Kendrick Lamar’s new album GNX is more than just a collection of tracks—it’s a masterclass in lyrical precision and bold industry commentary. With this project, Kendrick proves that he isn’t afraid to address the state of the music business, take aim at his peers, and redefine what it means to be a top-tier artist in the rap game. GNX is layered with diss tracks, subtle critiques, and outright calls for respect, and in this breakdown, we’ll explain every shot Kendrick takes at the figures he calls out.
The Opening Shot: Drake and the “PDF” Allegations
Kendrick’s opening salvo hits hard, aimed squarely at Drake. The first few tracks revisit their longstanding beef, with Kendrick calling out Drake’s past controversies and his infamous “PDF file” allegations. Kendrick takes a shot at Drake for his often-contradictory persona, pointing out how his public image is filled with empty threats—what Kendrick calls “wolf tickets.” These aren’t just barbs; they’re pointed critiques of Drake’s career trajectory, suggesting that the artist’s evolution has been less about artistic growth and more about maintaining a manufactured image.
Wayne’s Snub: Subtle Shots at Lil Wayne
Next up is Lil Wayne, a fellow legend Kendrick has long respected but also feels has been overlooked. Kendrick reflects on how he once idolized The Carter III, recognizing Wayne’s influence on his own work. However, in GNX, Kendrick can’t help but subtly criticize Wayne’s recent complaints about not being given a Super Bowl performance opportunity. While he doesn’t outright diss Wayne, Kendrick’s implication is clear: hard work isn’t enough for recognition at this stage in the game. It’s an indirect but significant shot, suggesting that perhaps Wayne’s time has passed, or he hasn’t evolved as Kendrick has.
Snoop Dogg: The Betrayal Shot
One of the most direct disses on GNX comes for Snoop Dogg, after the West Coast legend reposted Drake’s diss track using AI-generated vocals of Snoop’s voice to target Kendrick. Kendrick doesn’t hold back in his response, calling out Snoop for his hypocrisy and suggesting that Snoop is simply too “high all the time” to realize the weight of his actions. This shot is personal, highlighting Kendrick’s frustration with someone he once looked up to, and serves as a reminder that in the rap game, loyalty is everything.
Andrew Schulz: Addressing Cultural Disrespect
On GNX, Kendrick broadens his scope to address cultural issues that go beyond rap beefs. One of the more unexpected disses comes for comedian Andrew Schulz. Kendrick takes direct aim at Schulz over controversial jokes the comedian made about Black women. In the track, Kendrick draws a firm line in the sand, declaring that no white comedian should be allowed to disrespect Black women. The line “Don’t let no white comedian talk no woman” is a clear shot, reinforcing Kendrick’s stance on protecting Black women from harmful stereotypes and exploitation.
Drake’s Transformation: The Wolf and the World Tour
Kendrick doubles down on his earlier critique of Drake, referencing the rapper’s For All the Dogs world tour and calling it a metaphor for “wolf tickets”—empty threats and promises. The term “wolf tickets” refers to something that sounds dangerous but ultimately lacks substance, and Kendrick uses it to reflect Drake’s shift from a raw, authentic artist into a commercialized figure whose threats no longer hold weight. This isn’t just a shot at Drake’s career but at his transformation from the rapper he once was into the watered-down version seen on his latest tour.
Diddy: Legal Troubles and Industry Corruption
Kendrick takes aim at Diddy, one of the most powerful figures in hip-hop, referencing his ongoing legal battles. This serves as part of Kendrick’s larger commentary on the industry’s culture of corruption, abuse, and exploitation. Kendrick is careful not to name specifics, but his frustrations are clear—Diddy’s public persona has been tarnished by ongoing scandals, and Kendrick’s words serve as a warning to those who think they can remain untouchable in a crumbling industry. It’s a pointed criticism of the way those in power often manage to avoid consequences, despite the scandals surrounding them.
The Heart Part Six: The Silence that Speaks Volumes
As the album comes to a close, Kendrick offers Heart Part Six, a track that shifts the focus from beefs to legacy. While the previous tracks were filled with direct shots at his peers, Kendrick leaves the diss against Drake’s Heart series untouched, letting his silence speak louder than any words ever could. This track is a love letter to Kendrick’s roots at Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and a reminder that he’s built something solid and long-lasting. His refusal to engage with the ongoing Drake feud symbolizes his confidence in his own place in hip-hop—he doesn’t need to entertain the drama to prove his dominance.
Industry Collapse: A Prophetic View
Throughout the album, Kendrick alludes to the collapse of the old guard in hip-hop, with GNX presenting a picture of an industry plagued by scandal and decay. Kendrick touches on sexual abuse, legal battles, and the overall moral decline of figures in the rap world. By painting this picture, Kendrick not only critiques the state of hip-hop but also positions himself as someone who has been watching from the sidelines. His antisocial behavior—staying out of the drama—is now presented as prophetic, as he’s remained untouched by the chaos that’s slowly engulfing others.
Kendrick’s Place at the Top
Through all the shots, GNX serves as a reminder that Kendrick Lamar doesn’t need to be embroiled in drama to be at the top. He remains untouchable, using his music to challenge the old guard, push the boundaries of the genre, and stake his claim as the leader of the new wave. His disses aren’t just personal—they’re statements on what he perceives as wrong in the rap game and society at large. By addressing these issues head-on, Kendrick shows that he’s not just another rapper; he’s an artist with a vision that extends far beyond just the music.
Conclusion: A New Era in Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX isn’t just about throwing shots—it’s about taking control of the narrative and challenging the very institutions that once held power in hip-hop. Every diss on this album, whether aimed at Drake, Wayne, Snoop, or anyone else, is part of a larger commentary on the state of the industry and Kendrick’s place within it. He’s rewriting the rules of engagement and reminding everyone that he’s not just a part of the conversation—he’s shaping it. As the rap game continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar isn’t going anywhere, and his shots are just beginning.
