My thoughts on Kendrick Lamar's GNX

[@fletchamosh6239]

FDs biggest old head tendency is saying the title of a song almost correct lmao “Turn the tv off” “Daddy issues”

[@hatinisbad1]

Lmaaaooo real!

[@MertSerim]

Fr lmao that’s cute tho

[@HeltForfra]

then he go and call it takeoff lmao

[@venroarharima]

It's very endearing

[@goreyboyz8564]

@@fletchamosh6239 my dad does that shit and it’s spreading to peoples names and movie titles 😂

[@maximutatro3176]

FD renaming “Father Time” to “Daddy issues” is personal to me

[@aandwdabest]

I got daddy issues that’s on me.

[@jodyprestigiacomojr8901]

😂 if the shoe fits

[@buunyyhopp]

@@jodyprestigiacomojr8901exactly, the sentiments the same

[@joaquinpipinich2042]

made me spill my drink I just heard it

[@HiddenKeyElement]

Every time he mentions Ty Dolla $ign he be so wrong, it always cracks me up😂

[@rhysali2227]

I think Kendrick listened to the fans when they wanted more west coast bangers after Not Like Us and he fucking delivered in my opinion.

[@Jimmyjones151]

Album makes perfect sense after Mr Morale and the year he’s had. I love it

[@rhysali2227]

​@@Jimmyjones151 kendrick has for sure had the best year as a rapper. W after W non stop. its oddly satisfying to watch it happen real time.

[@julian2238]

He ruined squabble up with that cringe hook 🤦‍♂️

[@Stev-0w7vb]

@@julian2238 cringe is subjective I guess. I personally love it haha

[@rhysali2227]

@@julian2238 nothing about the hook was cringe. everything that was hinted at with the NLU snippet was improved on. west coast bangers, from what i've heard usually have repetetive hooks and squabble up is one many great ones along with YG's My N(that one word i can't say).

[@jigglycarollo805]

GNX is Kendrick's "Light Work".

[@yingkouzen]

😂😂😂 it’s his B sides

[@yunglynda1326]

underrated comments

[@Stev-0w7vb]

Ending on gloria I thought was genius. It's like he's fallen back in love with writing and he's clearly very hungry to flex his muscle after a spectacular year. 2025 has the potential to be an even bigger year than this for him. Exciting times ahead!

[@jimmyjump7932]

Great point

[@justnick47]

also saw it as a song that drake could really never make since his pen is a ghost.

[@nix3001]

@@justnick47💀

[@Pianokeys-ee5of]

@@justnick47 Lol!

[@NJoCaulfield]

That's my biggest takeaway from this project: that Kendrick has fallen back in love with the art of rapping and with hip hop in general, hence his referencing the music that played a part in his formative years. It's returning to his roots in a way; getting outside his head and into the game more, to express his love and passion more than his discomfort and inner turmoil. As much as I love Kendrick's more complex and thoughtful projects, this is already looking to be one of my favorites simply because of how much fun Kendrick and his cohorts seems to have had making it. Stuff like "tv off"'s Mustard shout and the entirety of "peekaboo" would NEVER have happened in any post Section.80 Kendrick project, and that's what makes those moments so enjoyable. It's clear from how the album feels that Kendrick is a very different state of mind than he was on DAMN. and Mr. Morale, and that's not only okay, but a good thing; he's reinvigorated. Reincarnated, one might say.

[@professorskye]

Just sitting here watching, drinking coffee and eating Cap’n Crunch when I hear “Shout out Professor Skye.” Great way to start the day. Also, great way of explaining the excellence of “Luther”

[@cspeak2me]

Love you ..too

[@miriamhare5419]

Warmed my heart, two of my fav authorities on all the beef 😁

[@c_12123]

awesome comment as always

[@consolas2514]

"Fuck being rational, give em what they asked for" Perfectly makes your point. This is what the people want, this is the clown shoes to walk them into the lecture.

[@ChilleBruh]

Got me on his game frfr, you’re not wrong and I’m alright with that. 🙏

[@lucy111617]

Thank you cuz I was saying the same thing he's saying this is what your asked for I'm giving it to you but then in the same thing he said but it's not enough because people still saying stuff afterwards like but I know he know he can't satisfy everybody I'm a real Kendrick fan and all of his music just like in the battle every song was different and everything represented something of him and I'm looking at this as a representation of where he is in this moment in time and I love the whole album just like I loved all his other albums Kendra need to keep doing his thing

[@xTV0YT-c4r]

He did whats right for the fans , hip hop and the hip hop community

[@midearthling]

And his clown shoes still contain multitudes of hip hop history and hometown homages, there is no one like HIM

[@dra-j9n2015]

So he admit he switched up lol. That’s cool to yall? It’s funny bc he’s always been fake

[@Johnny547611]

Reincarnated might be one of my top 5 favorite Kendrick songs.

[@karanvirsingh7829]

I haven't seen anyone else mention reincarnated in the comments. I think it might be one of the best songs I've ever heard

[@apollyon1]

same.

[@HadronsLeaptOn]

Same

[@timseguine2]

It was instantly my favorite song on the album when I heard it.

