Kendrick Lamar's critically acclaimed album, 'GNX,' a strong contender for nine Grammy Awards in 2026, emerged from a thoughtful creative process that began well before his notable musical rivalry with Drake. This introspective look delves into the meticulous production of the album, offering insights from lead producer Sounwave and key collaborators. The narrative traces the evolution of 'GNX' from its early stages, highlighting how tracks like 'Squabble Up' and 'Man at the Garden' were conceived, and how other compositions, such as 'Luther' and 'TV Off,' transformed from initial concepts into significant pieces through collaborative efforts and a powerful sense of community.
Sounwave, Kendrick Lamar's long-standing producer and friend, revealed that the groundwork for 'GNX' was laid in late 2022 and early 2023, following the initial phase of Lamar’s Big Steppers World Tour. This timeline predates the widely publicized musical confrontation, underscoring that the album was a product of organic artistic development rather than a direct response to recent events. Speaking exclusively to Rolling Stone, Sounwave, who primarily oversaw the album alongside co-producer Jack Antonoff, recounted the genesis of the first two tracks recorded: 'Squabble Up' and 'Man at the Garden.'
The creation of 'Squabble Up' involved Sounwave processing a sample through an MPC, collaborating with producer Scott Bridgeway, known for his expertise with 808s, to develop the beat. Sounwave noted that the initial version was too fast, and only after slowing it down did they realize its potential. 'Man at the Garden,' a more reflective piece, was recorded in New York with Antonoff. It incorporated an interpolation of Nas's 'One Mic,' a move approved by the legendary rapper himself. Sounwave emphasized that Lamar’s distinctive flow was crucial in shaping the song, bringing a nostalgic and personal touch that became the foundation for its development.
Some tracks on 'GNX' evolved unexpectedly. 'Luther,' a notable collaboration with SZA, initially began as a mere interlude. Its transformation into a full song was significantly influenced by songwriter Ink, who was called in by Sounwave. Ink praised the collaborative environment, emphasizing the mutual inspiration among the artists. This track is now recognized with Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Melodic Rap Performance. Similarly, 'TV Off,' nominated for Best Rap Song, grew from a single idea into a two-part composition with the input of jazz virtuoso Kamasi Washington, a consistent collaborator on Lamar’s projects since 'To Pimp a Butterfly.'
Kamasi Washington expressed his honor in contributing to 'GNX,' appreciating the brilliant group of artists involved. He trusted Lamar and the team to elevate the music to its highest potential. A memorable moment in 'TV Off' is Kendrick’s shout-out to producer Mustard, which Sounwave recalled elicited immediate joy and energy from everyone present. Lefty Gunplay, whose brief yet impactful contribution to 'TV Off' also earned him a Grammy nomination, spoke of the positive atmosphere during recording, highlighting Lamar's supportive and humble nature. Lamar's early morning recording session, which produced 'Wacced out Murals'—the album's opening track—was another example of his spontaneous creative drive, often taking place without Sounwave being physically present but still exciting the producer upon hearing the results.
'GNX' also features deep callbacks to hip-hop history. 'Reincarnated' is a powerful reinterpretation of 2Pac’s posthumous track 'Made Niggaz,' a conceptual masterpiece from the 'Gang Related' soundtrack. Sounwave detailed the careful reconstruction required to honor the original, bringing in bassist Noah Ehler and pianist Matthew “MTech” Bernard to record new parts that resonated with the album’s contemporary themes. Another key track, 'Heart Pt. 6,' samples SWV’s 'Use Your Heart,' demonstrating Lamar’s reverence for classic R&B.
Kendrick Lamar and Sounwave, both proud natives of Los Angeles, paid homage to their hometown with 'Dodger Blue,' featuring Wallie the Sensei, Siete7x, and Roddy Ricch. This song, released amidst two World Series victories for the city, encapsulates themes of local pride and creative solidarity. Siete7x shared his immense pride in collaborating with fellow artists from Compton’s West Side, emphasizing their collective journey and determination to succeed. Tracks like 'Peekaboo' and the album’s title track, 'GNX,' featuring Hitta J3, YoungThreat, and Peysoh, further highlight Lamar’s commitment to intentional collaborations and his dedication to spotlighting emerging artists, providing them with a platform and amplifying their voices. Peysoh described the recording experience as natural and filled with good vibes, noting Lamar’s humble demeanor and his genuine desire to uplift West Coast talent.
The album’s rich cultural tapestry is further enhanced by the vocal contributions of mariachi singer Deyra Barrera. Sounwave explained that Compton’s diverse cultural landscape, where Mexican music often fills the air, inspired this unique inclusion. Barrera’s performance was described as magical, instantly captivating everyone in the studio and providing a crucial missing piece to the album’s sound. Ultimately, the completion of 'GNX' was a profound emotional experience for Sounwave. He shared that the album was only deemed finished when, upon hearing the final seconds of the last song at 6 AM, he was moved to tears, signifying that their artistic journey had reached its culmination.