Jack Antonoff, Mustard, and Sounwave Discuss the Extended Production Journey for Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX': 'We Created Something Unique'

In November 2024, Kendrick Lamar unexpectedly released his sixth studio album, GNX, with only a brief teaser dropping less than an hour beforehand. For fans and collaborators who had been in Lamars creative orbit over the past three years, the album represented the result of intense collaboration and careful crafting.

Fresh from a highly publicized feud with Drake, Lamar delivered a project that highlighted West Coast hip-hop while reaffirming his roots in Compton. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, earning Lamar nine Grammy nominations for 2026, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. He also performed at the Super Bowl earlier this year, showcasing his dominance on the world stage.

Lamars vision was realized with the help of producers Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and Mustard, who were recently recognized as Variety Hitmakers Producers of the Year. Each brought distinct expertise: Sounwave has been Lamars longtime collaborator since 2009 and has worked with artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyonc; Antonoff, a newer addition, is known for his work with Sabrina Carpenter and Lana Del Rey; and Mustard shaped contemporary L.A. hip-hop sounds with artists like YG and Ty Dolla $ign.

Work on GNX began shortly after Lamars 2022 album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. Antonoff and Sounwave, who first connected in 2015, collaborated closely with Lamar. We developed our own thing, the three of us. When you have it, its magical, says Antonoff. The team created between 80 and 100 songs, eventually narrowing them down to the dozen that appeared on the album. Their studio sessions became what Antonoff calls a weird little secret society, exploring ideas without a fixed destination.

Sounwave recalls the process: It started by throwing paint on the wall and grew into this massive funky West Coast groove we love. This experimentation led them to bring in Mustard and Antonoff to elevate the project further. Songs like Not Like Us, Luther featuring SZA, and TV Off featuring Lefty Gunplay became major hits, with Not Like Us debuting during Lamars feud with Drake.

Mustard contributed unconventional beats that diverged from his usual style. He notes, I was sending Kendrick things Id never made before. Thats what he demands something different. The track TV Off combined two of Mustards instrumentals, creating a viral moment when Lamar shouted Mustards name during the beat switch.

The making of Luther exemplified the albums collaborative spirit. Built around a 1982 sample of Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynns If This World Were Mine, the song came together through input from multiple producers and artists, including Sounwave, M-Tech, Roselilah, Ink, and Antonoff. Sounwave describes it as spiritual because every addition felt like a perfect puzzle piece.

Antonoff added layers of guitar and Mellotron, carefully crafting spaces between Kendrick and SZAs vocals. He worked late into the night, ensuring every detail contributed to the tracks immersive world. This meticulous approach extended to the albums final mixes, completed mere hours before the release.

The impact of GNX was immediate. Luther topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks, while Not Like Us won Grammys for Song and Record of the Year. For the producers, the album demonstrated that pushing boundaries and experimenting creatively was the key to success. Sounwave reflects, Theres no boundaries. We thrive on reinventing ourselves. Seeing a 60-year-old fan rapping the lyrics word for word is proof of the albums lasting impact.

Analysis: Kendrick Lamar's GNX – A Bold Reinvention of West Coast Hip-Hop

The release of Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, GNX, in November 2024 marked a defining moment in his career, blending West Coast hip-hop traditions with innovative production. Despite minimal pre-release buildup, the album’s arrival was a clear statement that Lamar had evolved, moving beyond his feud with Drake and refocusing on his musical roots in Compton. The overwhelmingly positive reception, along with nine Grammy nominations, signals a pivotal moment in Lamar’s career.

Creative Collaboration and Innovation

One of the key elements of GNX is its collaborative spirit. Lamar’s frequent collaborators, Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and Mustard, each brought their unique touch to the project. Their collective efforts resulted in an album that pushes boundaries, with Sounwave’s long-standing partnership with Lamar, Antonoff’s fresh perspective, and Mustard’s unexpected contributions. This dynamic collaboration was essential in crafting the album’s distinctive sound.

Track Highlights and Experimentation

Tracks like "Not Like Us" and "Luther" showcase the artists’ experimental approaches to production, blending genres and styles that diverge from traditional hip-hop. "TV Off," featuring Lefty Gunplay, created a viral moment with a beat switch that included a shout-out to Mustard, adding an extra layer of engagement for listeners. The track "Luther," which sampled Luther Vandross, became a standout hit, topping charts and reflecting the meticulous nature of the production process.

Legacy and Future Impact

GNX not only reaffirmed Lamar’s mastery over the hip-hop genre but also proved that innovation and risk-taking are critical to staying relevant. The album’s commercial and critical success, especially with tracks like "Luther" dominating the Billboard charts, emphasizes that Lamar’s ability to blend his roots with modern experimentation is what resonates with audiences. For both fans and the music industry, this album is a reminder that breaking creative boundaries is essential for long-term success.

Sources:

• Jack Antonoff, Mustard and Sounwave Reflect on the Years-Long Production Process for Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’: ‘We Developed Our Own Thing’