[@DistortedV12]

definitely grammy winning

[@Anomalous_Lifeform]

Kendricks previous albums have been large, detailed oil paintings. Telling a very deep story and a lot of forethought was clearly put into every brush stroke. They tell stories of years gone by to build up a larger concept. The only reward for surviving is more time to reflect type music. GNX feels like a photo. It's less involved for sure. But it's more immediate. It needed to be. He didn't have the time to bust out the paints to show what was happening in the moment, so he reached for the Polaroid. In heavy music, I see way more metal bands going for that big painting vibe as a means of getting a more nuanced emotional message across, and a lot more punk bands trying to get the perfect photo to really show something immediate/visceral/fast-moving. It's a really cool way to look at record-making, at least in my opinion. I like what Kendricks done here. Showing he can be as poignant in a timely, photographic manner as opposed to his usual long planned paintings style. Whether he sticks with this style of workflow or goes back to bigger concept albums, idk. Anyway, appreciate the vid Big Boss. I needed a good chaser after that election discourse haha

[@michaelotis223]

Well said!

[@Fukyomomma2x]

@@Anomalous_Lifeform Well, Damm. Took the words right of my mouth and put it down like a Picasso. You my friend are the one painting here👏👏

[@taimatsuko]

I really love this take

[@erenbecomesdovecrying6016]

He may have told all of those stories. His past is dealt with, and now it's all about the present. There's less to reflect on and more to be locked in about.

[@arvaakuka8568]

These analyses are getting crazy 😂

[@someguy4309]

Here’s my rating: 1. Section.80, Good Kid M.A.A.D. city, To Pimp a Butterfly, Untitled Unmastered, DAMN, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, GNX 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. I’m quite biased

[@DeronHargrove]

Excellent ratings though, no complaints

[@beegbeeg9871]

It really is like that, I think it would be an injustice to rank one album over another.

[@mrD66M]

My take with Kendrick albums is he does one for the audience, next one for himself (except O.D. and Untitled/Unmastered) S.80, TPAB, MMATBS - for himself GKMC, DAMN, GNX - for the fans the albums for the audience get the sales and most do not miss a single beat. That said, I respect that he gives himself as much space to explore his art / creativity / emotional state regardless of the sales numbers, while most artists do maybe one introspective album per decade (if that). I rank his albums differently partly based on what I'm doing and also because I don't follow the hype of any artist, I try to find music that connects to me personally even if other ppl think it's not great. I knew dude was quality but his stuff was difficult to get into - FEAR was the 1st song I could relate to. TPAB > MMATBS > GKMC > GNX > s80 > DAMN when I'm home, but GKMC > GNX > DAMN > TPAB > S.80 > MMATBS if I'm out

[@Qutie_Pie_Of_Chaos]

@@mrD66M i love how you rated this with 'if I'm home' an 'if I'm out'

[@brianthomas8411]

​@@mrD66Mthat's amazing

[@Tirrrb]

My most replayed album of the year already, Gloria hits so differently. HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SZA IS SO CUTE TOO

[@kimorayn1733]

Gloria is my favorite Kendrick X SZA song, PLUS it's artsy? So good

[@potisive]

it basically my DAMN. 2 (i like damn) (its really replayable)

[@michaelsledge3904]

Luther Is beautiful too they mix well

[@frostyfrenchtoast]

@@potisiveit’s like DAMN but made with a healthy mindset

[@juanintheclouds]

It would be criminal if she isn't brought out during the superbowl

[@4whomittolz846]

I didn't really get it til you mentioned the Superbowl and it made sense. This album is essentially a tailor made Superbowl setlist. Which just shows his cultural impact when each song is enough of an instant classic to be played at the Superbowl.

[@leehazell7633]

Watch this get more views than the election vid.

[@Bighomie39]

Considering how exhausted people are from the election, and how energized people are about GNX, this may be the case

[@goreyboyz8564]

I’m not interested in more election media. I support sig and most of his messages but I rarely ingest political media

[@MegaSirPsycho]

Just not ready to confront that reality at this point but my autoplay will catch me off guard I'm sure lol

[@basicallymid]

Probably appropriately...I'm still not ready for election deep dives...give me a few more weeks

[@ByronJackson11]

​@@MegaSirPsychoTbf it's the only positive we got r.n we in Dark times with Trump

[@c-meezy765]

Kendrick has nothing left to prove at this point. Glad he went out and had some fun on this album.

[@radical6905]

He just sounds like he's having fun again. Which is cool

[@blaquehealer5484]

His joy is infectious!!!

[@infamouseli92]

Right 😂

[@EliDEVITTSpeaks]

He's been having fun, especially with Baby Keem.

[@DistortedV12]

nope, literally made grammy award winning stuff: Reincarnated.

[@takemeto2004]

you can have fun AND make grammy worthy efforts ​@@DistortedV12

[@amanul_2474]

FD really doesn't get the "Bing bop boom boom, boom bop bam" type shit Kendrick is on smh

[@a.g.m8790]

He from the Midwest

[@AbstractHomosapien]

Yeah he ain’t got a ear for it, it’s okay. Maybe it’ll grow on him.

