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Worst to Best: Ranking All 12 Songs From Kendrick Lamar’s GNX Album

  • November 23, 2024
  • 10 minute read
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Timing is everything, and Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release of ‘GNX’ is no exception, given that the hype about his ongoing rivalry with Drake is still very much intense. After Lamar’s fiery diss track ‘Not Like Us’, aimed at Drake’s jabs, the rapper strategically drops ‘GNX’ while the tension is high. By striking while the iron is hot, Kendrick keeps the focus on his artistry and sharp commentary fueling his public feud. Fans will find that every track on the album carries a personal weight, with some songs drawing direct lines to the beef, while others explore deeper personal themes. 

From unexpected collaborations to genre-bending beats, ‘GNX’ offers layers to unravel. It is hard to say which of these songs is intended to stand out as the crown jewel, and which ones fall short to meet Kendrick’s high bar.

12. Peekaboo

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Peekaboo’ from the ‘GNX’ album stands out as an experimental piece but feels awkward in the overall narrative drive of the album. The playfully made production, full of bouncy beats and catchy hooks, falls more on the side of showing off guest artist AzChike rather than Kendrick’s lyrical depth. Kendrick’s bars are sharp in the track but all in all feels less substantial compared to other songs.

Critics point out that ‘Peekaboo’ flirts with humor but does not commit fully, making it more of a fleeting moment than a memorable statement.

Read More: Jadakiss and Jae’Won Aren’t Sold on Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s Rap Beef Being the ‘GOAT’

11. Heart Pt. 6

‘Heart Pt. 6’ in the album has a raw and vulnerable quality, but it does not carry the same impact as its predecessors in the ‘Heart’ series. As much as Kendrick proved he could drop his guard emotionally, the track is as flat as the heavy hitters that surrounded it. Fans were expecting a deeply reflective piece, yet the track’s lack of punch leaves it overshadowed. Kendrick touches on personal trauma, but the emotional depth is blunted, particularly in comparison to tracks like ‘Not Like Us’,

which provided sharper diss-driven lyricism. 

The understated tone feels almost like a misstep in an album otherwise packed with explosive energy. Fans may be left aching for more of the intense storytelling that Kendrick has become so celebrated for, leaving ‘Heart Pt. 6’ feeling like a rather disappointing chapter in a very exciting story.

10. Luther (feat. SZA)

‘Luther’, a standout collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and SZA on ‘GNX’, has a soulful backbone thanks to its nostalgic Luther Vandross sample. Despite having lush production and a reflective tone regarding love and ambition, it remains something the song cannot fully reach. Kendrick uses lyrics like “Love ain’t a contract, it’s a burden we carry”

to explore emotional vulnerability. 

Compared to the dynamism of their previous collaborations like ‘All the Stars’, the chemistry here seems subdued. While the song nods to ambition and longing, it does not push the boundaries of what a Kendrick-SZA collaboration could achieve, leaving fans yearning for a bolder statement.

9. Dodger Blue (ft. Ink, Roddy Ricch & Sam Dew)

‘Dodger Blue’, featuring Ink, Roddy Ricch, and Sam Dew, feels like an ambitious tribute to Los Angeles, but Kendrick Lamar’s role comes off too muted, leaving listeners craving his usual dominance. The song is a little bit of a sports lover’s ode, referencing the Dodgers’ recent World Series win with lines like, “Don’t say you hate L.A. unless you travel past the 10,”

which grounds it in Kendrick’s West Coast roots. 

While the collaboration brings a rich sonic palette, Kendrick feels like more of a backdrop, letting his features take center stage instead of driving the track forward. Critics have called it a subtle homage but one that does not do full justice to the lyrical prowess of Lamar.

8. Hey Now (ft. Dody6)

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ album, ‘Hey Now’ (featuring Dody6) dives into the temptations and hollowness of fame, offering a minimalist yet introspective vibe. It follows a relatively minimalist, reflective vibe. Over a subdued beat, Kendrick ponders materialism and external validation, peeling off some stark moments of vulnerability. Lines like, “They pocket-watchin’, like I owe ’em a piece of my fate,”

 are indicative of the frustration in constant scrutiny or the burden of expectations that this industry holds on him.

The feature from Dody6 brings energy but does not elevate the track significantly. Though thought-provoking, ‘Hey Now’ falls somewhere in the middle of the pack because of its less dynamic execution, making it a reflective though mostly forgettable piece of the album’s lineup.

7. Reincarnated

The track is rich in metaphor, as Kendrick reflects on his evolution, likening his journey to cycles of death and rebirth. Lyrically, lines such as “looking for the broccoli”

metaphorically highlight his pursuit of nurturing experiences, underscoring the balance between personal and artistic growth. 

