GNX
by Kendrick Lamar

Not quite S tier, but definitely A. Not as catchy as Good Kid or DAMN, and not as original and profound as TPAB, but more consistent and enjoyable than Mr Morale and sits on the shelf comfortably next to Section 80. (Edited)

From AAL2014 TOP 100 COMMENTER 11/23/2024 15:39 | #306224 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Pretty easily Kendrick’s most fun and intentionally “messy” project. The common thought at the moment (a day after release) is it feels like a mixtape with the possibility of another, more conceptual album yet to come.

Regardless of if that’s true, this does feel like a mixtape, especially given the catalog of music GNX finds itself in. But just like Untitled Unmastered, Kenny’s first “victory lap” project, GNX is a more than worthy addition. Kendrick is able to feel free, be loose and experiment with all of the different tools in his verbal arsenal.

As great of an artist as Kendrick is, it’s taken him (by my estimation) a couple of project cycles to properly explore the more loose, fun, and pop-rap side of his artistry and of the rap game at large. I think he finally nails that pocket on this release (worth noting, the first on his own independent label).

And that should terrify every other rapper in the business. (Edited)

My first impressions were not positive, they improved upon a second listen. This album feels inconsequential for Kendrick, which isn't necessarily bad - it proves he's human. I get the sense that this album is part of the continued victory lap in his win over Drake, but it feels a bit like a hangover with weak beats and inconsequential lyrics. Definitely some great songs - Wacced Out Murals, Reincarnated and TV Off go up there with his previous work, but for an artist from whom I've come to expect great things, this feels decidedly average. (Edited)

From corenfro TOP 100 COMMENTER 11/22/2024 23:15 | #306213 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Only 2 listens in but just wow. DAMN. Kendrick dropping a surprise album!

My knee jerk reaction is it's the best since TPAB but my official reaction is I shouldn't make knee jerk reactions and then post them on the internet, oh wait, that is literally what 90% of the internet is so here it is.

Those synths on Squabble Up?

I just hope this isn't all of SZA we see in 2024. (Edited)

From lleon79 TOP 100 COMMENTER 11/23/2024 17:31 | #306225 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

I don't know if it's because of my current headspace, but I think this is the album I've connected with the most since Good Kid, Maad City. Pretty good and enjoyable. I'm not that much into rap or the whole scandal with Drake, I just generally judge music around melody and how it makes me feel. This is a very direct record, missing some of the more interesting things he did with Mr Morale. Still, it really hits where it counts, and features something I really look forward with albums: it's around the 40-50 minute length. I don't usually stand albums that are longer than that, so maybe that's why I've been playing this on loop. It's diverse enough to not get boring, and cohesive at the same time.

One of this year's best releases, and that's saying a lot. (Edited)