[@CallmeLQ]

Am i the only person who feels like GNX is still a very conceptual album? It makes sense to me, GNX represents his motivations and ultimate goals and all the songs are various aspects of thise motvations and getting him back to his roots. Each song was a love letter to what drives him and completes him as an artist. I love that, for that this has become one of my favorite projects from Kendrick.

[@c4prez]

I think you pretty much nailed it. Respectfully I just don't think that they get it, maybe due to the style of the music. I think one could look at Dot's first big single Swimming Pools and see that there is more meat on the bone here. Oh also I would throw in time doesn't dictate the quality/depth of artistic expression.

[@feykingjulian]

yes, you can just feel so much love throughout the album it's insane. love for himself and what he's gone through and accomplished, love for his family & friends, love for writing and his own creativity. it makes it that much more of a joy to listen to.

[@atdyeam1605]

I think it feels less conceptual because he doesn’t have the ongoing skits/interludes that he has on other albums that tie the overarching concept together. It just feels like a ‘normal’ album. Doesn’t mean the themes and individual songs aren’t complex and layered, but compared to his other projects it’s a different type of album.

[@TheDangerNoodle]

It is. Its also a story about Lucifer and his redemption arc through the entire first half of the album, climaxing with TV Off.

[@someshwarrao42]

Gives me huge Untitled Unmastered vibes.

[@xQuigley]

1:27 "It's more than likely gonna exist on whatever future project it comes out". Bold move to assume that, we still waiting for that Alright music video snippet to drop and it's been almost 10 years.

[@ogbmt]

I never understood this, that snippet never sounded good to me

[@DDJORD]

Novway its been 10 years and im still waiting 😢

[@mallrat395]

to be fair, i think the gnx promo song is way more likely to come out than that snippet now

[@AeromaticXD]

@@ogbmtrespectfully, that’s craaaazy

[@mikeisdope]

that alright snippet will never release bc the song is lost from his hard drive

[@DNeonLamp]

@2:40 "Not Like Us was a huge hit for a reason" Someone tell Drake, he's so desperate to find the reason he's asking the courts.

[@deceiver444]

Drake aka Lawbrey Graham

[@adog3129]

it probably could have been a pretty big hit with completely different lyrics. he proved that with tv off, it's very similar but has a completely different subject and it was a huge hit. i think the most important thing is it introduced a new style and the way he works with mustard

[@pimmspimms5462]

I’m a white girl living in England. I haven’t got a horse in this race, other than to say that I’m a Kendrick fan. GNX makes me happy… because I suspect that it made Kendrick happy to make it. We know that he is a sublime poet. We know that he’s unique in his field. We know that he’s cerebral and can produce high-concept albums. We know that he’s been working hard to improve himself through therapy. But what about just having fun sometimes? This is his victory lap - after leaving the Canadian actor for dust - and it’s his love letter to the West Coast. It’s PERFECT at being both of those things.

[@liananabil4175]

Omg you said everything

[@qtd8587]

I agree. I feel like the goal is set higher and further for him. And people try to put him one box. This is his pop out and show 🥷🏿 s I can do it all!!!

[@weaselweasel6601]

GNX has felt like a fantastic tribute to L.A and the West Coast with some bangers. Hey Now has one of the grimiest beats I've heard in a min

[@Jeff_Guapo]

Hey Now is my favorite song honestly! Like him and Doty 6 just rode the beat and that beat just a straight inferno.

[@Nachodaddy082806]

Beat is so dirty! Easily my favorite track so far!! 🔥🔥

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

​@Nachodaddy082806 Like did they leave in his genuine reaction to hearing the beat? Cuz that was my reaction lol

[@mattdienstag2413]

True but also pays tribute to Nas and homage to BIG. He checked a lot of boxes with this album.

[@collinbeal]

​@@MaynardsSpaceship😂😂😂

[@A-Oh-Trey]

Definitely hear you. I said GNX feels to me like Kendrick's most straightforward album and loosest conceptually. But while TPAB is still probably my personal fav, "too much poetry, not enough bangers" is definitely the common line among Kendrick haters. So maybe this is a "give the people what they want before I give them what they need" thing. Also a good point about the needing more pop-friendly hits before the Superbowl. Either way tho, GNX is still a super satisfying listen. Those bangers do be BANGIN' 🔥

[@gamezharks]

Kendrick called DJ Mustard down from the heavens like a Golden Sun summon.

[@The_Catalyzt]

🤣🤣🤣

[@caiden3396]

I barely pay attention to mainstream music, so I just thought it was a random lyric people were memeing. It IS fun to meme.

[@nathanaellazaro3347]

I was not expecting a reference to Golden Sun in the comments. Under appreciated rpg series.

[@gorimbaud]

and mustard gave him a beat that sounds like something out of the first drakengard (which is not a complaint, drakengard had my favorite video game ost of all time)

[@earl0000]

golden sun reference is so random but appreciated 😭🙏

[@lumiere930]

I think even without this album Kendrick has enough mainstream hits to fill a SuperBowl show. HUMBLE, All the Stars, Money Trees, Swimming Pools, Alright, King Kunta, We Cry Together would all lift the roof off

[@The_Jazziest_Coffee]

NOOO NOT WE CRY TOGETHER 😭😭😭😭

[@zeta0590]

Yea the BANGER We Cry Together. Really underrated

[@atsukosuperiority7947]

I was with you til you said We Cry Together 💀

[@mickey4125]

RIGAMORTIS???

