Kendrick Lamar, the acclaimed Compton rapper, recorded between 80 and 100 songs during the creation of his chart-topping, Grammy-winning album 'GNX'. Only 12 tracks ultimately made the final cut for the project, suggesting a vast amount of unreleased material from the creative sessions.
Key Takeaways
- Kendrick Lamar recorded 80-100 songs for 'GNX'.
- The album project started immediately after 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' in 2022.
- Initial sound was a "funky West Coast groove."
- Producers Jack Antonoff and Mustard helped evolve the album's sound.
- Rumors of a 'GNX' deluxe edition continue to circulate.
The Extensive Creative Process Behind 'GNX'
The sheer volume of music created for 'GNX' highlights the intensive and expansive creative process Kendrick Lamar undertakes for his albums. This revelation comes from Sounwave, Lamar's long-time producer, in a recent interview.
The recording sessions began in 2022, almost immediately after the release of his previous album, 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers'. This quick turnaround into a new project demonstrates Lamar's continuous artistic drive.
Album Statistics
- Songs Recorded: 80-100
- Final Tracks on Album: 12
- Production Start: 2022
Evolution of the Album's Sound
Initially, 'GNX' was envisioned with a distinct "funky West Coast groove." This early direction suggests a particular sonic palette Lamar and his team were exploring. However, the album's sound evolved significantly.
The inclusion of producers like Jack Antonoff and Mustard played a crucial role in pushing the project into new territory. Their involvement helped refine and elevate the album's overall sound, moving it beyond its initial conception.
"It basically shows that there’s no boundaries. We hate to just keep doing the same thing over and over. It’s something we kind of thrive off of, just reinventing yourself," Sounwave stated, reflecting on the album's impact and creative philosophy.
Mustard's Pivotal Contributions
Mustard, a multi-platinum producer, was particularly influential in shaping some of 'GNX's' standout tracks. His signature sound is evident on songs like "Hey Now" and "TV Off."
For "TV Off," Mustard sent Kendrick Lamar two separate beats. Lamar demonstrated his creative genius by combining these two distinct beats into a single, cohesive anthem. This innovative approach resulted in a track that resonated widely with listeners.
Producer Collaborations
The collaboration with diverse producers like Jack Antonoff, known for his work with pop and indie artists, and Mustard, celebrated for his West Coast hip-hop sound, allowed Kendrick Lamar to experiment with various musical styles and textures, enriching the album's diversity.
The Impact and Longevity of 'GNX'
One year after its release, 'GNX' continues to resonate with a broad audience. Sounwave shared an anecdote highlighting the album's widespread appeal.
He described seeing a 60-year-old woman rapping a 'GNX' song word for word while driving. This observation underscores the album's ability to transcend demographic boundaries and maintain its relevance long after its debut.
The album's success also demonstrates Kendrick Lamar's commitment to artistic reinvention. This philosophy ensures his music remains fresh and engaging for his dedicated fanbase and new listeners alike.
Speculation Around a Deluxe Edition
The existence of such a large number of unreleased tracks has fueled rumors of a 'GNX' deluxe edition. Fans have eagerly anticipated additional music from the sessions.
Lefty Gunplay, who features on the track "TV Off," mentioned a deluxe version in an interview last year. He claimed that Kendrick Lamar had more material "in the chamber" and expressed confidence in future collaborations.
- Rumored Deluxe: Lefty Gunplay indicated a deluxe version was in the works.
- Artist Secrecy: Kendrick Lamar is known for keeping his projects under wraps.
- Official Confirmation: Lamar has not officially addressed deluxe album speculation.
Despite these claims, Kendrick Lamar himself has remained silent on the speculation. His reputation for secrecy means that any potential deluxe edition would likely be a surprise release.
The possibility of hearing more of the 80 to 100 recorded songs keeps fans hopeful for an expanded version of 'GNX' in the future.