Kendrick Lamar - GNX

Kendrick returns with his most lauded release, which is impressive considering it’s his sixth album, yet his first indie release. Doing it on his own and losing none of the polish, luster, or pointed-ness. GNX, much like the car on the cover, is quick and stylish.

Is this his magnum opus? Probably not. But if it was, would anyone question it? Kendrick takes a victory lap here, talking about competition, his standing in rap, and his ability to outwork anybody. Who can argue?

The West Coast style has never sounded fresher. There are very few, and even fewer mainstream, acts who can hold a candle to his lyricism, tunes, and swagger. Kendrick samples from the entire globe. Mexican mariachi, jazz, dance, hip hop. Hell, throw some punk in there. Since the scene has forgotten what it stands for, let Kendrick have the mantle of king of punk.

The Super Bowl was the apex, but it wasn’t the story. You can feel the heavy introspection in almost every track. Kendrick sat long and thought hard before putting pen to paper, and it shows.

Not included on this album, “Not Like Us”, entered the zeitgeist almost immediately after, and is, in my opinion, the bonus track of a nearly perfect album.

GNX is a masterpiece. In my opinion, it’s not his greatest, but it’s a well deserved W for Kung Fu Kenny.