[@The_Jazziest_Coffee]

@@mickey4125 that would be dope, idk if he'd want to perform it at the super bowl though

[@Uvemvanefly]

i think that gnx is stripped back and lowkey for a reason. it feels like a bit of a full circle moment, kendrick talks a lot about reincarnation and rebirth on the album and it feels like returning back to section 80 in a great way. its like he prestiged. he took all the knowledge from his previous albums and brought it forward into something that encapsulates how he made art at his outset. instead of being the kid in the backseat of the car with no control over his life but how he engaged in artistry, now he gets to sit in the driver's seat and pave a new road for hip hop's future. its mad powerful to me. but i also get why a lot of people feel like its kinda under expectation for kendrick. i think reincarnated and gnx are the songs that really set how i engaged with the album. one song that serves as a followup to tpab and damn where he acknowledges lucy as an aspect of himself and one song where he recreates the feeling of the backseat freestyles he rapped about on gkmc.

[@mikemcghee4750]

^^^

[@StoutShako]

Reincarnated was beautiful and I feel so seen by your comment

[@devhausstudios4377]

Thank you for shouting out Hey Now and Dody6. That "Harley Quinn up in the cut with a blower" line hits so hard every time

[@rafaelaranha844]

I had to look up to make sure Father Time isn't called Daddy Issues

[@mishoniwanniman8321]

at least i aint the only one. imma call it Daddy Issues from now on just for the fun of it lol, but I was so fucking confused

[@Gothstana]

Daddy Time!

[@tendo824]

@@Gothstana😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@muazabdul-aziz8258]

He’s been calling it Daddy Issues for months andI laugh every time 🤣

[@mauhu]

"I got father time that's on me"

[@symonemoore6147]

This was a “FINE HERE. GO DANCE BISHES and leave me alone” 😂

[@davidday2373]

Peakaboo is a WARNING SHOT to the Canadian. Kobe scored his "80-pointer" game against the Toronto Raptors. That song talks about "opps." Kendrick warns that he can't control what other people might do - "You know my little homies are off their rocker"

[@AShiftingofFate]

This. "Kendrick isn't a gangster" Yea, and the guys from Rick Ross fight probably don't know Drake IRL and we what happened. There are people who DO know Kendrick that might decide to eliminate a problem/ threat to the benefits that Kendrick brings to the community and Kendrick would have no control over it, esp since an affiliate would have no ... lets call it no official say in what happens.

[@alanmckinstry9276]

“What they talking bout? They talking bout nothin” is the only point of the song. It’s about nothing. It’s deliberately BS. It’s great.

[@amaris7619]

One of my favorites!

[@toricrumrine3448]

"Bing bop boom boom boom bam." Fighting noises.

[@censoredialogue]

@@toricrumrine3448the typa shit i’m on you wouldn’t understand 😹😹😹

[@theyoungcommander]

The album is decidedly digestible. I think you're spot on about "meeting people where they are." This album is about gatekeeping, and reinforcing his mission to crush the overwhelming bullshit happening in and around hip hop. He needed to to complete watching the party die before something more conceptual.

[@alexchrist1057]

Luther is freaking awesome

[@blazebaby89]

Yesss Hey Now and Luther are my favorites

[@NeoNovastar]

i cannot stop listening to Luther, its just so friggin gorgeous and satisfying to listen to.

[@InspireRise300]

The best song

[@younggod3906]

🚮

[@theaudjob3267]

It's the perfect 45 minute cardio album

[@SG-cv4pf]

I'm just glad kenny decided to fuck around and have fun instead of tryna break our brain with something that questions existence

[@The_Catalyzt]

He broke my brain a little bit with "Reincarnated." Depending on how you read it, he talked to us from 4 or 5 different perspectives, one of which is himself reincarnated as Lucifer? Yeah, he took us there. While also reincarnating 2pac with the beat and flow.

[@Fukyomomma2x]

I actually like those albums. Gives it more staying power because it forces you to "listen" not hear It

[@dextercagan5615]

​@@The_Catalyzt@The_Catalyzt Opinion: I don't think he's saying he's Lucifer, commonly associated with the Devil, himself but the "devil's music" and its connection with black creators. All the music genres mentioned were created/pioneered by black musicians and, during their peak, were considered the devil's music because of the vices surrounding them. The last embodiment is Kendrick and how rap/true hip hop is perceived, often negatively or as modern-day "devil's music." He's trying to change that through his music, thus "rewriting" the story of the "devil's music." That's my opinion on it anyway.

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

​@@dextercagan5615💯 👏 👏 👏

[@nijiljacob2725]

I want that toooo!!

[@allfacts1053]

Kendrick just saying "ohhh yeah I need some hits before the super bowl" and then proceeds to just casually drop fire is legendary. 🔥

[@MANUELEYTOR]

Luther in one of the prettiest songs I've ever heard, was not expending that out of this album.

