US rapper Kendrick Lamar has launched a shock new album known as GNX.

The 12-track album, which is the performer’s sixth studio launch, dropped on his social media pages at round 17:00 GMT on Friday.

It options contributions from American R&B star SZA in addition to Kamasi Washington, amongst others.

GNX is Lamar’s first album since 2022’s Mr Morale & The Massive Steppers, and comes forward of his headlining efficiency on the Tremendous Bowl halftime present in February.

There had been rumours for months that Lamar, who has received a number of Grammys and the Pulitzer Prize for Music, was engaged on a brand new mission.

Early evaluations of the album have been principally constructive, with followers additionally taking to social media to reward his new providing.

“No matter comes subsequent, the Pulitzer Prize winner has written one other thrilling chapter in what stays probably the most fascinating longform story in hip-hop,” wrote AP Information.

The information outlet known as Lamar “an formidable and searingly gifted poet from Compton working via his – and the world’s – contradictions on the most important stage, eternally discomforted by his crown”.

Ranking Sport Music mentioned the album “reminds us why he’s one of many greats”, however added: “Total, this album doesn’t really feel like a monumental launch – it’s extra like a artistic purge, a method for Kendrick to get just a few concepts out of his system.”

“My guess? The true mission is on the horizon”.

Some had speculated that Taylor Swift would make an look, however the pop sensation doesn’t seem to have made it on.

The pair have labored collectively earlier than, when the rapper appeared on Swift’s observe Dangerous Blood from the album 1989.

Nonetheless, SZA lends her voice to 2 tracks, luther and gloria.

Lamar and SZA lately sat down for an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, which coated a variety of subjects from spirituality to psychological well being.

Different tracks embrace television off, dodger blue, peekaboo, and gnx.

On the opening observe, wacced out murals, Lamar refers to his upcoming Tremendous Bowl efficiency.

The coveted gig takes place in the midst of the NFL season finale and has an enormous viewers amongst Individuals. Nonetheless, it triggered some upset amongst Lil Wayne followers who thought he ought to have been picked as an alternative.

“I believe my onerous work let Lil Wayne down,” the Compton rapper sings.

“Gained the Tremendous Bowl and Nas the one one congratulate me.”

The brand new album additionally follows a long-running spat with Drake, which works again years, however it escalated to new ranges earlier this 12 months, as the 2 rappers traded insults in a flurry of latest songs.

The feud resulted in some big tracks, notably Lamar’s Not Like Us.

Powered by an irresistible DJ Mustard beat, Not Like Us broke Spotify data, turning into the hip-hop music with probably the most performs in a single day.

It went on to prime the US charts, and reached quantity six within the UK – making it Lamar’s largest hit as a solo artist.