Yep, my partner and I were just talking about that. The first time I listened to it, I was like "yeah, it's cool, but definitely not in my top 3 kendrick albums or anything" but I've like it way more with each listen with the exception of like 1 or 2 tracks. And that's not to say those tracks are ass or anything; they just weren't my favorite on the first listen and haven't grown on me much. By the 3rd or 4th listen, I was fully bought in. Idk how many times I've listened to it now. But idk if I can rank it on the list of kendrick albums like that because it feels like such a different style of project that it's comparing apples and oranges.
@@fullmetal929same thing for me. Might be my 2nd favorite Dot album behind GKMC (which sounds crazy for me to say). Only song i still don’t like is GNX😂 rest is straight 🔥
First listen GNX was probably my least favorite Kendrick album. But I can’t stop listening to it and after a bunch of relistens it might creep up into my top 3…
This part- these guys are missing the fact that Kendrick IS a thinking man- they haven’t got it yet…. Just like the slow Penny drop from MMATBS… Kendrick’s discography is stunning. GOAT 🐐 Been a fan. This 🥷🏾 won a Pulitzer, the Art???? The images he creates? It’s like him and Solange needs a collab- he is beyond rap he is an Artist. He is too too gifted Jay Z ???😂😂😂 Kendrick is just beyond. Jay Z will never be talked about like Tupac. Period. Kendrick will be talked about, Nipsey will always be talked about- they have heart as well as talent.
This album is amazing. GNX is rooted deeply in the spirit of sports and competition. Kendrick has always used distinct mediums to express his ideas-Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers as theater, DAMN. as a magazine, and Good Kid, M.A.A.D City as a short film. Here, he channels the essence of sports, using its competitive nature to frame the narrative. One of the album’s central themes is Kendrick’s homage to his penmanship, which takes center stage on the closing track, “Gloria.” The recurring voice of a Mexican woman symbolizes his pen, embodying its fears, creativity, and other expressions. This connection is cleverly woven into the intro and outro. In the intro, the woman voices her fear of what Kendrick is about to do, followed by his reference to driving and listening to Anita Baker. In the outro, she says, “Me and you, listening to Anita,” bringing the story full circle. Kendrick then reflects on his love for his craft, highlighting the deep, personal bond he shares with his pen. By merging the competitive spirit of hip-hop with a celebration of his artistry, Kendrick delivers a thematically rich and masterfully executed project. This album encapsulates his mission to bring hip-hop back to its roots: competition. From the Control verse to “Watch the Party Die,” Kendrick has been driving this vision. The latter, in particular, feels like a declaration-an effort to revive the essence of hip-hop by embracing its competitive heart. This album embodies that ethos completely. There are even more references I’m still uncovering. The GNX car serves as a powerful symbol, linking to the world of sports through its speed and precision, while also nodding to the iconic film Menace II Society. Kendrick weaves these elements into his storytelling, connecting them to LA culture and exploring themes of power, survival, and identity.
But a good question! Jay was known for having a formula for hus music... not being lyrical until later years in his career. I mean... " it's a hard knock life"... " change clothes"... not deep lyrically until 4:44
@@BeautifulBrainTrained homie i don't think the guy you're replying to is referring to the music, i think they're referring to the VERY CREDIBLE allegations recently brought up where he and Diddy allegedly r*ped a 13-year-old girl
Why Kendrick is better then most is he uses his voice like an instrument beside what he says. He reminds me of all my favorite lead vocals that use there voice the track. That puts him in the lead for me. The more he stops doing double tracking and start doing more dry and in your face it just got better.
Terrace Martin has referred to Kendrick as a jazz musician in multiple interviews for this very reason. For Free- Interlude on TPAB is my favorite example of this. The way Kendrick mimics the cadence of the drummer is incredible when you realize that the drummer isn’t playing in any conventional time signature. Never been an MC like Dot, highly doubt they’ll be one like him again
Ooh! This!!! I saw a lot of people on Twitter yapping about they thought Kendrick went to therapy. What happened to Mr. Morale? I thought he was healed, why is he so angry now. They said they didn’t think the therapy work. I’m like, it actually the opposite. Because he went through that deep therapeutic work on himself, he could step out of the feelings of “unworthiness” with the calling & mission he has before him. To Kendrick it’s way more than just rap, he feels this calling to help bring healing to our people through his artistry. But because of the deep healing he’s been experiencing, he has learned to say , “I deserve it all”, in humility vs false humility that says, I don’t deserve the accolades and the perks that come with this vocation. He’s learned how to confront situations & people who haven’t been genuine with him vs letting it slide. When I hear GNX, I hear a display of healthy anger from a man who is healing and accepting of himself with all of the duality within him. It’s a beautiful display of the divine feminine & masculine at work.
@@PeachVanilla11 THIS!!! I wish I could like this 1000 times. People that have never been through therapy don't understand the point of it. It doesn't make you docile or calm, it clarifies your vision of self, boundaries, morals, vison for the future, clarity of the past, your role in your trauma, and other's role in your life, for better or for worst. It empowers you to stand firm in your choices, have peace in your decisions, even if it hurts, if the choice is from a place of purity. Therapy assists us seeing ourselves in pieces and putting the pieces together to make us whole in a better way than we started.
I reject the rhetoric that if a Kendrick album isn’t as deep and complex as possible, it’s not as good. Everything serves its specific purpose! I feel like at this point the standard is so high, folks will never be happy, no matter what he puts out.
I agree. And yet GNX does have real depth. Reincarnated is scary, how deep and introspective it goes. Wacced Out murals goes heavy, it's dense with significance, if not 'complex'. With a song like Peekaboo, there may be some serious coded subliminals that may allegedly deal with an actual mцгder -- saying to a certain someone 'i know what you did'.
Agreed. His bar is high for most people. But the general bar is so low that Kendrick creates an almost opposite effect. Him not displaying the "lyrical miracle" rap makes people treat his art as basic. When, even when he's straightforward, he's layering his flow. Like, pay attention people! This is art!
Personally, I feel like GNX balances depth of content with danceable bouncy sound with the bars with addressing himself in his place in the culture & addressing others. I feel like every song is a hit on it's own level. Sonically it's perfect, if not, damn near perfect for any musical genre not just rap.
