Kendrick Lamar's GNX dropped without warning, but its impact has been anything but subtle. Leaning heavily into the nostalgic bounce of '80s G-funk, GNX reaffirms Kendrick Lamar's roots while grappling with his status as one of hip-hop's most scrutinised artists. It's a rich blend of personal reckoning, industry commentary, and West Coast homage, showcasing a sharp clarity of purpose.

The G-funk influence is unmistakable, weaving through much of the album's DNA. This isn't just a stylistic choice; Kendrick reclaims the sound that helped define his formative years. The synthesisers, talkbox effects, and laid-back grooves nod to the likes of Dr Dre and DJ Quik, grounding the album in the history of West Coast rap while allowing Kendrick to reimagine its possibilities. Tracks like "Squabble Up" and "Hey Now" deliver this with precision.

"TV Off" has become one of the album's standout moments, not just for its infectious groove but also for its viral status. Produced by DJ Mustard, the track features a moment that fans have turned into one of the year's biggest memes. A couple of minutes in, Lamar screams the word "Mustard!" right after the producer's iconic tag, "Mustard on the beat, ho." The outburst has been clipped and remixed endlessly online, amplifying the song's cultural impact.

Lamar's anger burns brightest on the opener, "Wacced Out Murals," a fiery indictment of his detractors. This fury feels personal, spilling out from a summer of high-profile feuds with Drake, the defacement of his mural, and backlash to his Super Bowl halftime announcement. The intensity is palpable, setting the tone for an album that thrives on confrontation. Yet Kendrick's brilliance lies in his ability to pivot. The mood shifts entirely when "Luther" arrives, featuring SZA's honeyed R&B tones. The interplay of smooth 808s and contrasting strings creates a moment of levity and beauty, revealing his knack for balancing vulnerability with grandeur.

There's no greater statement of purpose on GNX than its title track. "Who put the west back in front of shit?" Kendrick asks — a rhetorical shot at those questioning his role as a torchbearer for West Coast hip-hop. Featuring LA's rising stars Hitter j3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh, the song is a menacing, grimy anthem.

This defiant streak runs throughout the album, reaching its pinnacle on "Man at the Garden." Over a stripped-back beat, Lamar repeatedly declares, "I deserve it all." The mantra underscores the album's core message: his success is hard-earned, the product of relentless work and perseverance. It's a victory lap that confronts the self-doubt and external criticism that followed his rise. This reflective tone recurs throughout GNX, showing a rare openness amidst the bravado.

By embedding G-funk so deeply into GNX, Lamar crafts more than an album — a statement of identity and purpose. In an era of fleeting trends and disposable sounds, he looks back to move forward, using the genre to frame stories of resistance, self-belief, and triumph. While the record loses some momentum towards the end, the broader album remains tightly focused and cohesive. It's a record that challenges, celebrates, and cements Lamar's place at the pinnacle of hip-hop.