On Friday, November 22, Kendrick Lamar sent the music world into a frenzy with the surprise release of his sixth studio album, GNX. Just under 45 minutes long and featuring 12 tracks, the album arrived without any warning, shocking fans and industry insiders alike. The album features collaborations with several top-tier artists and producers, including SZA, Mustard, Sounwave, and Jack Antonoff, making it a multifaceted project that showcases Lamar’s range as both a rapper and a visionary artist.
The album’s surprise drop was not only unexpected for fans, but also for many of the people involved in its creation. Mustard, a key producer on several tracks, shared his own shock when the album dropped. “You know what’s crazy? It was a surprise for me, just like it was a surprise for everybody else,” Mustard says. Reflecting on the lead-up to the album’s release, he recalls thinking that Lamar’s album would arrive sometime early next year or around a major event like the Super Bowl. “I’m in the gym working out today, and I see him post a snippet of a song, and I’m like, ‘Oh shit, this shit gonna come probably next week,’ I’m thinking Thanksgiving when everybody’s in the house together. 10 minutes later, the album is out.” This sense of surprise added to the excitement surrounding the album’s sudden appearance, cementing Lamar’s reputation as one of the most unpredictable figures in contemporary music.
For Mustard, the surprise release came after months of working on various tracks for GNX. One of the standout songs that he co-produced is “TV Off,” a track that was met with immediate excitement from fans and critics alike. The song’s production stands out in part due to its connection to Lamar’s earlier hit, “Not Like Us,” a track that Mustard worked on previously. In fact, Mustard confirmed that the two songs are intentionally similar in style. “TV Off” was one of the earlier highlights of the album because it recalls the distinct vibe of “Not Like Us,” a song that had already become a fan favorite.
Even though Mustard had worked on GNX for quite some time, he was still taken aback when he finally heard the finished product. “What did I think? I was losing it,” Mustard admits. “I mean, I already knew I do me with the beats, you know? But Kendrick is the best rapper, bro. Like, of all time. I think he’s one of the best.” His excitement is evident in his voice, as he praises Lamar’s talent and his ability to elevate every track that he touches. Mustard’s reverence for Lamar is clear, and his belief in Lamar’s greatness speaks to the level of collaboration and respect that runs throughout the album.
The creation of “TV Off” itself is a testament to the collaborative nature of Lamar’s work. Mustard reveals that the track was created at the same time as “Not Like Us,” but the two sections of the song were produced separately. “That first half was definitely in the same realm of me making things like ‘Not Like Us,’” Mustard explains. “The second half was a beat that I was doing for this other theatrical album that I’m trying to make. And I was just like, ‘Man, let me see if Kendrick would like this.’ I sent it to him and he was like, ‘This is crazy.’” This combination of styles—one from Mustard’s past work and the other from his ongoing musical experimentation—created a song that is both fresh and familiar.
One of the most notable moments in “TV Off” comes in the middle of the track, where Lamar shouts, “Mustaaaaard,” adding an unexpected burst of energy and excitement to the song. Mustard himself can barely contain his enthusiasm when talking about this moment. “That s— was elite,” he says with palpable excitement. “So fire. Like, is that a new tag? I can’t wait to perform that song and just hear people just saying that, ‘cause everybody’s going to say that like crazy.” Mustard’s reaction speaks to the unique collaboration between him and Lamar. This moment, though brief, has already become a highlight for fans and showcases the power of spontaneous, creative collaboration.
Another track that features Mustard’s involvement is “Hey Now,” a song that he first created several years ago. Mustard explains that the initial beat for “Hey Now” was entirely his creation, but the final version of the track came together with contributions from Sounwave and Jack Antonoff. Reflecting on the track’s journey, Mustard notes, “I just knew if I got the right person to do it, it would be perfect. I sent it to [Kendrick] and he got it right away and was like, ‘All right, I know what to do.’” Lamar’s ability to understand and add his unique touch to a track is one of the defining aspects of his artistry. His immediate connection with Mustard’s vision for “Hey Now” demonstrates why Lamar’s collaborations are so successful—they are based on mutual trust and creative chemistry.
Mustard’s commitment to his craft and his partnership with Lamar is clear. The producer is constantly working on new material and always eager to contribute to Lamar’s work. “I got this thing where I’m trying to send [Kendrick] something every day,” Mustard says. “I’m always [wondering] what’s next. You know, this morning I’m texting like, ‘What do you need from me?’ Whatever it is, I’m on board and I’m ready to just keep my head down and keep working.” This level of dedication speaks volumes about Mustard’s professional ethic and his passion for collaborating with one of the best in the game.
The surprise release of GNX is not only a testament to Kendrick Lamar’s continued relevance and artistry but also to the strength of his collaborative network. The album’s unexpected nature and its combination of fresh beats, powerful lyrics, and impactful features highlight Lamar’s ability to innovate and surprise at every turn. By choosing to drop the album without prior warning, Lamar reasserted his status as an artist who refuses to be constrained by the typical release cycles and expectations of the music industry.
For Mustard, being involved in this album represents a milestone in his career. It is a validation of his talents as a producer and his ability to contribute to a project that will likely be remembered as one of the best of the year. His enthusiasm and deep respect for Lamar are apparent, and his contributions to the album are an integral part of its success. With GNX, Kendrick Lamar once again proves why he is one of the most important and influential artists in modern music, and why his collaborations continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in hip-hop and beyond.
In the end, the release of GNX is more than just an album drop—it is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the unexpected. Kendrick Lamar and Mustard’s dynamic partnership is a key factor in the album’s success, and the surprise nature of the release only adds to the mystique of Lamar’s artistry. As the world continues to digest the album’s impact, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar’s GNX will be remembered as one of the most innovative and exciting musical moments of the year. The collaboration between Lamar, Mustard, SZA, and the other talented producers is a perfect example of how music can evolve when the right people come together to create something truly special.
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