[@PANDORAZTOYBOKZ]

It's so beautiful beyond words. If I ever write one song even a fraction as incredible as Luther I'd be happy forever.

[@vineethpuli5079]

It sounds like your stepping out from a winter spent in a cold grey dungeon into a warm spring thriving beautiful lush green nature scape with birds singing and the sun shining and shit

[@izshtar]

Luther and Gloria is on REPEAT

[@bfirme]

"fuck a double entendre, i want yall do feel this shit"

[@voodeux_badeux]

He is usually a conceptual artist BUT I loooooove the energy he is displaying. Very needed these days

[@DivaKay]

I commend Kendrick for meeting a lot of his audience where they are plus proving that he could do any content (dance bops, nostalgia, catchy vibes, melodic, dumbed-down like Peek-a-Boo)-basically a prelude to his actual album...I can't wait!

[@RyomenAyeni225]

Back to back?!? 😭 Nah but seriously this album feels like a mixtape to me, but tbf, a Deluxe version is being hinted at by some

[@2samarie2]

Lefty gunplay in a bootleg kev interview pretty much confirmed

[@BigChilleha]

The Heart had never been on an album since kendrick has been releasing music. the features also dont match for an "album". not even a good or bad debate. this just feels the music he during the beef and Mr Morale didnt really have his most impactful hits so it makes sense for something new to drop prior. but my mind cant escape the idea that The Heart isnt an album cut. always has been a single or mixtspe track (i shoulda finished the vid 😂 he said what i said)

[@deathlesszero]

It was even hinted by kendrick in squabble up. "hit his turf and get crackin' double back like a deluxe"

[@traplover6357]

​@@BigChillehaman, I wanna say a lot of shit about this "features don't belong if it's an album" criticism. People expecting Kendrick music like a high class wine for morally superior people and that these features don't fit that agenda.

[@BigChilleha]

@traplover6357 thats not at all what i mean. the features are perfect! im looking at it the history of music. This might be what the people want, but Kendrick doesnt give you what you want on his albums. he gives you what he wants and on every album he has had somebody "major" or "popular" because thats how music works. his history of releases is why it doesnt match. Dre on GKMC, Snoop TPAB, Rihanna/U2 Damn, Kodak/Ghostface on Mr Morale. Theres still a level of artist missing from his "Album". to me, this feels like Kendricks, IYRTITL, a mixtape with original music that just bumps.

[@motcUS]

tv off being a not like us remix is the hottest take here.

[@user-pz4vb9cu8u]

I hope ya'll are BUYING this album. It's on pace to sell 300k far less than his last few albums. If you want this kinda music from him then buy the album.

[@aesop2733]

I didn't know it was available. There was nothing when the album first dropped so that's probably why the sales are lagging. People probably looked then gave up or forgot after the first time

[@stinky_dookie]

Nah, mr morale sold 285k first week. It was his lowest since gkmc. 300k is also astonishingly well for a surprise release

[@feraljane]

I downloaded it from iTunes soon as I saw it was out. Hey I like to own my media, burn a cd in case I decide to turn off the internet.

[@B1ackTheRipper]

I preordered the blue vinyl i hope that goes towards the sales. Been on repeat anyway lol

[@jinxxy06]

@@B1ackTheRipper they said physicals won’t count this week. 😭

[@rashad123us]

*@**2:10** Mexican mariachi singer**

[@immortanleo3868]

The second verse on Hey Now goes crazy

[@definitely.not.Longmaze]

made me goofy smile when i first heard it

[@olivercrespo2329]

ITS THE BEN FRANK MURDERA MR I AINT HEARD OF YA

[@Chicks15]

“Wtf you wearing bro it’s tacky.”

[@collinbeal]

"Oh My GoD i'M aBoUt To Do ThE fOoL"

[@dj_daem0n]

F.D: "Low effort for Kendrick is regular effort for most other rappers." KANYE: **muffled scoff from behind his bondage mask** AUBREY: **asks to speak to the manager**

[@StonedTonberry]

Preach ❤

[@beegbeeg9871]

Not the bondage mask 💀

[@AluelDoldol]

Not the manager 😂

[@Claxxiq]

The GNX track is a homage to the bay thats a mac dre type beat i knew folks wasn’t gonna feel that, thats some real Bay Area ish right there specifically Mac Dre Thizz era, RIP MAC This album slaps its for California and the world gets to enjoy it with us

[@mrc88822]

Omg I said the same thing. That beat is a Mac Dre beat. I swear he had one song similar but I can’t find it!! It brings me back to hs!

[@Claxxiq]

@ see you already know! Alot of people aint gonna catch that

[@MagisterJoe]

That “talknboutnothin” bit feels SUPER bay area

[@dynamitejimi]

It also feels like an old Hot Boyz track simultaneously to me

[@PeacefulPariah]

Sitting here in the Tenderloin, wondering if anyone outside of CA gets it.

[@Uncreative253]

8:40 The hill I will die on is that Damn is criminally underrated; im not saying that its his best, im not even saying its his second best, but I feel like most people havent properly digested it. The album, which is clearly aimed at a commercial audience, is able to present a coherent theological argument. The whole album is juggling what it means to be human (theologically) and further, what it means to be part of Gods creation and thus at the whim of Gods will. If you’re interested, look up Kendricks response to DJBooth about Damn, Kendrick kind of lays out the theological questions surrounding the album and its great.

