1. Squabble Up

Squabble Up is an electrifying start to the album,(if you listened on YouTube) delivering a funky groove that instantly draws listeners in. Teased in Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” video, this track meets the anticipation head-on. It’s a short but impactful piece that dives straight into his beef while celebrating the Black and Mexican cultural influences of Los Angeles in the visuals. The visuals accompanying the song emphasize California’s rich culture and Kendrick’s own growth within that environment. The beat is irresistible, and Kendrick’s confident delivery ensures it will become an instant favorite. This opener sets the tone for an album that’s equal parts reflection and celebration.

2. Man at the Garden

Kendrick reminds us why he "deserves it all" in Man at the Garden, a reflective track that stands as a testament to his integrity and resilience. Over a meditative beat, he highlights the good he’s done, not just for himself but for the people around him. He speaks on staying true to his principles in a world full of temptations, refusing to compromise his values even when the stakes are high. Kendrick paints a vivid picture of the legacy he’s building, from the sacrifices he’s made to the lengths he’ll go to provide his children with the world. The track radiates humility and pride, a delicate balance that only Kendrick can master. As the song unfolds, he reminds listeners that true greatness isn’t just about success but about staying grounded, giving back, and holding on to who you are, no matter the challenges.

3. Luther

Luther blends Kendrick’s mastery of hip-hop with the smooth, soulful vibes of classic R&B. Sampling the timeless “If This World Were Mine,” the track feels nostalgic yet fresh, painting a portrait of love and devotion. Kendrick’s lyrics dive deep into the sacrifices and promises of love, creating a heartfelt narrative that resonates with anyone who has loved deeply. The production is lush and romantic, making this track perfect for quiet evenings or moments of connection with your lover. Kendrick’s delivery is tender yet confident, showcasing his range as an artist. It’s a track that stands out for its emotional depth and melodic beauty.

4. Dodger Blue

An ode to LA’s vibrant culture, Dodger Blue blends smooth funk with sharp lyricism. Kendrick uses this track to honor his city’s rich history while taking pointed shots at his detractors. The song’s groove is quintessentially West Coast, making it a perfect soundtrack for cruising through Los Angeles streets. Kendrick’s storytelling is at its peak here, sharing vivid snapshots of life in the city that raised him. The track is both a celebration of LA pride and a reminder of Kendrick’s resilience in the face of challenges. Dodger Blue is a love letter to Los Angeles that perfectly captures its spirit.

5. Heart Pt. 6

The latest entry in Kendrick’s iconic Heart series, Heart Pt. 6 continues his tradition of raw introspection and sharp storytelling. Over a jazzy, soulful beat, Kendrick reflects on his struggles, triumphs, and his journey as an artist. The track also pays homage to his former TDE labelmates, highlighting their shared history while expressing his focus on personal growth. Kendrick’s lyrics offer advice to listeners, encouraging resilience and self-awareness in the face of challenges. The jazzy vibe keeps the energy reflective yet engaging, making it one of the most emotionally impactful tracks on the album. It’s a perfect representation of Kendrick’s ability to blend personal and universal themes.

6. Wacced Out Murals

Wacced Out Murals The raw energy of this track is great. It shows us how he keeps his hand on the pulse of current events and he spins it for his creative purposes. The Spanish guitar and singer give an amazing fine touch to the sound of this track. It shows Kendrick versatility and love and hate as he’s able to turn events into lessons that the audience can take to feed their energy. Kendrick lets us know about his ups and downs and what fuels his fire to create his music while acknowledging that he has to stand alone in this rap game. Keeping the fire alive in his beef and letting his opponent know that the game isn’t over and he’ll speak his mind no matter what he has to face. HIs brash rejection of “keeping face” is refreshing in this era of political correctness and fake friends or trying to “keep the peace”

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7. Hey Now

A Bay Area-inspired banger, Hey Now is a playful yet confident track that highlights Kendrick’s charisma. Trading verses with a featured artist, Kendrick creates a dynamic, back-and-forth rhythm that keeps listeners engaged. The beat is infectious, making it impossible not to move along. Kendrick’s lyrics exude swagger as he asserts his dominance in the rap game, refusing to back down from any challenge. The collaboration adds fresh energy, showing how Kendrick can elevate those around him. Hey Now is a celebration of creativity and confidence, proving that Kendrick’s versatility knows no bounds.

8. Reincarnated

This Tupac-esque beat and flow shows us why Kendrick is one of the best in the west. He pays homage to a legend in pac by giving fans a 1 to 1 recreation of his style, energy, and flow. Yet he still gives us his own style of lyrics. The switch from aggressive pac to aggressive Kendrick is clear in this track as he gives his impression of himself in pac reincarnated in him before coming back to himself. This one is a great acknowledgment of the legend that came from before while still staying true to himself. The track feels like a passing of the torch, with Kendrick carrying the West Coast legacy forward. Reincarnated is a powerful moment that honors the past while looking toward the future.

9. TV Off

“MUUUUSTAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRD!” TV Off This track is a head bobber! Giving fans a viral moment that will be going on for years to come. The best way I can explain this track is a show of Kendrick breaking through his limits! In the first half he keeps his creative style as if he’s giving you base form Kendrick, then as the beat switches he gives us the theatrics as he’s transforming and in the second half he’s gotten serious with the way he glides and flows on the beat as he has now ascended! This track is definitely a fan favorite for those who get the symbology of the legendary Dragon Ball Z. The infectious energy makes this an instant favorite, showcasing Kendrick’s ability to innovate while staying true to his sound. TV Off is a defining moment of the album, pushing boundaries with flair. If you’re a fan of the legendary show you will definitely appreciate this song!

10. Peekaboo

Kendrick has fun on this track. Giving fans what they’ve come to known from his random fun sounds. He grabs your attention if you managed to somehow fall too deep into vibing to the beat. This one is one of those tracks that is purely a vibe for saying f* your opps. Peekaboo is a vibrant, energetic track that keeps the album dynamic and engaging.

11. GNX

Tell em Kendrick did it! One of his more braggadocious tracks on the album. The title track, GNX, is a bold and triumphant anthem. Kendrick and his featured artists deliver verses that celebrate their successes while issuing warnings to their rivals. The production is slick and hard-hitting, perfectly complementing the track’s confident tone. Kendrick’s delivery is unapologetic, making it clear that he’s here to stay at the top. The features shine as well, adding depth and variety to the track’s energy. GNX serves as a powerful centerpiece for the album, encapsulating its themes of pride, resilience, and camaraderie.

12. Gloria

Gloria closes the album with a soulful, heartfelt reflection on Kendrick’s relationship with his craft. The song feels deeply personal, as Kendrick personifies his passion for writing and reflects on how it has carried him through life’s challenges. The lush production adds warmth and depth, creating a fitting conclusion to the album. Kendrick’s storytelling is masterful, weaving a narrative that feels intimate yet universal. Gloria is a beautiful way to end the project, leaving listeners with a sense of closure and inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is a triumph that balances celebration, reflection, and innovation. It’s an album that captures the essence of California culture while pushing the boundaries of modern hip-hop. With standout tracks that range from high-energy bangers to introspective reflections, Kendrick proves once again why he’s one of the greatest artists of our time. This is a must-listen for fans old and new.

Rating:

5 Star Album

10/10