Kendrick Lamar Drops Surprise Album GNX Ahead of Super Bowl Halftime Show

Rap icon Kendrick Lamar surprised fans on Friday with the unexpected release of his 12-track album, GNX. The sixth studio album appeared without prior announcement on streaming platforms at midday on the US East Coast (1700 GMT).

This surprise drop follows a year where Lamar’s music was notably shaped by a public feud with fellow artist Drake, resulting in some of the biggest hits of the year. One of these tracks, Not Like Us, claimed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Lamar several Grammy nominations for the upcoming awards.

GNX marks Lamar’s first album since the success of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers in 2022, which followed a five-year hiatus. The release comes at a strategic moment for Lamar, who is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February—a high-profile performance during the NFL’s season finale, watched by millions across the globe.