This is such an intelligent, thought-provoking conversation by creators who truly love hip hop. I felt SANE watching this. No bias. No propaganda. Just a real conversation. I enjoyed this thoroughly!
The crazy thing is there’s at least one DUCKWORTH on all of his albums. Sing About Me/Art of Peer Pressure on Good Kid. Blacker the Berry/How Much a Dollar Cost/u on To Pimp a Butterfly. DAMN also has XXX and FEAR (which I think might be his greatest song). These are Rap masterclasses. A lot of other “favorite rappers” wish they could make ONE of these songs.
The point about dot doing it cause he has to makes sooooo much sense. I think he's looked around and decided that none of these other legends are worth looking up to. That's basically what tv off is about.
I can only speak to my top 5 favorites list...1. Eminem 2. Wayne 3. Kanye 4. Kendrick 5. Nas... this battle really opened my eyes to the depth of Kendrick's lyrics. I get annoyed that fans say that Eminem is only rhyming random words while they don't catch that every line is a double or triple entendre. Meanwhile I wasn't appreciating the same thing in Kendrick. Deep diving into his lyrics vs Drake caused me to go back and enjoy Kendrick previous work at an even deeper level. Very grateful to finally be on the correct wavelength as I watch him to continue to climb my personal list.
GNX is something that will turn into a theatre type performance or a short film. Kendrick isn't rapping to rap, he doesn't want to just stand on stage with a mic, he wants to take you on a journey and show you. Just like Mr Morale and The Big Steppers. Fireeee.
I genuinely believe Kendrick is anointed. I feel it on a cellular level. I can’t express how impressed I am with his journey. I pray he remains focused and faithful to his purpose. I can’t wait to see him in May. 🙂
This is a love letter to the culture and the Westcoast from the Bay to LA with some bars from Biggie and others, it's nostalgia with the samples it's his bop album with his lyricism still in the forefront. He's showing us he can do it all.😊😊😊
I say that it's a conversation between generations, geography, and genres. Vibe and sound from L.A. 1980s, East Coast 90s, Bay Area 2000s, In one song it was Marvin, Luther, and Kendrick.
I’m glad this conversation is being had, because I’ve been saying for a good 5 plus years now what could Kendrick possibly do that he hasn’t done already? Also the bar is set incredibly higher for Kendrick,as well as Tyler the creator,compared to their peers as well as artists in the past. I feel like they not only have to have beautiful,deep,experimental projects, but also hit every sales margin,top every chart,slap in every club,represent black folks in a positive progressive way and inspire creators of all demos. Even tho they excel and have excelled at this their entire careers it’s just very funny how two artists that try the hardest are always expected to do more and push further. Perfect example gnx.
I don’t know what’s happening to me, but GNX is an absolute masterpiece. I’m grateful Kendrick turned my ears on during the battle so I was ready for this album. I love everything about it. I especially love watching reactors become, by turns, pumped up, excited, soothed, seen, seduced, curious, ready to GOOOOO, chillllled, amused, transported, divided, and transported. Helps me to better contextualize. Kendrick is a Rosetta Stone
I think it’s a cohesive body of work that in some ways is being undervalued because the vibe stands out so much. It has a strong important message. If you know you know.
If you are a fan of Hip Hop you should be happy someone like Kendrick has surpassed those before him. He learned from them and never cheated the art. Hopefully there is a kid that studied this recent battle that will eventually surpass Kendrick one day. By the way Kendrick is my favorite rapper
So glad I was put on to this channel by Curtiss King. I'll have to check out DissectPodcast too, great guest for the show. I must say King Green read my mind when they all were talking about the cohesiveness of GNX. I can imagine the album in its entirety just being something played on a Bay Area radio station in the 90s. The album is just an ode to the West Coast really. With weighted criteria from most to least important being cultural impact, catalog, content of lyrics, delivery, flow, word play, beat selection, production, sales/streams, and awards, the proper top 5 should look something like: 1. Tupac 2. Kendrick 3. Biggie 4. Nas 5. Ice Cube
I do understand why a lot of old heads from the 80s and 90s might think people are getting caught up in the moment and to be clear I’m an old head I started listening to hip-hop when Ice Cube left NWA. But when you start breaking down the criteria like show me another rapper that has had the quality of the last five Kendrick Lamar albums. I’m not talking about numbers sold Drake fans get that shit confused all the time if we were going by Drake fanboy logic then MC Hammer and vanilla ice would be the greatest MC’s for the 90s. I mean, even though Mr. morale and the big steppers isn’t really an album that you’re going to party to and put on in the car while everybody is having a good time. It’s still a great quality of work from him. To me at the very least Kendrick Lamar has earned a spot in the top 10 conversation. I do have him up there with Ice Cube, Biggie, 2pac, Nas, Jay Z, Eminem, Rakim……. He’s definitely earned to be mentioned with those rappers.
Idk a lot about rap and only discovered Kendrick because of the beef, but what other rappers have equably great cadences, flows, adlibs and lyricism? Kendrick seems to be so versatile. And I love the way he conveys anger and pain through the infection of his voice.
Kendrick has been number 1 overall way before this battle and GNX. Old heads just can't admit that Kdot has surpassed every older rapper. His body of work alone is nuts.
I think Kendrick's catalogue needed a GNX type album to be complete. He made conceptual and experimental albums like GKMC, TPAB, conceptual album with mainstream appeal like DAMN, introspective album like MMATBS and the only thing lacking was a ""fun'' or ''let me just play around and do some west coast'' type album which also went number one and has 6 songs in the billboard top 10, occupying the whole top billboard top 5. What can Kendrick do next in terms of projects is creating a new hip-hop style concept like Ye did with 808s or just release another classic project with a mix of all his previous conceptual project and take it to new heights if that is even possible. Let's be honest, there's no rapper ever except maybe from Ye who has a solid catalogue like Kendrick's. Most rap legends have 2 classics or 3 at best but Kendrick arguably has 5 classic albums. He has commercial success, influence, a pretty good reputation (at least for a rap super star), not too many controversies, no drug abuse, and a great rap battle victory. He's also the only non-classical musician to win a Pulitzer price.
