Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” scores Album Of The Year win at BET Awards

Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” named Album Of The Year at BET Awards

When Kendrick Lamar dropped GNX in late 2024, fans and critics alike knew it was a moment. A moment not just in music but in culture. And now, that moment has crystallized into hardware. On Monday night in Los Angeles, at the 2025 BET Awards, Lamar walked away with Album of the Year, adding yet another accolade to his already-storied career.

But GNX is more than just a hit album. It’s a cultural reset, a masterclass in reinvention, and proof that even after more than a decade at the top, Kendrick Lamar is still evolving.

GNX: A Surprise Release That Shook the Industry

Released on November 22, 2024, GNX arrived without warning. No teaser campaigns, no pre-release singles—just pure music. And it worked.

GNX debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 319,000 equivalent units in its first week. This was Lamar’s fifth consecutive chart-topping studio album, reinforcing his rare position as both critically revered and commercially dominant.

The project contains 12 tracks that explore themes of legacy, loyalty, generational trauma, and self-actualization—all delivered with Lamar’s usual lyrical precision and cinematic production.

‘Luther’ Featuring SZA: A Record-Breaking Collaboration

The lead single, Luther, featuring SZA, became an anthem almost instantly.

Spending 13 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the track is now tied for the longest-running hip-hop #1 in Billboard history. Its success is due in part to SZA’s emotional hook and Kendrick’s sharp verses. The song also benefited from a TikTok-fueled viral dance trend, which introduced the track to younger, global audiences.

It’s more than just a hit—it’s a moment of synergy between two of this generation’s most influential artists.

The Grand National Tour: A Live Experience Like No Other

To support the album, Lamar launched the Grand National Tour with SZA in April 2025. Starting in Minneapolis, the tour has been playing to sold-out stadiums across North America and is set to head to the UK and Europe in July.

With 39 shows across two continents, this tour isn’t just a victory lap—it’s a creative statement. The stage production blends political commentary, spoken word, and visual art, making it feel more like a Broadway experience than a traditional hip-hop concert.

Guest performers like Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, Lizzo, and Playboi Carti have joined the bill, helping elevate the tour into a full-blown cultural event.

Kendrick’s Reinvention and the Power of Longevity

Kendrick Lamar’s ability to reinvent himself is one of the key reasons for his enduring success. From good kid, m.A.A.d city to To Pimp a Butterfly to DAMN. and now GNX, each era of his music feels distinct yet connected.

What sets him apart is not just the depth of his lyrics but his ability to evolve without losing touch with his roots. GNX sounds nothing like his past work—and that’s precisely why it resonates.

Lamar understands the long game. He doesn’t chase trends; he sets them.

The SZA Effect: A Collaborative High Point

While Luther may be the most visible result of Kendrick’s collaboration with SZA, their partnership extends beyond one song. SZA’s 2022 album SOS already showed her growth into a pop and R&B powerhouse, and GNX only underscores her versatility.

On tour, their chemistry is palpable. Their performances are among the most talked-about moments of each show. As SZA’s own album continues to rise alongside GNX on the charts, both artists are benefiting from this powerful partnership.

Their combined influence shows how collaboration, when done authentically, elevates everyone involved.

A Cultural Reset in Hip-Hop

In a genre that moves fast and often favors quantity over quality, Kendrick Lamar remains committed to making albums that matter. GNX isn’t filled with filler tracks or half-baked ideas. It’s cohesive, challenging, and rewarding upon multiple listens.

This album and tour arrive at a time when hip-hop is facing questions about its direction. With streaming platforms flooded with singles, GNX serves as a reminder of the power of the album as an art form.

And for many fans, that’s refreshing.

Why Albums Like GNX Matter

Let’s step back.

What Kendrick is doing isn’t just about awards or chart positions. It’s about storytelling, legacy, and pushing the genre forward. Albums like GNX remind listeners that music can still be a transformative experience.

Here’s why full-length projects still matter:

• They tell stories. Unlike singles, albums offer context.
• They showcase growth. You can track an artist’s evolution across projects.
• They create eras. Music becomes part of your life’s timeline.

Kendrick Lamar excels at all three.

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?

With the Grand National Tour wrapping up in August and GNX still riding high, the question now is: what’s next?

While Lamar is famously elusive about future plans, industry chatter suggests a documentary might follow the tour. There’s also speculation about a deluxe edition of GNX, which could include unreleased tracks teased during live performances.

Whatever comes next, one thing’s for sure—Kendrick isn’t done yet. Not by a long shot.

Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is a landmark achievement. It has already cemented itself in 2025’s musical canon and looks set to have a lasting impact on hip-hop and beyond.

By winning Album of the Year at the BET Awards, topping charts with Luther, and redefining what a tour can be, Kendrick has reminded everyone why he’s in a league of his own.

And as fans continue to stream, dissect, and experience GNX, it’s clear this isn’t just a winning season for Kendrick Lamar—it’s a legacy in motion.