Kendrick Lamar Drops Surprise Album 'GNX' Days Before Super Bowl LIX Performance
Kendrick Lamar has unexpectedly released his sixth studio album, GNX, ahead of his upcoming Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance. The 12-track project, produced by Jack Antonoff, features collaborations with SZA and other artists.
Kendrick Lamar seated on stone steps
The album follows Lamar's successful 2024 diss track "Not Like Us," which broke multiple streaming records in May. While GNX includes apparent references to his ongoing feud with Drake in songs like "Reincarnated," "Heart Pt. 6," and the title track, the album extends beyond just rap rivalries.
In the opening track, Lamar addresses New Orleans native Lil Wayne, who was notably absent from the Super Bowl LIX halftime show lineup: "Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down."
The album has received positive early feedback, with major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music promoting the release. While physical editions aren't currently available, the digital release is expected to gain significant traction, particularly following Lamar's Super Bowl performance in February.
The release demonstrates Lamar's continued evolution as an artist, balancing personal narratives with broader musical themes. Early listener response suggests GNX maintains the high artistic standards fans have come to expect from the acclaimed rapper, while potentially setting new benchmarks for streaming performance in the hip-hop genre.