I loved the conclusion in this video because I too see Kendrick as someone who is always trying, I’ve been thinking about this for awhile and hearing someone articulate it so well was really satisfying
About Jay-Z vs. Kendrick…I also lived thru Jay-Z’s prime and I honestly was never really a fan of his. Reasonable Doubt was a cool album, but it was far down my list of what I was listening to back then. I was a Kendrick fan since Overly Dedicated and haven’t looked back since. Rigamortis, especially the remix with Busta, was the track that solidified it for me. I’m a west coaster, but that had absolutely nothing to do with my bias. I come from a time where skills and style was more important than popularity and money. I’m glad Kendrick is reinforcing that for the culture again.
@@MrJbattle17He died at 24 year old and released several musical projects and has been consistently himself despite the narrative spin around his art form. Kendrick has been able to LIVE to have a family, career and able to reap the benefits (and cons) of a life lived in service. In general, I hate lists because music is generational and personal/regional...i will never see it for Jay Z despite his visible accolades although i enjoy 4:44!
Dot has been in my Top 5 for a hot minute. He's the only rapper I check for besides Black Milk. I only actively listen to those 2 and it's been that way for a little over a decade now. I'm very particular lol. I've heard some of Cole's stuff and I can definitely hear that he's a deep and dope lyricist. His pen is crazy and he has a large fanbase but I kind of find myself perplexed by his presence in top anything conversations (I know that didn't happen here). I'm almost nearly as confused by the fact that his fanbase is so big and I often wonder if it's because I don't have that whole come up connection to him like the folks who like him do. It feels like I had to be there in order to get it, or maybe if I were in college at the time, I'd appreciate him more. I don't get him but there are a lot of people of a certain age and uncs and aunties in the game who seem to have a vendetta against Kendrick, that are into him. If anyone is willing to engage, I have a question, and it's not rhetorical or sarcastic, I'm genuinely curious: why isn't Cole discussed with the same type of reverence, respect and thoughtfulness as Dot is so often in these kinds of conversations? Isn't there crossover with the fanbases? I have my reasons, but I'd like to hear from someone else as to why he's not taken as seriously, or maybe he is and I'm just not privy to those conversations. Thanks to anyone who reads this! I appreciate your input if you choose to respond. Y'all have a great day!
17:42 Yeah, I don't even really think about if kendrick "has the greatest voice" or whatever because he's so dynamic with it; his voice changes radically depending on the character he's playing or the story that's being told or the emotion he's trying to convey. He uses his voice as an instrument and it adds so much depth that it kinda transcends having a "good voice" to me. And I don't even mean to dick ride, but credit where credit is due, hahaha.
it's not about what he wants anymore, he just knows this is where he is supposed to be to protect the legacy he loves. i think after morale he was done because he couldn't see how to make a bigger impact on culture and then drake gave him a road, now this is a crusade.
My question is do these dissectors know what half of these mean??! Like peekaboo or dodger blue where it sounds like it's random but folks from the hood know the lingo and get it further than other folk not in the culture, specifically L.A culture Also, I wouldn't ignore the lines where he explains not wanting a double entondra but to make everyone feel it... and not doing what makes sense, but give them what they as for. This is the first time Kendrick has so many listeners. He gotta meet them where they are and lead them to the promise land (conceptual, deeply lyrical and spiritual masterpieces).... its replacing Drake for many and needs to b3 boppy and deeply cultural.. but showing "I can only give you art"
It’s interesting … i feel like music is meant to be instinctual and emotional and ultimately felt. It’s not about analyzing for me. So I’m a huge fan of GNX and i find it excellent and immediate as an album, even if it doesn’t have a complicated conceptual “concept album” gravitas. That being said GNX has plenty of depth and thematic appeal.
"Is GNX an album or a mixtape" Well I've never seen an established artist, especially of Kendrick's stature, do a *stadium* tour, or any tour for that matter, for a mixtape.
Yeah, I've grown to respect Kendrick's Pen and his wit over this past year. Granted, I've only been in the Hip-Hop community for a little while, and my introduction into it all was through J.Cole. Shoot, I didnt even know it was him and Kendrick who's songs I've often listened to over a good length of time, till I bothered to look into this genre more.... only for me to find out they were the ones I've been following for a good little while. I'd like to see/learn more about Cole as well
This album is for listen. To see where life was that day in time. When you would sit down wit vinyl or put a tape in the deck in the 90's. You had to let it rock breath it in, see what was party ready. What would make the party rock, make the women dance or make them listen like Nas or KRS would.
I think we have a tendency to underrate art that's easily accessible, at least on the surface, especially when it's coming from an artist like Kendrick. But just because Kendrick's bangers get you moving so much you can't sit and contemplate his artistry, it doesn't mean they have any less value
11:40 Agree! I say this all the time about Ether! I always think that “Let’s Go” was better anything that LL put forth, but LL definitely persevered and won the war.
I definitely think Pusha won with gossip, and that set a precedent that ultimately set back battling. Making it less about lyrical dexterity and more about whose burn 📕 book has the most salacious ☕️.
If "cohesive" is supposed to mean "it all sorta sounds alike", then f*ck cohesion. It's a fun record, it flows, it's up and down.... seems weird to look past that and focus on absence of cohesion, but hey.
You watched the next five minutes of discussion after that comment right? Cause if you did, then you know why you look a little crazy right now, right?
@@UhOhJacquinettehow? Watched the whole video. Nothing said changes the fact he has claimed it his whole career and I love that he does it. Discussing his career and legacy while saying he doesn’t claim the title of king is false and undercuts his messaging and persona. Compton is a celebratory anthem of how far he’d come in his life and career 12 years ago and he begins it saying “Now everybody serenade the new faith of Kendrick Lamar This is King Kendrick Lamar King Kendrick and I meant it, my point intended is raw” for a reason. He quotes Biggie on tv off saying “Ain't no other king in this rap thing” in 2024. Kendrick Lamar has always wanted to be king, wanted us to know he believes he’s king, and put the work in to be considered king.
