Kendrick Lamar has shocked the music world with the unannounced release of his new album, GNX. The 12-track project caps off a year of major achievements and controversies for the rapper, including a widely publicized feud with Drake and criticism over his selection as the Super Bowl halftime show headliner in Lil Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans.

Key Highlights from GNX

Feud with Drake:
Lamar addresses his ongoing beef with Drake in the album’s opening track, “wacced out murals”, where he references Snoop Dogg’s involvement in their feud. Lamar alludes to Snoop sharing Drake’s diss track, Taylor Made Freestyle, on Instagram earlier this year but choosing to remain neutral.
Lil Wayne Super Bowl Controversy:
Lamar touches on the backlash surrounding his Super Bowl headlining gig, a decision criticized for sidelining New Orleans native Lil Wayne. In “wacced out murals,” Lamar raps about his respect for Wayne, stating: “I used to bump ‘Tha Carter 3,’ I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.”
New Installment of “Heart” Series:
The album includes “heart pt. 6,” continuing his acclaimed “heart” track series. The title echoes one of Drake’s diss tracks released during their feud, adding further layers to their lyrical battle.
Production and Collaborations:
The album features production from Jack Antonoff, a pop powerhouse producer, and guest vocals from SZA, solidifying its cross-genre appeal.

The Drake Feud: Year in Review

The feud between Lamar and Drake dominated headlines this year, with both artists trading scathing diss tracks and allegations. Lamar’s Not Like Us became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning five Grammy nominations. The track marked a turning point in their feud, with fans and critics widely declaring Lamar the victor.
Drake, for his part, accused Lamar of personal and professional misdeeds, but the allegations failed to gain traction. Meanwhile, Lamar’s triumphant Juneteenth concert in Los Angeles served as a public celebration of his perceived win in the feud, where he performed Not Like Us five times consecutively.

Lil Wayne’s Reaction

Lamar’s Super Bowl selection led to mixed reactions. While fans celebrated the choice, artists like Nicki Minaj and Master P criticized the NFL for overlooking Lil Wayne. The New Orleans legend admitted he was hurt by the decision, stating it “broke” him to see the performance go to someone else in his city.

A Massive Year for Kendrick

From dominating the charts to headlining the NFL’s biggest event, GNX solidifies Lamar’s status as one of music’s most influential figures. With its surprise release, the album adds yet another layer to an already historic year for the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper. Expect GNX to dominate conversations—and playlists—heading into 2025.