Kendrick Lamar has closed out 2024 on a high note, surprising fans with the unannounced release of his sixth studio album, GNX, on Friday, Nov. 22. The 12-track album includes collaborations with artists such as SZA—featured on “Luther” and “Gloria”—as well as Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington, Roddy Ricch, and others.
GNX marks Lamar’s first full-length release since 2022’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 295,000 equivalent album units in its first week. Earlier this year, Lamar made headlines with a guest verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s Hot 100-topping single “Like That,” which sparked a rap feud with Drake. The tension culminated in Lamar’s hit track “Not Like Us,” which ended the dispute and achieved its own success, spending two nonconsecutive weeks atop the Hot 100.
Lamar is also preparing for a major 2025, highlighted by his performance at the Apple Music Halftime Show in New Orleans on Feb. 9. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said when the announcement was made. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
The 17-time Grammy winner is nominated for seven awards at the 2025 Grammy Awards. His track “Not Like Us” is up for record of the year, song of the year, best music video, best rap performance, and best rap song. Additionally, “Like That” is nominated for best rap song and best rap performance.
Following the release of GNX, fans took to social media to praise the album. “Look me dead in the eyes and tell me Kendrick Lamar isn’t the greatest ever,” one fan posted on X. Another added, “Kendrick just opened his mouth; someone go hand him a Grammy right now.”