Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX' is an Ode to LAland

As loud as Kendrick said “Mustaaaard” on “TV Off” LA woke up with a surpriseeeeeee to his unexpected album GNX on Friday, November 22. It gave the same exhilarating feeling as waking up on Christmas morning not expecting to receive a particular gift that you’ve been begging your mom for all year, and actually seeing it under the Christmas tree. 

Only Lamar can release an album with no promo, literally! No announcements. No snippets. No movement on social media.

He took over the summer with his single, “Not Like Us,” that had fans itching for more. He did release a snippet of a new song in the music video to this summer anthem, which the full version “Squabble Up” has quickly become a fan favorite. This song samples Debbie Deb's "When I Hear Music" and social media is already putting together choreography as we speak.

Side note: He just released the visuals to his first official single, "Squabble Up." The video features plenty West Coast references including Nate Dogg's G-Funk Classics, the Compton Christmas Parade, freeway signs that read familiar Los Angeles street exits including Central and Wilmington Ave, and Long Beach Blvd. The video also features a dancer from Divas of Compton and Storm DeBarge. Kendrick also honors Isaac Hayes' Black Moses, and Menace II Society.

If you know Kendrick, then you know his love for his city. Born and raised in Compton, CA, the rapper is loud when it comes to how his hometown helped shape him into the man and artist he is today. What better way to honor your city than in your art? His pride for being a LA native permeates throughout GNX.

From Good Kid: M.A.A.D City to To Pimp A Butterfly to Damn, his albums are rich with themes and hidden messages that leave listeners dissecting each punch line. It was no surprise that his latest project hit us with the same effect. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already listened to it. But if you haven’t just yet, boy are you in for a lyrical treat. This album symbolizes the diverse sounds of the west coast. California is deep in cultural roots, and is a melting pot of diversity. GNX features appearances from various LA artists including AzChike, Dody6, Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, YoungThreat, Hitta J3, Peysoh, and more. When you think of an LA album in the future, this project will definitely come to mind. 

Now let’s get into a few songs from the album…

The first song “Wacced Out Murals” discusses the lack of support he received from certain artists when it was announced he would be the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans. He gives a shout out to rapper Nas who congratulated him on the opportunity, and briefly mentions New Orleans bred rapper Lil Wayne, who he says that the announcement of his upcoming performance “let him down.” We all know that social media literally took it there when the announcement was released, because Wayne is actually from New Orleans, so many felt he should be the one headlining. Mexican singer, Deyra Barrera, who is also featured on “Reincarnated” and “Gloria,” after Kendrick saw her perform at the Los Angeles Dodger’s game.

“Luther” samples the late Luther Vandross’ 1967 song “If This World Were Mine” and features singer/songwriter, SZA. Lamar's mellow tone alongside SZA’s soothing vocals does the classic sample justice. He is letting us know that he isn’t only a conscious rapper who tackles race, identity, social issues, and politics in his music, but is a well-rounded artist who is highly capable of exploring various genres and styles.

“Man At The Garden” feels like a journey entry. The repeated affirmation, “I deserve it all” solidifies that Lamar's longevity in the rap game can not and will not go unnoticed. He worked extremely hard to get to where he is today and has remained humble through it all. 

If you want that LA sound, you know a feature from Mustard is a must. “Hey Now” featuring Dody6 and “TV Off” featuring Lefty Gunplay have Mustard assisted beats. As I mentioned briefly above, the viral “Mustaaaard” line was a key moment on the album. It has inspired memes and even got the attention from fast food chain, McDonalds. 

When Lamar said “Don’t say you from LA when you don’t travel past the 10” I felt that. “Dodger Blue” features Wallie the Sensei, Roddy Ricch, and Siete7x, and is where his love for his hometown is explicitly stated. It’s no surprise he would have a song inspired by the LA Dodgers who won the world series in October.