Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans with New Album *GNX*, Addressing Drake Feud and Lil Wayne Super Bowl Drama

 

 

Topline

Kendrick Lamar dropped a surprise album, GNX, on Friday afternoon with no prior announcement, capping off a stellar year. The release follows his high-profile feud with Drake—widely considered a victory for Lamar—and features references to the conflict, including nods to his hit diss track, Not Like Us.

 

Key Facts

• Kendrick Lamar quietly released his 12-track album GNX on Friday afternoon, sharing the album cover on Instagram shortly after noon EST.

• The opening track, "Wacced Out Murals," addresses his feud with Drake, with the lyric: “Snoop posted 'Taylor Made,' I prayed it was the edibles / I couldn't believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.” This references Snoop Dogg sharing Drake’s diss track "Taylor Made Freestyle" on Instagram earlier this year. Snoop later clarified he wouldn’t take sides, praising both artists for "raising the bar" in hip-hop.

• The album features "Heart Pt. 6," the latest entry in Lamar’s acclaimed Heart series, and shares its title with one of Drake’s diss tracks released in May.

• Lamar also addresses backlash for headlining the Super Bowl in New Orleans over hometown favorite Lil Wayne on "Wacced Out Murals." He raps: “I used to bump ‘Tha Carter 3,’ I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down,” referencing Wayne’s 2008 album, and adds: “Got the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me.

  Key Background

  The release of GNX caps off a monumental year for Kendrick Lamar. Earlier this year, he ignited a fiery feud with Drake, releasing a string of diss tracks that many believe solidified his victory in the rivalry. His hit single "Not Like Us" became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning five Grammy nominations.

  The feud was marked by explosive allegations on both sides: Lamar accused Drake of pursuing minors and hiding a secret daughter—claims Drake denied—while Drake alleged Lamar had abused his wife, which Lamar has previously refuted.

  In June, Lamar celebrated his success with a star-studded Juneteenth concert in Los Angeles, featuring appearances by notable celebrities from the city. The event, widely seen as a victory lap following the Drake feud, included a bold moment where Lamar performed "Not Like Us" five times consecutively.

  In September, Lamar was announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, scheduled for February. The decision sparked backlash from fans and artists like Nicki Minaj, Master P, and Cam’ron, who argued Lil Wayne deserved the spot in his hometown of New Orleans. Lil Wayne later admitted the perceived snub "broke" him, blaming his own expectations for assuming he would be chosen.

  News Peg

  Just ahead of the album drop, Lamar teased the release with a one-minute video on YouTube, featuring him posing alongside a Buick GNX. The album boasts production by Jack Antonoff, known for his work with major pop stars, and guest vocals from SZA.