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Hitmakers: The Minds Behind Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX'
3 Dec
Summary
- Producers Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and Mustard honored as Variety Hitmakers.
- 'GNX' production spanned 80-100 songs, distilled into a dozen impactful tracks.
- Album's success led to nine Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.
Producers Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and Mustard have been recognized as Variety Hitmakers of the Year for their collaborative efforts on Kendrick Lamar's latest album, "GNX." This critically acclaimed project, released with little advance notice in November 2024, emerged from an extensive creative process involving an estimated 80 to 100 songs. The producers, each a titan in their own right, worked closely with Lamar to forge a sound that pays homage to West Coast hip-hop while reaffirming the artist's Compton roots.
The journey to "GNX" began shortly after Lamar's 2022 release, "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers." Lamar, Sounwave, and Antonoff cultivated a unique creative synergy, developing a distinct musical language over several years. This period of experimentation, described as a "weird little secret society," eventually yielded the dozen tracks that define the album. Mustard, known for his signature L.A. hip-hop sound, contributed significantly, with tracks like "Not Like Us" and "TV Off" becoming major hits.
The album's impact has been profound, securing nine Grammy nominations for 2026, including prestigious categories like Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. "Luther," featuring SZA, spent 13 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, while "Not Like Us" also received significant accolades. The producers emphasized their commitment to sonic reinvention, highlighting that "GNX" demonstrates that creative risks are essential for artistic longevity and audience engagement.