[@majorisker]

I would be thrilled if there’s another project coming, and to me it seems far more than likely than not that there is. However, this album is also exactly what I wanted from Kendrick as a long time fan. I’m so happy to see him just let loose and have fun for a project.

[@Deucefiggity]

Mofos was hating, saying he didn't show much love to the mexican community at the pop-out tour, and they did feel represented in the Cali connection. This album is possibly a way to show his love and respect to our brown brothers too.

[@The_Jazziest_Coffee]

some ppl are actually hating the hispanic inclusion which is insane like i just don't get it (and some 'latinos' don't wanna like it either, like whaaat) in all honesty i saw this online, so likely irl the hispanic community 100% loves this

[@Mayhem5150]

He basically stated what this project would feel like on Wacced Out Murals. In the first verse of the first song.

[@rosagonzalez4739]

I think the theme of GNX is powering up. He’s activating his ancestral power, the power of his pen, his hood, Black cultural power, the power of love and healing as well as the power of war

[@Leahcimmichael]

It feels like Denzel Curry's Zuu or Vince Staples' FM!. A fun smaller local project inbetween bigger concept albums

[@bpnation37]

Peekaboo is hard af idc. It's ok to just have fun on a song

[@rooboatdeer22yu51]

I sat in the park and i didn't skip one thing. THATS MAJOR . Every time this dude drops I feel rejuvenated to listen to music more.

[@michaelotis223]

We're eating good again!!

[@mike04574]

We never skipping Kendrick on first listen

[@cheriann6461]

Kdot releases keep me in a choke hold. I wasn't ready for GNX. I sure hope I don't have much to do if/when he drops again.

[@DrewbattleTheGreat]

I’m glad Kendrick didn’t give us a think piece album sometimes we just need a slap to throw on the stereo

[@Robot_Eva]

I dunno I think it still gives you a lot to think about even if it's aiming to be catchier than his last record

[@The_Jazziest_Coffee]

@@Robot_Eva i still like how it's very much a flex album, in the sense that there's lots of substance, but it's stylishly in your face and punchy

[@torywilliams5345]

THIS shits slaps but still has more depth than 99 percent of mainstream releases

[@ketongu]

I feel as though Mr morale suffered slightly from trying to be conceptual and not quite sticking the landing. they say "the perfect is the enemy of the good" and id like to see kendrick dispense with his perfectionism and just release some good music

[@SeymourKnots]

Hilarious, dot fans in the comments doing damage control.. it's mid plain & simple

[@JLov3RnB]

Don’t compare your greatness to others big dog. You got a talent with what you’re doing rn that others like myself can’t easily replicate

[@davidbucky7634]

Two vids dam unc spoiling us in the holidays

[@arandomautizzy]

Ong

[@abagaz9714]

it’s genuinely crazy how much this album grew on me and now it’s all i listen to. i didn’t have an opinion first listen bc my second and third listens usually determine how i truly feel about kendrick albums (it’s never a straight-forward listen with him). by the third, i was loving it.

[@kplovely9787]

Cali Natives asked for a "Cali Album" and we got what we asked for. No Skips for me, personally. Not his best, but definitely one of my favs!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@quiphere]

I tried to rank his records and it made my head hurt. All I can say is, Kendrick's a blessing to art and music. I remember reciting "i" for people when it came out and it seamlessly conveyed the artisitic genius and potentcy just through that channel.

[@basicallymid]

Kendrick definitely met me where I was lol. As I come to terms with the election, this album was a balm. During my first listen I had to sip a drink, dim the lights, and just go where he wanted to takes us. Don't know if it was intentional, but I'll take it

[@liesalllies]

It’s definitely been healing.

[@---pd3dg]

this album is really fucking good i cant stop playing it since it came out

[@felipehonoriobs]

Bro, imagine those horns from TV off, but with an actual orchestra

[@SoundPeaceLover]

You make great stuff! Humility is an excellent characteristic, but you're an amazing creator

[@Imoh93]

This album felt like Kendrick made his own All Eyez On Me. Just a really good time on the West coast with awesome production. And I love it.

[@chrilborn4138]

I'm not gonna get my hopes up for another album. I'm more than satisfied with this album. I think it's a good counterpart to Mr. Morale, catchier and less heady with less heavy subject matter. It also proves Kendrick can put out quality work without this deep concept attached to it.

[@arcticgoddess]

In the Squabble Up video he just released, a poster drops down that reads: 'Compton Christmas Parade' which is December 14. Kendrick is specific in everything he does, so I think he will drop the actual album that day.🎄

[@filmorejohnson]

Maybe, or he's just saying he'll be there showing love.