@ the entire rap game is full of men that called themselves, the goat number one the illest, the coldest the best to ever do it but as far as being the actual king of hip-hop proclaimed by the culture, he has never done that. You won’t ever hear him doing like your boy Drake is doing, which is actually going out acquiring pieces of history in order to keep them inside of his apartment to stare at 🙄😂 sitting in rooms with a bunch of people outside the culture to proclaim himself as the leader of hiphop, in real life. Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, the person versus Kendrick Lamar, the rapper and persona although they’re really close (he’s about as authentic as you can get on the on the track), move completely different. And that’s what they were getting.. him as a person i.e. describing his work ethic and his view on getting that title. IN THE CULTURE
@ Kendrick Lamar is my favorite artist in all of music 😂. His legacy is great enough that we can deal in fact when we discuss it. You’re right, the entire game is full of men calling themselves king, Kendrick is included in that group of men. Kendrick is also the only rapper of his generation who has claimed it and been able to back it up when the moment called for it. He himself has said he has to feel he is the greatest of all time (in an interview, not on a record). He has called himself king and leaned on that belief heavily throughout 2024. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that, as he has earned it. I thoroughly enjoyed their conversation about his legacy but that king comment stood out because it’s just so off-base because it changes the narrative of his artistry.
@ I think you’re arguing something that separate you can be confident in what you’re saying ‘ cause you’re not what you’re saying is wrong however they weren’t speaking on him. They’re talking about taking the throne and calling yourself the greatest of all time and meaning it.
I re-listened to MMBS this week and for me it seemed like Kendrick was inviting us in to his process ~those of us that had the courage, at any rate. We were given a vulnerable gift of his process of catharsis-which as a fellow healer and therapist I will say, catharsis can often feel like all is healed, but it’s usually just a moment, or the feeling we get when something that was once unconscious is brought across the consciousness threshold(this is just an aside tho so I will leave it at this) ~anyway~ I didn’t catch this snapshot in time atmosphere to MMBS…it was a teaser at the end of the day, a work he did for himself that he decided to share with a culture who doesn’t know how to heal or address things, or face reality, as a collective. Not yet, anyway. Kendrick’s proof of a broken curse is what we were once again, invited along to bear witness…the battle, the victory, and the gift of GNX where he demonstrates what his journey has taught him, even down to wrapping the enigma of himself and his message into a series of bops. Wrap the medicine up in the spoonful of sugar. It’s not popular to say, but I think GNX is his best work yet. He’s doing his part to change the world through his work on himself. If we don’t like our world the best place to start is with oneself. Kendrick is showing us how we might do this.
Our guy Dissect! Whenever I see or hear rankings I see "my favorite". These are circular conversations. I hate these generational conversations because id your under a certain age you werent old enough or even alive. Curcular conversation 🤷🏿♀️ But my old ass gives it to K.Dot.
24:45 The song is tv off. The one where he screams mustard😂🤣 It's so funny because he doesn't sound reluctant to take this war or mantle on. In fact, he sounds ready, determined, & willing to put in the work with club banger of a song.
My takeaway from GNX is that it’s a prelude to Kendrick undertaking a change in his career trajectory. In the Heart 6, he speaks of being a producer, so this album is possibly his way to showcase different styles of his rap and music skills and creativity with other artists
Kendrick was my #1 even before the beef. I guess it’s all subjective.
He’s been my number one way before this beef.
@@Msrikak87After GKMC and TPAB he became #1 imo
Pit food in fridge
As a Beyoncé fan he's been my #1 since she picked him as a feature
As soon as I heard GKMC I felt he was special and was #1 in the new era
GNX gets better every listen. The variety, the depth, the sound, the vibes, this album is peak Kendrick. 10/10
Yep, my partner and I were just talking about that. The first time I listened to it, I was like "yeah, it's cool, but definitely not in my top 3 kendrick albums or anything" but I've like it way more with each listen with the exception of like 1 or 2 tracks. And that's not to say those tracks are ass or anything; they just weren't my favorite on the first listen and haven't grown on me much. By the 3rd or 4th listen, I was fully bought in. Idk how many times I've listened to it now. But idk if I can rank it on the list of kendrick albums like that because it feels like such a different style of project that it's comparing apples and oranges.
@@fullmetal929same thing for me. Might be my 2nd favorite Dot album behind GKMC (which sounds crazy for me to say). Only song i still don’t like is GNX😂 rest is straight 🔥
@@eljacastillo The song gnx had to grow on me. Now I like it…I think lol
First listen GNX was probably my least favorite Kendrick album. But I can’t stop listening to it and after a bunch of relistens it might creep up into my top 3…
This part- these guys are missing the fact that Kendrick IS a thinking man- they haven’t got it yet….
Just like the slow Penny drop from MMATBS… Kendrick’s discography is stunning. GOAT 🐐
Been a fan.
This 🥷🏾 won a Pulitzer, the Art???? The images he creates? It’s like him and Solange needs a collab- he is beyond rap he is an Artist.
He is too too gifted
Jay Z ???😂😂😂
Kendrick is just beyond.
Jay Z will never be talked about like Tupac. Period. Kendrick will be talked about, Nipsey will always be talked about- they have heart as well as talent.
This album is amazing. GNX is rooted deeply in the spirit of sports and competition. Kendrick has always used distinct mediums to express his ideas-Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers as theater, DAMN. as a magazine, and Good Kid, M.A.A.D City as a short film. Here, he channels the essence of sports, using its competitive nature to frame the narrative.
One of the album’s central themes is Kendrick’s homage to his penmanship, which takes center stage on the closing track, “Gloria.” The recurring voice of a Mexican woman symbolizes his pen, embodying its fears, creativity, and other expressions. This connection is cleverly woven into the intro and outro. In the intro, the woman voices her fear of what Kendrick is about to do, followed by his reference to driving and listening to Anita Baker. In the outro, she says, “Me and you, listening to Anita,” bringing the story full circle. Kendrick then reflects on his love for his craft, highlighting the deep, personal bond he shares with his pen.
By merging the competitive spirit of hip-hop with a celebration of his artistry, Kendrick delivers a thematically rich and masterfully executed project. This album encapsulates his mission to bring hip-hop back to its roots: competition. From the Control verse to “Watch the Party Die,” Kendrick has been driving this vision. The latter, in particular, feels like a declaration-an effort to revive the essence of hip-hop by embracing its competitive heart. This album embodies that ethos completely.
