February 23, 2023
Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece
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February 23, 2023
HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.
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February 21, 2023
Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe
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February 21, 2023
Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...
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February 20, 2023
Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im
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February 23, 2023
Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s
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February 18, 2023
Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has
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February 17, 2023
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the
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February 14, 2023
The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close
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February 14, 2023
What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
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February 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
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February 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
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Kendrick Lamar has once again captivated the music world with the unexpected release of his sixth studio album, GNX, on November 22, 2024. This surprise drop marks his first full-length project since 2022's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers and his inaugural album after departing from Top Dawg Entertainment.
A Nod to the Past: The Significance of 'GNX'
The album's title, GNX, pays homage to the 1987 Buick Grand National Experimental—a car Lamar recently acquired and one that holds personal significance, as his father used the same model to bring him home from the hospital after his birth. This connection underscores the album's exploration of heritage and personal history.
Diverse Collaborations and Production
GNX boasts a rich tapestry of collaborations, featuring uncredited appearances from artists such as SZA, Kamasi Washington, and Roddy Ricch. The production is helmed by notable figures including Jack Antonoff and Sounwave, blending elements of G-funk, hyphy, and even mariachi to create a vibrant and eclectic soundscape.
Standout Tracks and Themes
The album opens with "Wacced Out Murals," where Lamar addresses his recent feud with Drake and reflects on his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance. Another highlight, "Squabble Up," expands on a snippet from his "Not Like Us" video, showcasing Lamar's dynamic delivery and integration of California rap styles. The track channels a carefree and rebellious spirit, reminiscent of 2Pac's defiant attitude.
Critical Reception
Critics have lauded GNX for its bold experimentation and introspective lyricism. Pitchfork praised "Squabble Up" for its vibrant fusion of genres and Lamar's masterful performance, noting that the track "feels as though he's channelling the ghosts of West Coast rap royalty."
A Year of Triumphs
The release of GNX caps a remarkable year for Lamar. His diss track "Not Like Us" secured his first solo number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and played a significant role in him being chosen for the Super Bowl halftime show.
Additionally, Lamar's strategic moves and exceptional artistry have kept him at the forefront of the music scene, proving that impact doesn't rely solely on album releases.
Conclusion
With GNX, Kendrick Lamar reaffirms his position as a visionary artist unafraid to push boundaries. The album's surprise release, diverse collaborations, and introspective themes offer a compelling addition to his discography, leaving fans and cr
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