In this engaging discussion, Charles Holmes, a writer at The Ringer known for his sharp music and pop culture insights, joins Cole Cuchna to debate Kendrick Lamar's latest album, GNX. They explore the album's themes and its place in Kendrick's evolving artistic legacy. From dissecting standout tracks like 'Hey Now' to playful nostalgia linking music with anime, the conversation is lively and thought-provoking. The duo also tackles Kendrick's competitive spirit in hip-hop and reflects on the subjective nature of choosing the best songs from his discography.
The podcast introduces 'Last Song Standing,' a format for determining Kendrick Lamar's greatest track through engaging debate.
Kendrick's album 'GNX' is highlighted for its artistic evolution and balance between mainstream appeal and personal expression.
The hosts discuss the production aspects of 'GNX,' noting collaborations with influential producers and contributions from local West Coast artists.
The rivalry between Kendrick and Drake is explored through significant battle tracks, reflecting Kendrick's growth from emotional storytelling to assertive declarations.
Deep dives
Analysis of Recent Projects
The podcast discusses the temporary pause on the analysis of Kendrick Lamar's album 'Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers' while introducing special episodes. It highlights the upcoming analysis of Kendrick's Super Bowl halftime show and the excitement surrounding the comprehensive insights that will accompany it. The hosts, Cole and Charles, outline their unique show format, 'Last Song Standing,' where they determine an artist's best song through debate. This episode acts as an addendum to their previous discussion about Kendrick’s catalog, focusing specifically on whether songs from his latest album 'GNX' hold a place among his greatest tracks.
The Impact of GNX
'GNX' is identified as a pivotal album in Kendrick Lamar's career, showcasing significant growth and evolution in his artistry. The hosts argue that this album may arguably be Kendrick's best, highlighting its replay value and accessibility compared to his previous works. They also emphasize the album's ability to resonate with listeners while maintaining artistic integrity, depicting a balance between mainstream appeal and personal expression. The conversation further explores how Kendrick's elimination of skits and narratives in 'GNX' enhances its digestibility for the audience, making it a strong contender in his discography.
Production Insights on GNX
The podcast delves into the production elements of 'GNX,' showcasing Kendrick's collaboration with various influential producers. The discussion includes the decision to incorporate a diverse range of local West Coast artists into the project, celebrating regional sounds. The ease of listening and the album's engaging beats are praised, with the hosts mentioning how Kendrick uses elements like humor and casual themes to create a fun listening experience. This evolution in Kendrick’s music, particularly seen in 'GNX,' is connected to his personal experiences and struggles, providing a more relatable and entertaining album.
Song Analysis: Whacked Out Murals
One standout track from 'GNX,' 'Whacked Out Murals,' is discussed for its unique lyrical composition and deeper thematic implications. The song serves as a commentary on the current rap landscape and includes personal reflections from Kendrick, addressing various events and figures in the music industry. Its narrative structure showcases Kendrick's mastery in storytelling while embedding numerous cultural references that create a tapestry of artistic expression. The hosts recognize that while the song's complexity could make it a challenge for casual listeners, its depth and context ultimately enrich the overall listening experience.
Comparative Discussion: TV Off vs. Squabble Up
The debate centers around the songs 'TV Off' and 'Squabble Up,' highlighting their unique contributions to the album while questioning their standout potential among Kendrick’s work. 'TV Off' is characterized by its engaging production and anthemic qualities, with discussion on its crowd-pleasing nature and ability to perform well at high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Conversely, 'Squabble Up' is noted for its carefree energy and straightforwardness, resonating with listeners while embodying the essence of 'GNX.' Both songs encapsulate different aspects of Kendrick's journey, igniting a passionate discussion about which is better suited to make its mark in Kendrick's overall catalog.
Analyzing the Beefs: Euphoria and Not Like Us
The podcast shifts to examining the battle dynamics in Kendrick Lamar's career, significantly focusing on the tracks 'Euphoria' and 'Not Like Us.' The hosts reflect on how 'Euphoria' was a fierce retort to Drake, showcasing Kendrick's lyrical prowess and deep-rooted frustrations over time, while 'Not Like Us' served as the celebration of victory in their ongoing rivalry. This points to a significant evolution of Kendrick’s character, shifting from deep emotional narratives to assertive declarations in the rap landscape. The analysis encapsulates how these tracks illustrate the tension and creativity stemming from competition among artists.
Final Rankings and Legacy
As the podcast wraps, the hosts present their thoughts on Kendrick's legacy and the current rankings of his discography, emphasizing how 'GNX' fits into the larger picture. They express strong opinions about the significance of recent works in shaping the future of Kendrick’s career and the potential rankings in terms of commercial and artistic impact. The discussion concludes with an optimistic perspective on Kendrick's ongoing evolution as an artist and the importance of songs that capture the contemporary ethos of hip-hop culture. The hosts create a ranked list of Kendrick's albums, reflecting their personal preferences while acknowledging the broader historical context.
We're taking a few weeks off Dissect's Cole Cuchna is joined by The Ringer's Charles Holmes to discuss Kendrick Lamar's GNX and debate it's best song. There's GNX background and trivia, lyrical breakdowns, and best song nominations. They also discuss the Kendrick x Drake battle songs to see whether any of Kendrick's battle tracks make the cut.
Last Song Standing is an annual show on the Dissect podcast feed that attempts to crown an artist's greatest song of all time by debating their way through their entire discography. Past season can listened to for free on Spotify.
Dissect will resume its season on Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers in a few weeks.