There are even more references I’m still uncovering. The GNX car serves as a powerful symbol, linking to the world of sports through its speed and precision, while also nodding to the iconic film Menace II Society. Kendrick weaves these elements into his storytelling, connecting them to LA culture and exploring themes of power, survival, and identity.
Top tier comment
🔥🔥
Why does this read as a copy-and-paste out of an existing review than a re comment on UA-cam?
@@TakverReturns This is mine. I wrote it a few days after the album dropped and pasted it on GNX reaction and review videos I like
@SnowTiger-z8f My bad, ❄️ 🐅. Nicd review. 🥰
Starting with "What did Jay Z do?" is wild right now.
But a good question! Jay was known for having a formula for hus music... not being lyrical until later years in his career. I mean... " it's a hard knock life"... " change clothes"... not deep lyrically until 4:44
@@BeautifulBrainTrained homie i don't think the guy you're replying to is referring to the music, i think they're referring to the VERY CREDIBLE allegations recently brought up where he and Diddy allegedly r*ped a 13-year-old girl
@@BeautifulBrainTrainedAmerican gangster threaded the needle very well.
He’s always been a word smith, can’t knock that
@@BeautifulBrainTrained Are you aware of the allegations against him right now?
@@BeautifulBrainTrained I don't think you got the joke...
Been a K. Dot fan since 2011. He’s been my “top dawg” since then. So this year has been very satisfying for me as a fan of his! ❤
I can't stop listening to GNX on repeat since the day it dropped
Why Kendrick is better then most is he uses his voice like an instrument beside what he says. He reminds me of all my favorite lead vocals that use there voice the track. That puts him in the lead for me. The more he stops doing double tracking and start doing more dry and in your face it just got better.
Terrace Martin has referred to Kendrick as a jazz musician in multiple interviews for this very reason. For Free- Interlude on TPAB is my favorite example of this. The way Kendrick mimics the cadence of the drummer is incredible when you realize that the drummer isn’t playing in any conventional time signature. Never been an MC like Dot, highly doubt they’ll be one like him again
When he stopped using doubled vocals after gkmc he really started to shine.
"man in the garden" is Kendrick overcoming his impostor syndrome.
Ooh! This!!! I saw a lot of people on Twitter yapping about they thought Kendrick went to therapy. What happened to Mr. Morale? I thought he was healed, why is he so angry now. They said they didn’t think the therapy work.
I’m like, it actually the opposite. Because he went through that deep therapeutic work on himself, he could step out of the feelings of “unworthiness” with the calling & mission he has before him. To Kendrick it’s way more than just rap, he feels this calling to help bring healing to our people through his artistry. But because of the deep healing he’s been experiencing, he has learned to say , “I deserve it all”, in humility vs false humility that says, I don’t deserve the accolades and the perks that come with this vocation. He’s learned how to confront situations & people who haven’t been genuine with him vs letting it slide. When I hear GNX, I hear a display of healthy anger from a man who is healing and accepting of himself with all of the duality within him. It’s a beautiful display of the divine feminine & masculine at work.
@@PeachVanilla11 THIS!!! I wish I could like this 1000 times. People that have never been through therapy don't understand the point of it. It doesn't make you docile or calm, it clarifies your vision of self, boundaries, morals, vison for the future, clarity of the past, your role in your trauma, and other's role in your life, for better or for worst. It empowers you to stand firm in your choices, have peace in your decisions, even if it hurts, if the choice is from a place of purity. Therapy assists us seeing ourselves in pieces and putting the pieces together to make us whole in a better way than we started.
Yes!!!
I reject the rhetoric that if a Kendrick album isn’t as deep and complex as possible, it’s not as good. Everything serves its specific purpose!
I feel like at this point the standard is so high, folks will never be happy, no matter what he puts out.
I agree. And yet GNX does have real depth. Reincarnated is scary, how deep and introspective it goes.
Wacced Out murals goes heavy, it's dense with significance, if not 'complex'.
With a song like Peekaboo, there may be some serious coded subliminals that may allegedly deal with an actual mцгder -- saying to a certain someone 'i know what you did'.
Agreed. His bar is high for most people. But the general bar is so low that Kendrick creates an almost opposite effect. Him not displaying the "lyrical miracle" rap makes people treat his art as basic. When, even when he's straightforward, he's layering his flow. Like, pay attention people! This is art!
Facts.
Facts!!
Damn and GNX are his best projects though. He needed the bop album and deivered
Personally, I feel like GNX balances depth of content with danceable bouncy sound with the bars with addressing himself in his place in the culture & addressing others. I feel like every song is a hit on it's own level. Sonically it's perfect, if not, damn near perfect for any musical genre not just rap.
This is such an intelligent, thought-provoking conversation by creators who truly love hip hop. I felt SANE watching this. No bias. No propaganda. Just a real conversation. I enjoyed this thoroughly!
DUCKWORTH is a lyrical masterpiece. That one song alone makes him the goat.
The crazy thing is there’s at least one DUCKWORTH on all of his albums. Sing About Me/Art of Peer Pressure on Good Kid. Blacker the Berry/How Much a Dollar Cost/u on To Pimp a Butterfly. DAMN also has XXX and FEAR (which I think might be his greatest song). These are Rap masterclasses. A lot of other “favorite rappers” wish they could make ONE of these songs.
@@CristianGomez-js4mcfacts
@@CristianGomez-js4mc Reincarnated Also
Dot entered the convo with gkmc he's been him
They gave him the torch to carry hip hop right there😂
Facts, the precursor was when the west coast legends crowned him the king back in 2010/2011
@@markdeejay86
Who did that?
@thalmoragent9344 ua-cam.com/video/cl6uEqulRl0/v-deo.htmlsi=4ua4UfT6BcOQxuwq
The point about dot doing it cause he has to makes sooooo much sense. I think he's looked around and decided that none of these other legends are worth looking up to. That's basically what tv off is about.
Best hip hop podcast out there currently.
