Kendrick Lamar's latest album, “GNX”, was a triumph released by surprise, following his resounding clash with Drake.
The musical year was undeniably marked by the shadow of Kendrick Lamar. After dominating global conversations with his lyrical conflict against Drake and the global success of “Not Like Us”the Compton rapper took everyone by surprise last November. Without any prior promotion, he delivered GNXa raw, visceral album deeply rooted in West Coast culture. This project, which takes its name from the legendary Buick GNX, is not just a collection of songs, but a true nocturnal trip into the mind of one of the greatest songwriters of his generation.
As the industry holds its breath waiting to see which of the nine nominations for Grammy Awards the album will materialize in 2026, we offer you a rare dive into the intimacy of the creative process. Far from stadium spotlights and big-budget clips, it is in the darkness of recording studios that the magic happens. These exclusive photos capture the essence of these sessions: the focus, the camaraderie and the pursuit of sonic perfection.
The songwriter, guitarist and producer Ink, revelation of the album, in the middle of the session.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
The creative trio: Sounwave, Kendrick Lamar and Jack Antonoff in discussion.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Sound engineer John Turner works out the details with Antonoff.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Audio engineer Laura Sisk, Antonoff's frequent collaborator.
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A collective energy: Antonoff, Lamar, Sounwave and Ink united.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Actress Margaret Qualley shares a moment with producer Sounwave.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Mixer Oli Jacobs, the attentive ear behind the sound texture of GNX.
Credit: Jordan Burg
Even legends need to eat: Kendrick is taking a break.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Producer and engineer Ray Charles Brown, Jr. focused in the studio.
Credit: Jordan Burg
Sounwave, TDE's longtime sound architect, in the studio.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Singer and songwriter Sam Dew (right) shares a moment of respite.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Songwriter and producer Scott Bridgeway.
Credit: Oli Jacobs
Sounwave lays the rhythmic foundations that will define the album.
Credit: Jordan Burg
The sound architects of “GNX”
What is striking in these images is the diversity and cohesion of the team gathered around Lamar. We obviously find there Sounwaveearly collaborator and essential sound architect of the TDE team, who seems here more involved than ever in the musical direction. But the most notable presence remains that of Jack Antonoff. Often associated with mainstream pop (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey), Antonoff proved his versatility by co-producing the track “6:16 in LA” earlier in the year, cementing a creative relationship that fully blossoms on GNX.
Finally, it’s impossible not to mention Ink. The songwriter and guitarist is omnipresent in these photos, just as she is on the album. His organic touch and melodies brought a warmth and texture that contrasted with the coldness of current rap productions. These photos bear witness to an organic creative process, where live instruments and human exchanges took precedence over files sent by email. An “old-fashioned” method for an album which will undoubtedly mark the future of the genre.
