Every Song From Kendrick Lamar’s Surprise New Album Ranked

Kendrick Lamarsurprise album GNX captivated audiences with its unexpected drop and unique blend of West Coast energy and introspective storytelling. Released two and a half years later Morale and the great steppers and without warning, the rapper’s sixth studio album showcases Lamar’s versatility through a dynamic mix of funky beats and emotional reflections. GNX serves as both a celebration and exploration of Lamar’s artistic evolutionhighlighting its ability to develop cohesive projects that balance accessibility with innovation.

Tracks range from cinematic orchestration to raw lyricism, each offering something distinct to the listening experience. This ranking counts down the album’s standout moments, analyzing what makes each track compelling. Together, the songs make GNX a fascinating and essential addition to Lamar’s catalogue.

11

Hey now

“Hey now” is ranked as the least impactful track on the GNXnot because of lack of skill, but because it doesn’t carry the same weight or complexity as the rest of the album. The production relies on repetitive patterns that lack the textured depth typical of Lamar’s work. While the track has its moments, it fails to make a lasting impression.

Thematically, “Hey Now” explores themes of disillusionment and a quiet rebellion against social pressures, but these ideas feel underdeveloped compared to the thematic richness of Lamar’s other songs. The sparse production, which features looped synths and soft percussion, provides a minimalist backdrop for Lamar’s verses. However, instead of creating an intimate or laid-back effect, it seems uninspired. In contrast to Lamar’s usual ability to balance introspection with dynamic soundscapes, “hey now” feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter.

10

GNX

As the album’s title track, “gnx” carries great expectations. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fully deliver on them, feeling more like a serviceable B-side than the centerpiece it could have been. Featuring Peysoh, Hitta J3 and YoungThreat, the song impresses with its aggressive verses and dynamic energy. However, the lack of unique elements makes the song perhaps the least inspired of the entire album.

Lyrically, “gnx” touches on themes of loyalty, resilience, and legacy, with each artist added adding their own perspective. Kendrick’s chorus, “Tell ’em Kendrick did it,” acts as a defiant statement of his influence on the genre. Despite the bold tone, music depends a lot on repetitionwhich lessens its impact throughout the song’s extended running time.

The production, helmed by Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, combines thunderous basslines with layered percussion to create a gritty soundscape. Although the energy is undeniable, the track struggles to find its balance, feeling more like a collection of individual moments than a cohesive whole. For Lamar’s title track, “gnx” doesn’t live up to its potential.

9

hide and seek

“Hide and Seek” is a fun but strong track that mixes humor and bravado into a track that feels more like a fun experiment than a serious addition to his discography. The repetitive hook—“What are they talking about? They’re not talking about anything‘”—serves as a cheeky rebuff to critics and naysayers.

The song’s structure is simple, featuring a straightforward beat and a looping bassline that provides ample space for Lamar’s jokes. Verses full of vivid images and short sentences show your intelligence, although the track lacks the depth and narrative complexity that define his strongest work.

Featuring guest verses from AzChike and Dody6, “peekaboo” alternates between humor and aggression, creating a dynamic yet somewhat uneven listening experience. Although the song’s cheerful tone adds variety to the GNXUltimately, it feels like a minor entry in Lamar’s catalog, possibly better suited as a mixtape than an album track.

8

Blue Dodger

“Dodger Blue” captures the laid-back essence of Los Angeles, offering a sonic representation of the city’s sun-drenched streets and vibrant culture. The production characterized by a smooth groove and subtle funk influences creates a relaxed environment this perfectly complements Lamar’s introspective verses.

Lyrically, the track reflects on Lamar’s connection to his hometown, exploring themes of identity and belonging. The title itself is a tribute to the Dodgersa symbol of Los Angeles pride, adding a layer of cultural significance to the song. Despite its charm, “Dodger Blue” doesn’t reach the heights of Lamar’s best work. Its understated nature, while effective at capturing a specific mood, makes it feel more like a transitional moment within the album than a standout track. Still, its warm, nostalgic tone adds depth to the album’s exploration of identity and place.

7

TV off

“TV Off” is a chaotic, experimental track that highlights Lamar’s willingness to take risks. From the moment it begins, the song attracts attention with its erratic energy and unconventional structure. The shocking “MUSTAAAARRDDDD!The scream, which punctuates the track, serves as both a humorous aside and a shocking disturbance that keeps listeners on edge.

