We expected better music from the rapper’s new drop, but this will satisfy his fans for now.
Compton’s flagship rapper, Kendrick Lamar, has hardly stayed quiet following his beef with Drake, and I was not impressed with either’s retorts to each other.
Nevertheless, that episode upped the ante for his new record GNX, but the dish we received is medium rare. After a fair few listens, I have changed my mind a few times, but it ultimately leans towards being underwhelming.
What It Sounds Like
Released through his own label pgLang and Interscope Records following his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment, we expected him to come out the gate with a fiery response. The pros are that the artist embraces his regional sound, something many have failed to do, with Nas being one of the few to continue in this vein.
Without spoiling it for fans and the intrigued, hype is carrying this record right now. Don’t take it personally; this is not your album. While there are glimmers of his talent scattered throughout each song, it is few and far between to call it the ultimate long play. K.Dot has produced better.
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Despite the hype, Kendrick’s efforts feel flat. The production seems rushed and generic, as if he is trying to keep up with the joneses.
Lamar’s attempts to sing are like hearing chalk scratch and his defiance to include it feels pretentious. Yes, rappers are allowed to embrace a wrestling persona, but there is a threshold.
Through a melding of the West Coast vibe and electronic-esque music, the artist has sonically misinterpreted how such an experimental sound should be delivered. But kudos for trying something new. But then again, it’s his art, not mine.
Verdict
While it’s not his best work it will tide fans over until something of value drops, but right now, the party line is ‘this is amazing!’
Lamar doesn’t sound comfortable or anywhere near one hundred percent. GNX feels like background music at best and far from what we should expect from the lyricist.
There’s a hip-hop record in there somewhere, yet in attempting to be different he limits his full capabilities.
Sometimes, he reveals himself, like on heart pt.6, where he is at ease over an Antonof-Sounwave production. The title track, GNX, featuring Peysoh, Hitta J3, and YoungThreat, sees him step back to an LA sound as he treads hard ground with heavy boots. It is no doubt one of the songs most say they’re playing on the strip.
If you love it, great. If you don’t, that’s also great. That’s what makes opinions worth hearing. Put it this way: it’s not going to be a record we pick over, say, DAMN or TPAB.
It must be said that, this album is tailored to the sensibilities of those from the West Coast. If you’re not from there, like me, perhaps it won’t click…at least not yet.
Where To Buy Vinyl Copies and Stream
You can stream the full album from all major platforms including Apple, Tidal, Spotify and Amazon. Vinyl copies can be pre-ordered for purchase online, as well as CDs and digital downloads.
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