Kendrick Lamar’s voice is kept at the center but lacks punch and urgency such as in the standout moments like ‘Squabble Up’. The introspective tone is compelling but feels too familiar in the context of Kendrick’s track record, being less innovative in the album’s wider narrative.

6. Man at the Garden

‘Man at the Garden’, ranking seventh on Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, is a revealing tale reflecting moments of his personal vulnerability and public pressure. Like the lyric, “They cheer for the struggle, but not the recovery,”

to show the tension between fame and humanity. Inspired by the resilience of figures like Kobe Bryant, Lamar positions the metaphor of the “garden”

as both a sanctuary and a battlefield.

Other than poetic lyricism, this one is less striking in comparison to other tracks due to its soft beat and lack of sonic elevation. The song though contemplative, misses that edge that the fans crave.

5. TV Off

‘TV Off’ from Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ album dives deep into modern disconnection and the escape that screens offer. The jazzy vibe it brings with the smooth saxophone, as it carries reflective lyrics by Kendrick, who ponders whether addiction to screens blunts him and puts him out of touch with reality.

The minimalist beat amplifies his internal reflection, but the song’s pacing and somber tone make it feel more like a mood piece than a standout hit. Lyrics like “I’m stuck inside this screen, can’t feel a thing”

convey his struggle, but it lacks the punch of other album tracks.

4. Wacced Out Murals

Opening ‘GNX’, ‘Wacced Out Murals’ brings explosive wordplay, Kendrick sets the tone with marvelous lyricism, showing no mercy for the cultural ills he sees around him. Kendrick talks about the personal and professional challenges he has faced, specifically addressing his complex relationship with Lil Wayne, who felt snubbed after he was chosen to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Kendrick’s sharp lines like, “Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down,”

add weight to his frustrations about the industry’s politics. 

This track is not just an intro—it is a raw, unapologetic statement that grabs you by the collar and never lets go. It is the perfect opener, but it cannot quite top some of the album’s more refined moments. 

3. Gloria (ft. SZA)

‘Gloria’ featuring SZA, the final track on ‘GNX’, leaves listeners with a meditative reflection on redemption and legacy. Its smooth beats pave the way for the ponderings by Kendrick Lamar on his personal journey, asking him what it means to leave a lasting mark on this world.  His verses explore his path toward self-awareness, the mistakes he made, and the impact of family and community on his evolution. In the chorus, SZA’s soulful vocals elevate the track, giving it a haunting quality as she sings about finding peace amidst chaos.

It is a beautiful closure, contrasting the raw energy of the previous tracks with a more serene and reflective tone. ‘Gloria’ may not hit as hard as some of the more aggressive cuts from the album, but its emotional weight and thematic feel make it the perfect conclusion to the album.

2. Squabble Up

In ‘Squabble Up,’ Kendrick Lamar lights a fire of clashes, mentioning his tensions with Drake and Lil Wayne. The track explodes Kendrick’s competitive spirit and lyrical superiority-cutting the air like some declaration of battle cry. Notably, Kendrick drops a line, referencing the infamous dispute where he claims Drake crossed a boundary, allegedly involving Lil Wayne’s girl while he was incarcerated. With the line, “Used to bump Tha Carter 3… irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down,”

he pushes the envelope, exposing personal conflicts and the intensity of these industry rivalries. 

The aggressive beat, backed by Mustard’s production, only heightens the track’s confrontational tone, solidifying Kendrick’s place at the top of the lyrical food chain. ‘Squabble Up’ sets the stage for a no-holds-barred lyrical showdown, where Kendrick asserts his dominance in a track that burns with unapologetic intensity.

1. GNX (featuring Hitta J3, Peysoh, and YoungThreat)

‘GNX’ (featuring Hitta J3, Peysoh, and YoungThreat) stands out as the flagship track of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ album. With fiery verses and a booming beat, Kendrick brings his signature lyrical sharpness to the front, exploring the complexities of life under the spotlight. The title track dives into competition, not just with peers but with himself, as he strives to evolve while navigating the pressures of the industry. 

Kendrick is joined by a dynamic crew—Hitta J3, Peysoh, and YoungThreat—who complement him, adding grit and depth to the track. The chorus line “If I ain’t the greatest, who is?”

echoes the fierce self-belief that has fueled his career and defining his dominance. This track perfectly sets the tone for the album, making it a must-listen for anyone following Kendrick’s ongoing evolution.

Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release of the ‘GNX’ album dropped with minimal promotion, has sent shockwaves through the music world. GNX is more than an album, it is a statement of artistic dominance, breaking loose all boundaries, and contradicting the stories set out. It challenges the fans and critics with more profound messages as they wonder what Lamar’s next move will be​. 

Read More: Fans Lose It All as Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift Collaboration News Takes Air

Do you agree with these rankings, or do you have your own take on Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ album? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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