Blog
“GNX” by Kendrick Lamar: The Best Rap Album of the Year?
Dec
This past week, Kendrick Lamar surprised the music world by dropping his highly anticipated album, “GNX”, which debuted spectacularly at No.1 on the Billboard 200. This marks Lamar’s fifth consecutive chart-topping album. According to Luminate, the album garnered an impressive 319,000 album-equivalent units in the U.S. during the week ending November 28, securing the sixth-largest debut week of 2024.
The album’s success was largely driven by streaming, contributing 285,000 units (equal to 379.72 million on-demand streams of its 12 tracks). This performance also landed GNX at the top of the Billboard Top Streaming Albums chart with ease.
A Record-Breaking Week
Not only is GNX a massive success for Lamar, but it also achieved the biggest streaming week of 2024 for any R&B/hip-hop album. Across all genres, it holds the third-largest streaming week of the year, trailing only the first and second weeks of Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department”, which amassed 891.37 million and 428.54 million streams, respectively.
Additionally, GNX sold 32,000 units from digital downloads—a strong number considering it was only available in standard digital formats, including an explicit and a clean version.
Kendrick Lamar’s Legacy of Excellence
Prior to GNX, Lamar achieved Billboard 200 No. 1s with:
- Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022)
- DAMN. (2017)
- Untitled Unmastered (2016)
- To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
In early 2024, he also topped the Billboard Hot 100 twice with the solo hit “Not Like Us” (May) and the collaboration “Like That” (April) with Future and Metro Boomin. Notably, neither of these tracks appears on GNX, making its success even more remarkable.
The Story Behind “GNX”
“GNX”, Lamar’s sixth studio album, was released unexpectedly at noon on November 22 via pgLang and Interscope Records. The title is a nod to the Buick Regal GNX, the car Lamar’s father used to drive him home from the hospital after his birth.
The album features a star-studded lineup of guest appearances, including SZA, Roddy Ricch, AzChike, Peysoh, Wallie the Sensei, and Lefty Gunplay, among others. Clocking in at just over 44 minutes with 12 tracks, GNX is Lamar’s shortest studio album to date. Despite this, all 12 tracks made an impact on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Squabble Up” securing the top spot and occupying the entire top 5.
A Love Letter to Los Angeles
As a follow-up to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which detailed Lamar’s feud with Drake, GNX shifts gears to celebrate Los Angeles, Lamar’s hometown. The album abandons the feud narrative entirely, instead embracing Lamar’s roots in West Coast hip-hop.
Critics have praised the album for its cohesive storytelling and tribute to the West Coast sound. Its runtime and streamlined focus showcase Lamar’s ability to distill complex ideas into compact, powerful tracks.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have overwhelmingly lauded GNX, with the album earning an 87/100 score on Metacritic based on 17 reviews. Many have hailed it as a testament to Lamar’s artistry, blending cultural commentary with impeccable production.
Some reviews even go as far as to call GNX Lamar’s greatest album yet, solidifying his position as a cultural force and visionary in hip-hop. Publications such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Stereogum have included GNX on their “Best Albums of 2024” lists.
However, the album has faced minor criticisms. While Jack Antonoff’s production has been praised for its lush, expansive sound, some detractors find it overly polished and synthetic. Similarly, Lamar’s homage to his roots has led to critiques of him playing it “too safe.”
Cultural and Commercial Impact
In 2024, Kendrick Lamar firmly established himself as one of the GOATs (Greatest of All Time) in hip-hop. With GNX, he joins an elite club of artists—The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Drake—who have simultaneously held the entire top 5 spots on the Hot 100.
Moreover, Lamar’s inclusion of lesser-known West Coast artists like Lefty Gunplay and Dody6 on GNX has introduced them to a broader audience. This rare gesture highlights Lamar’s commitment to lifting emerging talent.
Looking Ahead: Super Bowl and Grammy Season
Next year is shaping up to be monumental for Lamar. He’s set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. This marks his second appearance at the iconic event, following his 2022 performance alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige.
With GNX, Lamar is also a strong contender to dominate the 2025 Grammy Awards. Fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming stadium tour, which promises to be one of the year’s biggest musical events.
Billboard 200 Top 10 (This Week)
- GNX – Kendrick Lamar
- Wicked: The Soundtrack – Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and others
- Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
- Chromakopia – Tyler, The Creator
- Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
- The Secret of Us – Gracie Abrams
- Cosa Nuestra – Rauw Alejandro
- The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift
- One Thing at a Time – Morgan Wallen
- The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess – Chappell Roan
Final Thoughts: A Stellar Year for Kendrick Lamar
Is GNX the rap album of the year? Without a doubt. Some might even argue it’s among the greatest of the century. Kendrick Lamar’s dominance in 2024 parallels historic rap highs, from Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to Drake’s Scorpion.
As Lamar gears up for his next chapter, fans and critics alike are left in awe of his cultural influence and artistic brilliance. If there’s one thing certain about Kendrick Lamar, it’s that he will always keep us guessing—and coming back for more.
Visit Our Social: Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest
From: Vladixx.com
