hot, he was very direct in calling out Lil Wayne & Snoop Dogg for their past transgressions on the first track, “wacced out murals.”
“I used to bump Tha Carter 3, I held my Rollie chain proud/Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.”
“Got the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me, all these n***** agitated I’m just glad it’s on they faces.”
While critics wouldn’t classify it as a diss, he stood his ground and expressed how he doesn’t feel supported by either party. Specifically, after his Super Bowl announcement, he mentioned that Nas was the only one to congratulate him.
Both Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne both seemingly appeared to respond on X. Wayne warned he “shall destroy if disturbed,” while Snoop commented, “K Dot new album GNX was the edibles, west west king!”
3. R&B Sample Connoisseur
With every album, Kendrick Lamar is guaranteed to give us at least one melodic banger. For GNX, it just happens to be “luther” featuring former label mate, SZA. This historic duo casually dropped one of the best R&B songs of 2025 as this track was met with critical acclaim from fans.
The carefully selected samples on GNX are everything, as they feel like an ode to iconic Black classics. “the heart pt. 6” samples SWV’s 1996 hit, “Use Your Heart” and “luther” samples Luther Vandross’ “If This World Were Mine.” Both are perfectly executed, as his use of sampling is an excellent example of when storytelling meets nostalgia. Hopefully, this will make his younger fans go check out the earlier versions.
4. He’s Trippin’ and Loving It
GNX is the most fun we’ve seen Kendrick Lamar ever have on a full-length album. This album scratches the fun itch that people thought was missing in Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. This feels like the first Kendrick album that has no overall theme or concept. It’s almost as if he made this project with the intention to prove a point to all the naysayers. Songs like “gnx” prove that Kendrick was really in his bag. With lyrics like:
Tell ’em Kendrick did it, who put the West back in front of shit?
Tell ’em Kendrick did it, ayy, I’m trippin’ and I’m lovin’ it
It’s clear that he’s having the time of his life, while making some of the best songs of his life.
5. California Love, Sharing His Platform
The most polarizing takeaway from GNX is how heavy it leans all the way into the West Coast influence. The majority of the features on this album, all come from artists from Los Angeles. With features from Lefty Gunplay, Wallie The Sensei, Siete7x, AzChike, HittaJ3, Peysoh, Dody6, & more … this album provides a big spotlight. Just as Kendrick did with his Pop Out concert, he took the opportunity to share his platform with dope West Coast artists that he respects. Social media believes he’s extremely goated for taking a chance and making a true regional project that stands out as unapologetically West Coast.
Check out GNX, and let us know your favorite things about the album!
