Kendrick Lamar, arguably the most influential artist in the world right now. He earned the most #1 billboard hits in all of 2024. His last album of the year, GNX, is sort of his version of resting on his laurels. But it’s also a promise of much, much more to come, and that he has 0 plans of stopping no matter who that offends. He opens up the album with a bang, starting with the song ‘Wacced Out Murals’.

‘Wacced out Murals’ starts with the beginning/intro of a Spanish song, to pay homage to the ‘West Side’s’ -namely Compton’s- large Hispanic and African American community. He then talks about the aggression he has received, and calls it ‘That energy ‘ll make you- move to Europe’, saying that most other artists would not be able to handle the pressure and attacks others have had on him. Most of the song is actually him comparing himself to the industry, and tearing them down to build himself up. For example, he talks about the scenario with P. Diddy, the producer who got caught having relations with underaged girls and unconsensually recording other idols having relations at his parties. He says how it’s ironic that they are all clowning him for his crimes, while they stand on trial for their own offenses, most of them also being sexual and perverse in nature (“… cackling about—[P.Diddy] while all of y’all is on trial.”)

He also calls out the public, his own viewers, for their constantly changing opinions on him. He talks about how “all their love and hate is definitely without a cure,” talking about how they put up his mural only to later have it vandalized. This song is not only his anger, but it’s a tribute to what he’s overcome. He talks about the deaths of his childhood friends due to gang violence. He talks about his recent beef with the artist Drake. In a way, GNX is his autobiography and his prediction of a future, one where he will always be the victor.

I think this kind of almost hubris is something that everyone, especially in this day and age needs. Kendrick’s narcissistic attitude can strangely inspire confidence as you listen to it, the blatant anger is oddly inspiring. It’s essentially telling people not to care about other people and what they think. That’s what makes this song so important.