Adversity, Musical Versatility and Storytelling in Kendrick Lamar’s Discography

Kendrick Lamar on the “GNX” album cover (Courtesy/Dave Free via AP)

Rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar surprised listeners with the release of his newest album “GNX” on Nov. 22. 

This album, a memorable composition of diverse melodies and different features, continues his history of incorporating social commentary and storytelling throughout his discography. 

From the discouragement and violence derived from Lamar’s experiences in Compton in “good kid, m.A.A.d city” to the complexities of being a Black man in America in “To Pimp a Butterfly” to the exploration of morality and faith in the Pulitzer Prize-winning album “DAMN.”; Lamar has eloquently captured the honesty and essence behind resilience in the face of adversity. 

“GNX” is no different. It subtly addresses complicated livelihood, relationships and the negative discourse surrounding his announcement as the talent for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. 

Lamar has faced opposition from Lil Wayne fans who argued the “A Milli” rapper should perform in his home city. He has received backlash from people who denied his relevance and influence on current rap music, further escalated by Wayne’s speech at the 2024 Lil Weezyana Fest, where he said the Super Bowl was ripped away from him.

Lamar references the Super Bowl situation in his first song on the album titled “Wacced Out Murals,” where he says his hard work “let Lil Wayne down.” He also mentions Nas was the only one to congratulate him. The song, devastating in its exploration of the harsh realities of success and social dynamics, underscores Lamar’s resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder of his self-worth, even when those he admires let him down.

“Reincarnated,” the sixth track, is a thought-provoking, vulnerable narrative that samples 2Pac’s “Made N*ggaz” and utilizes the devil’s perspective to emphasize a desire for peace. By illustrating the lives of struggling artists—possibly John Lee Hooker and Billie Holiday—, Lamar demonstrates the suffocation of loneliness and the pros and cons of fame while suggesting we learn from their shortcomings.

A stark contrast to the fierce, rhythmic nature of “Reincarnated,” “Luther,” the third song, carries a hazy and melodic aura reminiscent of Khalid and Swae Lee’s “The Ways” from the Black Panther soundtrack—also produced by Lamar.

SZA features on the track, reinstituting the dreamlike nostalgia from their collaboration in “All the Stars.” “Luther” looks toward the future with optimism yet repeats the word “if,” as if the desire to make life easier for loved ones is unattainable. 

As a whole, “GNX” captures the effect the negative aspects of fame have on Lamar’s sense of self-empowerment. It reinforces his status as a storyteller willing to question and discuss fame, society and existence.