Kendrick Lamar’s GNX Album Sparks a Praise Party

Kendrick Lamar has often stood as one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation, but the Compton artist hasn’t shied away from calling out what he sees as a lack of recognition from his peers. On the opener of his latest album, GNX, Lamar made it clear he felt underappreciated. He specifically criticized Snoop Dogg for promoting a Drake diss track and noted that Nas was the only rapper to personally congratulate him on his Super Bowl Halftime Show gig. This pointed commentary revealed Lamar’s sensitivity to how he’s perceived within the hip-hop community.

However, the tide of praise seems to have caught up with Lamar. His GNX album has drawn acclaim from some of the industry’s most respected figures, with Busta Rhymes joining the likes of Nas and Snoop Dogg in celebrating Lamar’s artistry.

Busta Rhymes Lauds Lamar’s Craftsmanship

Busta Rhymes, the New York hip-hop legend, expressed his admiration for GNX in glowing terms on Instagram earlier this week. “King Kendrick, such an incredible body of work,” Busta wrote. “Brilliance and lyrical craftsmanship at its finest. Thank you for continuing to raise the bar!” His endorsement highlights the album’s balance of intricate lyricism and infectious melodies, further cementing Lamar’s status as a transformative figure in hip-hop.

This isn’t the first time Busta Rhymes has lauded Lamar. In 2022, he praised the visuals for Lamar’s track The Heart Part 5, calling them the best of his generation. The compliment carries significant weight coming from Busta, who has long been hailed as a pioneer of creative and visually arresting music videos.

A Mutual Respect for Creative Excellence

The admiration between Busta Rhymes and Kendrick Lamar is mutual. Lamar has often cited Busta as a major influence, particularly in how he approaches his music videos. In a 2018 interview with Billboard, Lamar credited Busta and Missy Elliott for their groundbreaking and colorful video presentations, which he studied as a teenager. “Just being a kid watching BET… Missy Elliott videos, Busta Rhymes videos—they were always big inspirations,” Lamar shared.

Collaborating closely with director Dave Meyers, Lamar has strived to match that same energy in his visuals, combining storytelling, sophistication, and spectacle to enhance the impact of his music. “I always appreciated somebody putting full ideas into the songs and the visuals,” he said.

Lamar’s Legacy of Excellence

With GNX garnering praise from rap icons and fans alike, Kendrick Lamar has once again proven his ability to transcend the genre and push creative boundaries. While his call for recognition was bold, the response has been equally resounding. As Busta Rhymes and others continue to sing his praises, it’s clear that Kendrick Lamar’s artistry is not only acknowledged but celebrated by those he respects most.