Kendrick Lamar drops surprise album, memes erupt

Glastonbury Festival 2022 - Day Five - Source: Getty
Glastonbury Festival 2022 - Day Five - Source: Getty

Kendrick Lamar, master of the unexpected, pulled a fast one on fans with the surprise release of his sixth studio album, GNX. This release has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and critics alike scrambling to unpack the album’s layered themes and bold sound. GNX marks a daring step forward for Lamar, blending elements of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop while weaving in social commentary and personal introspection (...and a couple of disses).

Expectedly, the internet wasted no time reacting, flooding everyone's timelines with memes within hours of the album's release. "Wait, Kendrick dropped what?!” was pretty much the universal reaction. Some tweets joked about how fans tried to decipher his intricate lyrics on first listen (and failed), while others marveled at how Lamar manages to surprise us every time, as if he’s playing a game of hide-and-seek with the music world, along with his competitors (*cough cough*).

We're going to run through some of the funniest memes that have crossed our paths till now, and if they don't make you want to share them with friends, they might just convince you to open Spotify and give this album a listen—just to understand the references, of course.


Kendrick Lamar drops surprise album, memes erupt: Fans react to GNX release

1. This man is on fire

Most of the internet would agree on one thing (except a certain Canadian rapper's fanbase, of course)—this man is on absolute fire, Alessia Cara style and all.


2. Making history

Yeah...we're still processing.


3. Tears of joy

We feel you kid, we feel you.


4. I think I like this little life

Fans have truly been blessed this year; from 'Not Like Us' topping the charts for six months to being nominated for over half a dozen Grammys and being the obvious winner among fans, of the most high-profile beef the rap industry has seen in years. And of course, this surprise drop. 2024 has been this Rap God's year.


5. Practice makes perfect, and Mustard!

The results were worth it, boss.


7. Drop it like it's hot

Who needs an expensive marketing campaign when Kendrick's artistry speaks for itself?


8. Groovin' with a side of headbanging

I think that this might be the perfect way to test out some new headphones. If the base hits right on a Kendrick track, you're going to know.


9. Do you know the answer?

You might just want to look at Twitter's trending page.


10. On repeat, no skips

Some classics don't need to pass the test of time. But fans are sure that this one certainly will.


11. The duo that got me grooving shamelessly

Hopefully, too many strangers and upper management folks didn't catch you jamming furiously to these tracks. And if they did, I hope you weren't singing the lyrics aloud because HR might just want to have a word with you on Monday.


12. If it works, it works

And if you're online today like I am, you know this worked.


13. Welcome to the roster

Everyone say, THANK YOU SZA!


14. We're listening


15. The chill guy found his twin

Something about the human reincarnation of this viral meme character makes us think a little.


16. From one genius to another

One of them is taking notes from the other, and fans have a bit of a hot take about it.


17. Short kings come first


18. A scrumptious meal indeed

Oh just wait until you get to track 6, and then you'll have 6 more to go and for that, you will be so grateful.


19. Gonna get them all

Kendrick certainly did get them all.


20. "Am I on the explicit version?" moment

And the disheartened reaction after seeing the 'E' sign...me too.


21. Time to take investments seriously

Can't believe that Kendrick also gave us incentive to start taking our financial health seriously.


22. Did I already say 'I think I like this little life' because I think it's worth repeating


GNX has truly made a permanent mark on the music industry. The album not only captures Kendrick's musical genius but also ignites a cultural conversation, and if the flood of memes is any indication, fans are embracing every moment of it.

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Edited by Nimisha Bansal