The American rap heavyweight Kendrick Lamar surprised his life on Friday, when he released a new unexpected album, in which he mentions the fight he had with his rival Drake, which marked the musical year 2024.
titled GNXlike one of the models of the car brand Buick, which he puts on the cover, the album has 12 tracks.
From the opening track, the American West Coast star references the rivalry between himself and Drake. He criticizes veteran Snoop Dogg for sharing the humiliating Canadian title against him on Instagram. Far from being the usual war of words, the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake took a bitter turn at the beginning of the year. The two stars have multiplied the “disc tracks”, and these pieces were designed to mock the opponent, with extremely high charges.
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Charges in all directions
Notorious Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar notably implied that Drake had sexual relations with minors and accused the mixed-race Canadian rapper of being a “colonizer” of black American culture.
For his part, Drake suggested that infidelity, even abuse, had soiled the relationship between Kendrick Lamar and his fiancée.
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The first album from 2022
GNX It is Kendrick Lamar’s first album since Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was released in 2022 and earned him three Grammy Awards, out of the 17 collected during his career.
In his new opus, the rapper from Compton, a famous disadvantaged suburb of Los Angeles, discusses his upcoming performance during the next Super Bowl in February 2025. He will headline the halftime concert for the big event this of American football, which will be held in New Orleans. A choice that caused a bit of controversy among rap fans: some felt that the rapper Lil Wayne, from the city originally, should be the star of the event.
In his new song “Wacked Out Murals,” Kendrick Lamar pays tribute to the Louisiana rapper, explaining that he used to listen to one of his songs. But “ironically, I think my hard work hurt Lil Wayne,” he says.
How might Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry with Drake influence future collaborations in hip-hop?
Interview Setting: Time.news Studio
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest with us—music industry expert and cultural commentator, Dr. Sarah Thompson. We’re diving into Kendrick Lamar’s unexpected new album, GNX, which has already stirred quite a buzz in the music world. Sarah, thank you for being here!
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss the evolution of hip-hop, especially with an artist as significant as Kendrick Lamar.
Editor: Absolutely! Kendrick dropped GNX without any prior warning, which seems to be a trend lately. What are your thoughts on this surprise release strategy, especially in the context of the current music industry?
Dr. Thompson: It’s fascinating! Surprise releases create a level of excitement and urgency among fans. In a streaming-driven market, where singles often dominate, a full album release can feel refreshing. Kendrick’s approach keeps his audience engaged and guessing, which is a hallmark of his artistry.
Editor: Speaking of artistry, the album cover references a Buick model, which adds an interesting layer. What do you think he’s trying to convey there?
Dr. Thompson: The Buick reference could symbolize a mix of nostalgia and modernity. Buicks have a classic, almost iconic status in American culture. By linking his album to such a symbol, Kendrick might be suggesting that while he respects the roots of hip-hop, he continues to drive the genre forward in an innovative way.
Editor: That’s a great point! Now, the rivalry between Kendrick and Drake takes center stage on this album. How do you interpret their dynamic, especially given the criticism Kendrick leveled at Snoop Dogg for sharing the “humiliating Canadian title”?
Dr. Thompson: Their relationship has definitely evolved over the years. What began as friendly competition has turned more personal, particularly with the recent disc tracks. By calling out Snoop Dogg, Kendrick not only defends his own image but also indicates that he’s serious about reclaiming his position in the industry. It’s a bold move, showing that he’s not afraid to address perceived betrayals in a public space.
Editor: It seems this isn’t just about music anymore; it’s about personal stakes and public perception. Do you believe this will influence how fans and other artists view their relationship going forward?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly! The public is always watching, and this feud adds drama that can captivate audiences. It can influence collaborations and fan loyalty. For many, music is personal, and how Kendrick navigates this rivalry will either solidify his position or create more division among fans.
Editor: With 12 tracks on GNX, do you foresee any standout singles that might become anthems in 2024?
Dr. Thompson: It’s hard to predict without fully analyzing the tracks, but given Kendrick’s track record, I expect at least a few of them will resonate heavily with listeners. His ability to blend storytelling with intense beats often leads to tracks that dominate charts and playlists. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see several of them getting significant radio play.
Editor: Moving forward, what do you think this album means for the future of hip-hop, particularly in terms of rivalries and artist collaborations?
Dr. Thompson: I think it signals a return to confrontational storytelling in hip-hop, something that has been diluted in recent years. Rivalries can spark creativity, and we might see more artists willing to engage openly with one another. If done right, this could lead to highly innovative work, enriching the genre.
Editor: Exciting times ahead, indeed! Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX and its implications for the music landscape.
Dr. Thompson: My pleasure! It’s always great to unpack the threads of hip-hop culture.
Editor: That wraps up our discussion for today. Stay tuned to Time.news for more music industry insights!