I can only speak to my top 5 favorites list...1. Eminem 2. Wayne 3. Kanye 4. Kendrick 5. Nas... this battle really opened my eyes to the depth of Kendrick's lyrics. I get annoyed that fans say that Eminem is only rhyming random words while they don't catch that every line is a double or triple entendre. Meanwhile I wasn't appreciating the same thing in Kendrick. Deep diving into his lyrics vs Drake caused me to go back and enjoy Kendrick previous work at an even deeper level. Very grateful to finally be on the correct wavelength as I watch him to continue to climb my personal list.
GNX is something that will turn into a theatre type performance or a short film. Kendrick isn't rapping to rap, he doesn't want to just stand on stage with a mic, he wants to take you on a journey and show you. Just like Mr Morale and The Big Steppers. Fireeee.
I genuinely believe Kendrick is anointed. I feel it on a cellular level. I can’t express how impressed I am with his journey. I pray he remains focused and faithful to his purpose. I can’t wait to see him in May. 🙂
This is a love letter to the culture and the Westcoast from the Bay to LA with some bars from Biggie and others, it's nostalgia with the samples it's his bop album with his lyricism still in the forefront. He's showing us he can do it all.😊😊😊
I say that it's a conversation between generations, geography, and genres. Vibe and sound from L.A. 1980s, East Coast 90s, Bay Area 2000s, In one song it was Marvin, Luther, and Kendrick.
Facts. As a Californian who grew up in the hood, this is nostalgic
@@davidday2373
Who's Marvin and Luther?
@thalmoragent9344 Gaye and Vandross, regarding the song 'Luther'.
I’m glad this conversation is being had, because I’ve been saying for a good 5 plus years now what could Kendrick possibly do that he hasn’t done already?
Also the bar is set incredibly higher for Kendrick,as well as Tyler the creator,compared to their peers as well as artists in the past. I feel like they not only have to have beautiful,deep,experimental projects, but also hit every sales margin,top every chart,slap in every club,represent black folks in a positive progressive way and inspire creators of all demos. Even tho they excel and have excelled at this their entire careers it’s just very funny how two artists that try the hardest are always expected to do more and push further. Perfect example gnx.
He just needs to have fun and be free. The butterfly is ready to flap it's wings.
I don’t know what’s happening to me, but GNX is an absolute masterpiece. I’m grateful Kendrick turned my ears on during the battle so I was ready for this album. I love everything about it. I especially love watching reactors become, by turns, pumped up, excited, soothed, seen, seduced, curious, ready to GOOOOO, chillllled, amused, transported, divided, and transported.
Helps me to better contextualize.
Kendrick is a Rosetta Stone
I think it’s a cohesive body of work that in some ways is being undervalued because the vibe stands out so much. It has a strong important message. If you know you know.
If you are a fan of Hip Hop you should be happy someone like Kendrick has surpassed those before him. He learned from them and never cheated the art. Hopefully there is a kid that studied this recent battle that will eventually surpass Kendrick one day.
By the way Kendrick is my favorite rapper
So glad I was put on to this channel by Curtiss King. I'll have to check out DissectPodcast too, great guest for the show. I must say King Green read my mind when they all were talking about the cohesiveness of GNX. I can imagine the album in its entirety just being something played on a Bay Area radio station in the 90s. The album is just an ode to the West Coast really.
With weighted criteria from most to least important being cultural impact, catalog, content of lyrics, delivery, flow, word play, beat selection, production, sales/streams, and awards, the proper top 5 should look something like:
1. Tupac
2. Kendrick
3. Biggie
4. Nas
5. Ice Cube
The Dissect of To Pimp A Butterfly is a full fledge analysis that does justice to the album.
Solid list. 💪🏽
I do understand why a lot of old heads from the 80s and 90s might think people are getting caught up in the moment and to be clear I’m an old head I started listening to hip-hop when Ice Cube left NWA.
But when you start breaking down the criteria like show me another rapper that has had the quality of the last five Kendrick Lamar albums. I’m not talking about numbers sold Drake fans get that shit confused all the time if we were going by Drake fanboy logic then MC Hammer and vanilla ice would be the greatest MC’s for the 90s.
I mean, even though Mr. morale and the big steppers isn’t really an album that you’re going to party to and put on in the car while everybody is having a good time. It’s still a great quality of work from him.
To me at the very least Kendrick Lamar has earned a spot in the top 10 conversation. I do have him up there with Ice Cube, Biggie, 2pac, Nas, Jay Z, Eminem, Rakim……. He’s definitely earned to be mentioned with those rappers.
Idk a lot about rap and only discovered Kendrick because of the beef, but what other rappers have equably great cadences, flows, adlibs and lyricism? Kendrick seems to be so versatile. And I love the way he conveys anger and pain through the infection of his voice.
Kendrick has been number 1 overall way before this battle and GNX. Old heads just can't admit that Kdot has surpassed every older rapper. His body of work alone is nuts.
I'm a big fan of the Dissect podcast but have never seen Cole. Great work my dude.
The album was 🔥 him and Tyler had the best albums of the year
Touré truly is one of the greatest voices in the culture commentary and journalism space
I think Kendrick's catalogue needed a GNX type album to be complete. He made conceptual and experimental albums like GKMC, TPAB, conceptual album with mainstream appeal like DAMN, introspective album like MMATBS and the only thing lacking was a ""fun'' or ''let me just play around and do some west coast'' type album which also went number one and has 6 songs in the billboard top 10, occupying the whole top billboard top 5.
What can Kendrick do next in terms of projects is creating a new hip-hop style concept like Ye did with 808s or just release another classic project with a mix of all his previous conceptual project and take it to new heights if that is even possible. Let's be honest, there's no rapper ever except maybe from Ye who has a solid catalogue like Kendrick's. Most rap legends have 2 classics or 3 at best but Kendrick arguably has 5 classic albums. He has commercial success, influence, a pretty good reputation (at least for a rap super star), not too many controversies, no drug abuse, and a great rap battle victory. He's also the only non-classical musician to win a Pulitzer price.
This comment is gold
its a classic comment
You're right. This comment is perfect
what a great comment
this comment should be pinned
I loved the conclusion in this video because I too see Kendrick as someone who is always trying, I’ve been thinking about this for awhile and hearing someone articulate it so well was really satisfying
The album is for the Culture...period.