[@pantalaemon]

@@filmorejohnson kendrick fans are beginning to feel like kubrick fans lol "no trust me the room number in the hotel in the Shining is a reference to the nazis on the moon"

[@MesGuided]

​@@pantalaemon Kendrick Kubrick 😂😂

[@filmorejohnson]

@@pantalaemon He does layer in some deeper meanings to be fair, but not all of it is that deep haha

[@pantalaemon]

@@filmorejohnson he definitely does, and it's not like *insane* insane that people are so eager to see meaning in it, but sometimes it is a bit insane lol. I just think it sucks that Kendrick just released a really good album but people are hyping him up so much that they're not even really appreciating it, because they're expecting some even BIGGER more TRANSCENDENT thing to drop. If i was the artist, that would fucking depress me.

[@JDEdwards2331]

Bing-bop-boom-boom-boom-bop-bam The type of shit Kenny on, Sig wouldn't understand

[@YerpDerp17]

I'll be real, I think Section 80 is he weakest project. And its not at all bad. I just think he drastically matured his sound after that album. And to keep it all the way real, anyone could seriously debate ANY of his other albums as being the best. I won't speak on GNX yet, because though I am playing it on repeast and enjoying tf out of it, I just want time to let it breathe before I consider ranking it. What I think makes Kendrick unique, that only a few artist can claim, is every one of his albums sound drastically different from the next. So whatever you're at in life, what sort of production you are feeling, what sort of message you need to hear, you can honestly argue for any of his albums as being his best. And that just speaks to his raw talent as an artist. Not just a rapper, and legitimate artist. And though a lot of rap fans have thought it since TPAB, Kendrick in the past year has solidified himself as one the top teir GOATS. He will have to be on ev ery "top 10" list, and actually debated as being number 1. Not just current, but of all time. I am not here to claim he is, I have a lot of respect for OG's, but you have to entertain that conversation now. This current run he on is so raw and legendary that not giving him that respect is simply disrespectful. lol We are blessed to be able to see it all happening in real time. And I hope anyone who reads this has a blessed, positive and safe Thanksgiving!

[@Braillionaire]

Same to you fam

[@anthonybonacci6618]

Im'a be musty and say; section 80 is one of if not the best of his albums, mostly because it was raw and unrefined. It's a taste of youth and vigour that you just don't see in as meticulous a mature artist as Kenny has become. Rigamortis has in it the bones of all that comes after and it does it beautifully. the whole thing was a banger.

[@ketongu]

kush and corinthians is fire

[@seanvalentinus]

I appreciate your thoughts on this one, FD. I've honestly always *wanted* to be more of a fan of hip-hop than I am, but I find a lot of stuff doesn't always land with me. I got captivated by "Not Like Us", and when I checked out Kendrick's other stuff my thought was "I honestly feel like this shit's going over my head". I could tell it was good, I just wasn't connecting in the way I want to. But I really like the guy's vibe, so this makes me keen to check this one out.

[@tennyoceres]

the much needed topic shift i needed from the recent video on FD main channel. i love that GNX is also a west coast showcase.

[@Coreymalikmusic]

Hey Now is my fav song too! Also impressed that you recognized the Father Time sample nobody’s mentioned it yet

[@cantu7214]

I agree with your take. this is really dope music with good messages for the Super Bowl. Fans have been wanting it and he delivered 🔥

[@spofet]

Kendrick did an album any % speedrun

[@maps_x]

Hey Now was also my favorite! "We got the same 24, what you mad for" is prolly my favorite line on the album.

[@sheldonthegiant]

Furthering the theory that each kendrick album is a based on a different form of media consumption. Gnx is a community show (a pop out show).

[@rangerred9022]

I prefer GNX over Damn. Reincarnated is his best written song.

[@Jimmyjones151]

Same. GNX is fun. DAMN is great but left me feeling cold after it

[@klb2164]

exactly my thoughts

[@anthonydeshaun6326]

Wow, I agree with this… And I love Damn.. This album is elite penmanship! Fun dance tracks, answers to what he felt about the battle and the superbowl situation! Reincarnated and Man it the garden are my favorite tracks. But I love 9-10 out of twelve.

[@sjeanmacleod]

Kendrick was going for something on DAMN which outside of a small few tracks wasn't conducive to having banger after banger. Same thing with Mr Morale.

[@KamasiFitzgerald]

hard agree - GNX has no skips for me, DAMN has a couple

[@exophilo]

You make a very good point about how he did more creative emulation / re-use / remixing than usual. I think this project is taking shots at those who say that he doesn't have (enough) catchy slaps for a top tier artist. GNX feels more like a conceptual mixtape than an album. That said, I think you're right that it's priming us for something bigger. I'm really enjoying GNX for the bops but I also hope that he's got a second, more complex album, in the oven.

[@darrencharles]

that was worded well “the best creative force in hiphop right now”…

[@megyskermike]

Mainstream hiphop to be specific

[@wydmatt7294]

@@megyskermike who in the mid tier to underground scene do you listen to

[@jake3550]

I do agree with you on the fact that gnx feels a little more rushed compared to any other project he dropped, that was the first thing that i felt after i finished listening. But i do believe that he used this album to give all the drake apologists an exhibit of everything he can do as an artist that his range goes beyond what they think it does, that he also can put on a lot of noname artists and make em pop, and overall just shut the mouths of all the haters and also give a blueprint to the new artists as to how to make boppy catchy songs and still have substance and content, yall dont need to sacrifice content for hits. All in all love your videos love the fact that you have been very fair in ur opinion can't wait for more.

