In less than 24 hours, Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release of GNX made his album the No. 1 album on Apple Music. Popular social media account Kurrco broke the news on Friday night (November 22), announcing that the album is the fattest, ranking No. 1 in the platform’s rap category. The new album’s unconventional release has taken over social media with trends ranging from Mustard’s name recommendations to conspiracy theories behind the release date to raps about various superstars including Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and Nas.
Each song from the new album ranks among the top 12 songs on Apple’s charts, according to Chart Data. Fans were surprised that previous hit singles “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us” were not included in the new album. One of the standout tracks is “Heartpart 6,” a continuation of his famous series and a subtle nod to his historical association with Drake. In the “wacced out mural,” Kendrick reacts to Lil Wayne and the upcoming Super Bowl performance.
In March, the rapper shared a photo of the car that inspired the album on Instagram. Anticipation is high for 2025, the most important moment in the artist’s career. While the choice was celebrated by many, it also sparked controversy. Critics argued that New Orleans native and hip-hop legend Lil Wayne would have been better suited to host the event in his hometown.
GNX follows Lamar’s critically acclaimed 2022 album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album earlier this year. “Not Like Us” is already generating buzz. Lamar’s new music earned Grammy nominations in major categories, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. With GNX, Kendrick Lamar demonstrates his ability to surprise, innovate and captivate. The album not only cemented his legacy but also set the stage for an exciting year ahead in music and culture.
About the author
Bryson “Boom” Paul has been a contributor to Hot New Hip Hop since 2024.
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