10:47 “Kendrick is the fucking guy” got me laughing with how serious Cole had to be to get his point across
Great show. I see the foundation that you all are building with other credible journalists, artists, analysts, & media figures. Much respect
Great podcast and deep dive of a GREAT SPIRITUAL ARTIST like Kendrick 👍🏾
Great convo! Nice to see some more holistic level headed discussions.
I feel like GNX is an obvious start to a larger concept and full of meaning that will be revealed over time, we can all recognize
22:28 This is an excellent point. Multi-generational GOAT.
Loved this conversation, amazing and insightful analysis
The crossover I needed
Loved this convo, great arguments.
Excellent conversation , I love the balance between you 3!!
the point about how detached he looks is so interesting and how he may feel like this is something he needed to do
26:09 He is the chosen one.
"Omnia est aliquid" he told us that everything is something.
great video! i really enjoyed this conversation.
Subscribed. What a great thought provoking convo between yall 3. Def have to have Cole on again!
About Jay-Z vs. Kendrick…I also lived thru Jay-Z’s prime and I honestly was never really a fan of his. Reasonable Doubt was a cool album, but it was far down my list of what I was listening to back then. I was a Kendrick fan since Overly Dedicated and haven’t looked back since. Rigamortis, especially the remix with Busta, was the track that solidified it for me. I’m a west coaster, but that had absolutely nothing to do with my bias. I come from a time where skills and style was more important than popularity and money. I’m glad Kendrick is reinforcing that for the culture again.
*Nas*
*Kendrick*
*2PAC*
*Eminem*
*Jay-Z*
1A- 2Pac
1B- K. Dot
Genuine question, what gives 2pac the edge in your opinion?
@@MrJbattle17He died at 24 year old and released several musical projects and has been consistently himself despite the narrative spin around his art form. Kendrick has been able to LIVE to have a family, career and able to reap the benefits (and cons) of a life lived in service. In general, I hate lists because music is generational and personal/regional...i will never see it for Jay Z despite his visible accolades although i enjoy 4:44!
Dot has been in my Top 5 for a hot minute. He's the only rapper I check for besides Black Milk. I only actively listen to those 2 and it's been that way for a little over a decade now. I'm very particular lol.
I've heard some of Cole's stuff and I can definitely hear that he's a deep and dope lyricist. His pen is crazy and he has a large fanbase but I kind of find myself perplexed by his presence in top anything conversations (I know that didn't happen here). I'm almost nearly as confused by the fact that his fanbase is so big and I often wonder if it's because I don't have that whole come up connection to him like the folks who like him do. It feels like I had to be there in order to get it, or maybe if I were in college at the time, I'd appreciate him more. I don't get him but there are a lot of people of a certain age and uncs and aunties in the game who seem to have a vendetta against Kendrick, that are into him.
If anyone is willing to engage, I have a question, and it's not rhetorical or sarcastic, I'm genuinely curious: why isn't Cole discussed with the same type of reverence, respect and thoughtfulness as Dot is so often in these kinds of conversations? Isn't there crossover with the fanbases? I have my reasons, but I'd like to hear from someone else as to why he's not taken as seriously, or maybe he is and I'm just not privy to those conversations.
Thanks to anyone who reads this! I appreciate your input if you choose to respond.
Y'all have a great day!
Loved this 🦾🦾🦾
17:42 Yeah, I don't even really think about if kendrick "has the greatest voice" or whatever because he's so dynamic with it; his voice changes radically depending on the character he's playing or the story that's being told or the emotion he's trying to convey. He uses his voice as an instrument and it adds so much depth that it kinda transcends having a "good voice" to me. And I don't even mean to dick ride, but credit where credit is due, hahaha.
35:15 damn, that was powerful. Never thought about it through that lens before.
Wild to begin the video with "what jayz did" 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Here we go with the "But but, Jay-Z was telling the truth on Takeover tho" shenanigans!!!
They will not let that go... 🤣
it's not about what he wants anymore, he just knows this is where he is supposed to be to protect the legacy he loves. i think after morale he was done because he couldn't see how to make a bigger impact on culture and then drake gave him a road, now this is a crusade.
Yes!
This year solidifies Kendrick’s #1 position in Hip-Hop, the only question for me is, how dominant is his legacy?
Wonderful episode.
That’s buddy from Rdgldgrn!?Good to see him still green as ever
“Does he have the greatest voice? NO” 😂😂
All my music faves in one place. It’s a Christmas miracle lol.
Amazing conversation 🔥
Haven’t watched the video, just wanted to say nice job on the thumbnail design 👍🏿
Mr Cole Cuchna in the house.
My question is do these dissectors know what half of these mean??! Like peekaboo or dodger blue where it sounds like it's random but folks from the hood know the lingo and get it further than other folk not in the culture, specifically L.A culture
Also, I wouldn't ignore the lines where he explains not wanting a double entondra but to make everyone feel it... and not doing what makes sense, but give them what they as for.
This is the first time Kendrick has so many listeners. He gotta meet them where they are and lead them to the promise land (conceptual, deeply lyrical and spiritual masterpieces).... its replacing Drake for many and needs to b3 boppy and deeply cultural.. but showing "I can only give you art"
Kendrick has the X factor. He’s just that special ❤
Great podcast guys, congrats!
It’s interesting … i feel like music is meant to be instinctual and emotional and ultimately felt. It’s not about analyzing for me. So I’m a huge fan of GNX and i find it excellent and immediate as an album, even if it doesn’t have a complicated conceptual “concept album” gravitas. That being said GNX has plenty of depth and thematic appeal.
24:32 you nailed exactly what I’ve been feeling and couldn’t articulate ❤
for some of us kendrick was already number #1 when he dropped GKMC
"Is GNX an album or a mixtape" Well I've never seen an established artist, especially of Kendrick's stature, do a *stadium* tour, or any tour for that matter, for a mixtape.
Yeah, I've grown to respect Kendrick's Pen and his wit over this past year. Granted, I've only been in the Hip-Hop community for a little while, and my introduction into it all was through J.Cole.
Shoot, I didnt even know it was him and Kendrick who's songs I've often listened to over a good length of time, till I bothered to look into this genre more.... only for me to find out they were the ones I've been following for a good little while.