[@gregorysilas6329]

Man in the garden is my favorite song from this album

[@The_Catalyzt]

In total agreement. I always run that one back to back back.

[@resultsgoodman]

Where I disagree with you is saying Tyler & Jpegmafia are as low effort as Kendrick while being as good. Both Tyler & Jpegmafia sound like they’re trying hard. Nothing wrong with it, but those two as exceptions/examples for not being in the “low effort for Kendrick is regular effort for other rappers” box are just not the names to list. Jpegmafia says himself in his music that he tries hard and very seriously, not rhetorically.

[@mr.sorku359]

4:47 Y'all heard it here first folks FD choosing Big Wayne > lil wayne

[@nickylars]

I think it's a great mixtape in disguise + a sonically regional statement.

[@ZachFairchild-sn4sc]

It’s funny hearing ppl saying it’s not what I’m used to or looking for yet don’t wanna be boxed in yet we box others in. Great video I wish you well.

[@Idkevenwhatisnttaken]

I think "what they talkin bout they ain't talking bout nothing" is extremely funny and i think that's what it's supposed to be. I think it's Kendricks version of a skit, he mentions it in the song.

[@olivercrespo2329]

Love this record - hearing a rapper of Kendrick's caliber just break it down and bar up some tracks is exactly what I love about old school hip hop. Even the songs that are just for "fun" are still cleverly constructed and have a ton of finesse in the writing and production that makes them instantly catchy. Squabble Up gives me so much Rosa Parks vibes even tho they are not similar at all lol

[@1C3Original]

That fly at 5:12 scared the hell out of me😭

[@FirstLast-lw5wh]

0:38 I think there will either be a deluxe or that this is a mixtape before the album

[@twilitezn]

Kendrick “brought back the Milk”!!! 😤😎

[@slumericanOG816]

I think your 100% right, it's a mixtape literally not an album, it doesn't feel complete that's because it's a mixtape

[@landresking3988]

This album is pretty much Kendrick showing that he has a culture he can connect back to this whole album was hella west coast.

[@sfgiants5486]

Being from Cali, I love the album. I’m bias AF lol

[@techs2996]

It has so many references to LA it’s like a love letter to the west coast I’n a sense. He is on his victory lap of popping his sh!t on west side bops but still has a ton of substance on certain joints. Now objectively it isn’t close to like tpab or GKMC but it ain’t trying to be that, what he went for he nailed, I say all that to say I’m east coast and I thought it was dope af I agree with ya on that

[@AllboroLCD]

Kendrick has my kinda taste in Cars. The General Motors G-Body played a significant role as a kid growing up. Grandma had a silver Monte Carlo, Aunt had a silver Grand Prix, love those cars!

[@AllboroLCD]

Fun fact, most of the promotion/show Units of the L8 80's GNX were later CRUSHED by GM. They do this alot apparantly....

[@PopularNobody]

GNX has great replayability. On first listen, I only thought like 4 were bangers. Now, there's only two songs I don't rock with.

[@aesop2733]

It's an album I'm always gonna throw on and listen front to back no skipping. Rarely does that mean the whole thing is perfect, but I'm here for the vibe. Love this album

[@collinbeal]

_dodger blue_ is an 8/10 song and _gnx_ is a 6/10 song, while _peekaboo_ and _gloria_ are both 9/10 songs for me. I still need to listen to all of _GKMC_ and _DAMN._ I'm hoping I can find a 10/10 Kendrick album; _MMATBS_ is the closest one for me so far at like a 9-9.5/10.

[@Nighhhts]

What are the two? I think GNX is the worst song but still decent. I like every other track.

[@Nighhhts]

⁠@@collinbeal I would give Dodger Blue a 9/10, along with Peekaboo. DB sounds so groovy and nostalgic and it sounds like a slow jam.

[@collinbeal]

@@Nighhhts I really like the song. 8/10 is still a great score. The problem is that I don't look to Kendrick for songs anyone could make; I look to him for how singular of an artist he is. I think he can give nostalgic vibes while also executing his unique artistic vision, as he does so on _reincarnation, luther,_ and _heart part 6._

[@chantellemodisane]

Him talking to his higher self, did it for me

[@kossiviesse9807]

Yeah Hey now is my fave, and idek why but I cried repeating the “Spaceships on Rosecrans” at the gym lol

[@tanieshawilliams4045]

"Walk in New Orleans with the etiquette of LA yellin".... MUSTAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRDDDDDDD 😜😝🚌

[@ZTWaka]

I loved the underlying themes of empathy all throughout this album especially towards the end of Reincarnated. This album is so special i cant wait for the deluxe.

[@sizableyeet]

Undisputed Kendrick Album Ranking: 1. TPAB 2. GKMC 3. Untitled Unmastered 4. Mr. Morale 5. GNX 6. Section.80 7. DAMN

[@rasmusk.lassen4965]

I flinched so hard at that stupid fly sound 5:10

[@annechrystelleetemengono1858]

Me too omg 😂😂😂

[@Nurambus]

I'm so glad other people see the beauty of luther. that song is a damn MASTERPIECE.