Beneath its eccentric, “tv off” surface criticizes the performative nature of modern society, especially in the age of social media. Lamar’s scathing verses dissect the ways people manipulate their public personas, creating a satirical yet incisive commentary on authenticity and self-presentation. The production, which oscillates between operatic drama and raw aggression, reflects the track’s thematic tension. While his unpredictability can polarize listeners, “tv off” is a testament to Lamar’s ability to push boundaries and defy convention.

6

Heart Pt. 6

The Heart series has been a staple in Lamar’s discography, and “heart pt. 6” continues the tradition of introspection and self-examination. Over a soulful ’90s-style beat, Lamar reflects on his journey, revisiting key moments and relationships that shaped his life and career.

The song’s relaxed production, with smooth instrumentals and a subtle groove, creates a reflective atmosphere that perfectly complements Lamar’s introspective verses. Lyrically, the track touches on themes of loyalty, artistic growth and personal responsibility, offering a moving exploration of Lamar’s evolution as an artist and individual.

Although “heart pt. 6” doesn’t quite match the emotional intensity of its predecessors, it remains a compelling entry in the series. Its thoughtful lyrics and nostalgic tone make it a standout moment in the GNXshowcasing Lamar’s ability to balance personal reflection with broader social commentary.

5

Man in the garden

“Man at the Garden” is one of GNX’s most intimate and emotionally raw tracks. Its streamlined production allows Lamar’s narrative to take center stage, creating a powerful and deeply personal listening experience. The song touches on themes of self-discovery, resilience, and redemption, with Lamar adopting a confessional tone that feels deeply authentic.

The track’s vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics evoke comparisons to Lamar’s previous introspective work. Its restrained execution, combined with Lamar’s evocative storytelling, creates a poignant and memorable moment on the album. By focusing on vulnerability and personal growth, “Man An At The Garden” highlights a different side of Lamar’s artistry, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.

4

Dispute

With its explosive energy and infectious hook, “dispute” captures the raw spirit of West Coast hip-hop. The track’s aggressive delivery and bold production create a high-octane experience that demands attention. Lamar’s verses are filled with blunt wordplay and commanding delivery, asserting his dominance with unapologetic confidence.

The production, which blends classic rap elements with modern techniques, provides a dynamic backdrop for Lamar’s fiery performance. The song’s nostalgic reference to the golden age of hip-hop, combined with its contemporary feel and crisp lyricsmake it a standout moment at GNX. “squabble up” is a testament to Lamar’s ability to balance intensity with accessibility, delivering a track that is both fun and thought-provoking.

3

Luther

Featuring SZA, “Luther” is a masterful blend of hip-hop and R&B that shows Lamar’s versatility as an artist. The track’s lush production, characterized by smooth melodies and complex layers, creates a romantic atmosphere that feels quite timeless. Lyrically, the song explores themes of love, support and vulnerability, with Lamar delivering heartfelt verses that reflect on the complexities of relationships. Lamar accompanies SZA incredibly, showing that, in the future, he needs to sing a lot more like this.

SZA’s soulful vocals add an extra layer of depth and emotion, making “Luther” a truly captivating listening experience. The interplay between Lamar’s introspective verses and SZA’s mesmerizing chorus creates a dynamic, emotionally rich track that stands as one of the album’s strongest moments. This certainly deserves to be a staple Kendrick Lamar song in the future.

2

Wacced Out Murals

“Wacced out murals” opens GNX with a cinematic flourish, setting the tone for the album with its sweeping orchestration and powerful lyricism. The track’s layered production, featuring Deyra Barrera’s haunting vocals, creates an immersive soundscape that draws listeners into Lamar’s world.

Thematically, music explores perseverance, identity and artistic integrity, with Lamar’s verse weaving vivid imagery and sharp commentary into a cohesive narrative. The chorus, with its uplifting message of resilience, serves as a rallying cry for listeners. To open, “wacced out murals” establishes the ambitious scope of GNXshowcasing Lamar’s ability to combine storytelling with sonic innovation.

1

Reincarnated

At the top of the list is “Reincarnated”, a track that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of GNX. With its groovy piano riff, groovy beat, and towering vocal performance, the song captures the essence of West Coast hip-hop while pushing the genre forward. Lyrically, Lamar delves into themes of legacy, self-discovery and the burden of famereflecting on your journey with honesty and intensity. The track’s dramatic production and powerful delivery make it an unforgettable highlight.

The song is a masterclass in combining innovation with authenticitysolidifying its place as the crown jewel GNX. The song “Reincarnated” has infectious energy, thought-provoking lyrics and impeccable production exemplifies everything that makes Lamar one of the most celebrated figures in hip-hop. This song deserves to be considered one of Kendrick Lamar’s best songs in the future.