I'd like to see/learn more about Cole as well
Great convo ❤
Takeover bars and production crazy salute to YE
This album is for listen. To see where life was that day in time. When you would sit down wit vinyl or put a tape in the deck in the 90's. You had to let it rock breath it in, see what was party ready. What would make the party rock, make the women dance or make them listen like Nas or KRS would.
I think we have a tendency to underrate art that's easily accessible, at least on the surface, especially when it's coming from an artist like Kendrick. But just because Kendrick's bangers get you moving so much you can't sit and contemplate his artistry, it doesn't mean they have any less value
Kendrick has been the GOAT for me since "Section.80" with "Cartoons and Cereal" solidifying that position for me.
🕯 love seeing Cole
11:40 Agree! I say this all the time about Ether!
I always think that “Let’s Go” was better anything that LL put forth, but LL definitely persevered and won the war.
I definitely think Pusha won with gossip, and that set a precedent that ultimately set back battling. Making it less about lyrical dexterity and more about whose burn 📕 book has the most salacious ☕️.
Yeah but Pusha went hard lyrically even without the drama. Same with kendrick
If "cohesive" is supposed to mean "it all sorta sounds alike", then f*ck cohesion. It's a fun record, it flows, it's up and down.... seems weird to look past that and focus on absence of cohesion, but hey.
To say “King Kendrick” has never called himself the king of hip-hop is just insanity. He has said it his whole career 😂
You watched the next five minutes of discussion after that comment right? Cause if you did, then you know why you look a little crazy right now, right?
@@UhOhJacquinettehow? Watched the whole video. Nothing said changes the fact he has claimed it his whole career and I love that he does it. Discussing his career and legacy while saying he doesn’t claim the title of king is false and undercuts his messaging and persona. Compton is a celebratory anthem of how far he’d come in his life and career 12 years ago and he begins it saying “Now everybody serenade the new faith of Kendrick Lamar
This is King Kendrick Lamar
King Kendrick and I meant it, my point intended is raw” for a reason. He quotes Biggie on tv off saying “Ain't no other king in this rap thing” in 2024. Kendrick Lamar has always wanted to be king, wanted us to know he believes he’s king, and put the work in to be considered king.
@ the entire rap game is full of men that called themselves, the goat number one the illest, the coldest the best to ever do it but as far as being the actual king of hip-hop proclaimed by the culture, he has never done that. You won’t ever hear him doing like your boy Drake is doing, which is actually going out acquiring pieces of history in order to keep them inside of his apartment to stare at 🙄😂 sitting in rooms with a bunch of people outside the culture to proclaim himself as the leader of hiphop, in real life.
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, the person versus Kendrick Lamar, the rapper and persona although they’re really close (he’s about as authentic as you can get on the on the track), move completely different. And that’s what they were getting.. him as a person i.e. describing his work ethic and his view on getting that title. IN THE CULTURE
@ Kendrick Lamar is my favorite artist in all of music 😂. His legacy is great enough that we can deal in fact when we discuss it. You’re right, the entire game is full of men calling themselves king, Kendrick is included in that group of men. Kendrick is also the only rapper of his generation who has claimed it and been able to back it up when the moment called for it. He himself has said he has to feel he is the greatest of all time (in an interview, not on a record). He has called himself king and leaned on that belief heavily throughout 2024. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that, as he has earned it.
I thoroughly enjoyed their conversation about his legacy but that king comment stood out because it’s just so off-base because it changes the narrative of his artistry.
@ I think you’re arguing something that separate you can be confident in what you’re saying ‘ cause you’re not what you’re saying is wrong however they weren’t speaking on him. They’re talking about taking the throne and calling yourself the greatest of all time and meaning it.
Yes. I still listen to Ether. It is on many of playlists.
Kendrick is the reluctant King. The only one worthy of the crown is the one who rejected it until it was thrust upon him.
I want to know the mixtape yall heard that’s at the level of GNX 😂.. please list them…
None. Talk about the production on GNX, let alone the bangers and lyrics.
Very nice guys
Toure, of course we listen to Ether!! We reference it all the time!!
His mind is what I’m more interested in. - Dissect
I re-listened to MMBS this week and for me it seemed like Kendrick was inviting us in to his process ~those of us that had the courage, at any rate. We were given a vulnerable gift of his process of catharsis-which as a fellow healer and therapist I will say, catharsis can often feel like all is healed, but it’s usually just a moment, or the feeling we get when something that was once unconscious is brought across the consciousness threshold(this is just an aside tho so I will leave it at this) ~anyway~ I didn’t catch this snapshot in time atmosphere to MMBS…it was a teaser at the end of the day, a work he did for himself that he decided to share with a culture who doesn’t know how to heal or address things, or face reality, as a collective. Not yet, anyway. Kendrick’s proof of a broken curse is what we were once again, invited along to bear witness…the battle, the victory, and the gift of GNX where he demonstrates what his journey has taught him, even down to wrapping the enigma of himself and his message into a series of bops. Wrap the medicine up in the spoonful of sugar.
It’s not popular to say, but I think GNX is his best work yet. He’s doing his part to change the world through his work on himself. If we don’t like our world the best place to start is with oneself. Kendrick is showing us how we might do this.
Great conversation
50 cents year. Get rich or die trying + g unit + mixtapes was huge too 16:14
❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Our guy Dissect! Whenever I see or hear rankings I see "my favorite". These are circular conversations.
I hate these generational conversations because id your under a certain age you werent old enough or even alive. Curcular conversation 🤷🏿♀️
But my old ass gives it to K.Dot.
When I see convos like this, I think of the barbershop scenes in Coming to America.
24:45 The song is tv off. The one where he screams mustard😂🤣
It's so funny because he doesn't sound reluctant to take this war or mantle on. In fact, he sounds ready, determined, & willing to put in the work with club banger of a song.
Kendrick is by far better the Jay, even before this battle
My takeaway from GNX is that it’s a prelude to Kendrick undertaking a change in his career trajectory. In the Heart 6, he speaks of being a producer, so this album is possibly his way to showcase different styles of his rap and music skills and creativity with other artists
Cole nailed it in those last 3 min
33:20-until the end of Cole's thoughts: this is why Kendrick won a Pulitzer
Toure saying DMX 05 was sooooo flagrant in my head for some reason.