Kendrick makes it clear he’s not done…

After a pretty decisive victory over rap superstar Drake, Kendrick makes it clear through GNX that he has higher heights to achieve and explores his pridefulness when it comes to his creativity and musicianship.

Channeling a lot of energy from Nas, Tupac and others, Kendrick may have taken off a certain crown on Mr. Morale, but puts on another one on GNX. The album takes on the approach similar to DAMN in terms of accessibility, but also balances it with Kendrick’s incredible pen.

For stating his case for being the greatest, calling out the partiality of some of his idols, peers, to his storytelling about the early moments of TDE till now, it’s clear that Kendrick feels like he’s on top of the world now, but still has more to achieve.

The specialties of Mr. Lamar is that he flexes his versatility everywhere on GNX. He can give you a percussive hit, he can give you the ‘’rappity-rap’’, he can give you the melodic stuff. He can do it all. He’s been flexing his option of choice all throughout his career, but this is the most he’s ever expressed his freedom. His pen translates regardless of the type of song he’s trying to construct.

On the surface, this may look like a pivot from the usual tightly weaved conceptual work that Kendrick usually does. But, in reality it’s still there. GNX is a look into his roots and the not-so-peaceful side of Kendrick. Kendrick uses his pride as sword to show everyone that this is how he got here. ‘’Keep your head down and work like I do, but understand everyone ain’t gon like you.’’ It’s the duality his own at work, which leads to the final song on the project. Gloria is Kendrick’s brand encapsulated into a song. A clever play on if he’s talking about Whitney or his writing skills, with a confirmation at the end.

Kendrick has stated so many times throughout his career than his pen can heal you and it can kill you. But, GNX shows he can do both at the same time.