Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album ‘GNX’ is already making waves, poised to top the Billboard 200 with remarkable first-week sales.
- The album is expected to debut at number one, leaving the competition far behind, including the ‘Wicked’ soundtrack.
- ‘GNX’ marks Kendrick’s sixth consecutive chart-topping release, solidifying his dominance in the music industry.
- Despite impressive sales, ‘GNX’ falls short compared to some of Kendrick’s previous works like ‘DAMN.’
- The release fuels ongoing musical feuds and sets the stage for Kendrick’s upcoming Super Bowl performance.
Kendrick Lamar’s new album ‘GNX’ is taking the music world by storm, following a surprise release that has fans buzzing. The 12-track project is on course to nab the top spot on the Billboard 200, with projections estimating 291,000 equivalent album units, including over 30,000 in pure sales.
Such numbers easily position ‘GNX’ to outpace contenders like the ‘Wicked’ soundtrack, which is expected to earn over 100,000 units. This achievement would mark Kendrick Lamar’s sixth consecutive number-one album, further cementing his influence in the industry.
However, when stacked against his past hits, ‘GNX’ shows varied results. The album’s first-week sales are on par with ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’ but don’t quite reach the lofty heights of ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ or ‘DAMN.,’ the latter pulling in a whopping 603,000 units initially.
Compared to 2024’s major rap releases, ‘GNX’ secures a solid third place, trailing behind Travis Scott’s ‘Days Before Rodeo’ re-release and Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Chromakopia.’ Yet, it surpasses Eminem’s ‘The Death of Slim Shady,’ Future and Metro Boomin’s ‘We Don’t Trust You,’ and Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s joint effort ‘Vultures 1.’
This release caps a triumphant year for Kendrick, who not only clashed and seemingly triumphed over Drake in a high-profile musical feud but also delivered one of the year’s most talked-about tracks, ‘Not Like Us.’
The anticipation doesn’t stop there; Kendrick’s slated to perform at the next Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans, a move that stirred some controversy, particularly with responses from Lil Wayne. On ‘GNX,’ Kendrick addresses this on ‘wacced out murals,’ reflecting on both his respect for and rivalry with Lil Wayne.
In response to Kendrick’s lyrics, Lil Wayne took to social media, expressing his surprise and hinting at letting ‘this giant sleep.’ Meanwhile, Nas continues to support Kendrick’s vision, praising his ability to keep the essence of hip-hop alive with ‘GNX.’
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ not only marks another successful album launch but also entices with ongoing music dramas and future performances.
