The Breakfast Club Reacts To Kendrick Lamar's GNX Album

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Reacts To Kendrick Lamar's GNX Album

Podcast Information

• Title: The Breakfast Club
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
• Episode: The Breakfast Club Reacts To Kendrick Lamar's GNX Album
• Release Date: December 2, 2024

---

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee delve deep into the release of Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated surprise album, GNX. The discussion encompasses reactions to the album's content, Kendrick's position in the hip-hop industry, the ongoing rivalry with Drake, and the broader implications of artist-label relationships. Additionally, the hosts touch upon a listener's Thanksgiving dilemma, providing heartfelt advice on balancing family traditions and financial constraints.

---

2. Kendrick Lamar's GNX Album Reaction

The episode kicks off with excited reactions to Kendrick Lamar's surprise drop of the GNX album. The hosts express admiration for the album's succinctness and depth.

• Kendrick Lamar [02:38]: "All right, so Kendrick Lamar dropped a surprise album. And it's crazy. We was at work and then he dropped it right when we went home that Friday before break. And I ain't gonna lie, I love it. I listen to it."

• Charlamagne Tha God [02:49]: "It's tough."

• Kendrick Lamar [02:50]: "I love how short it is. Cause then you can listen to it. Cause dissecting an album, a Kendrick album, is one of the hardest things to me, but I do it. You have to listen to his albums more than once, but this one, you get. Everything I got was hard."

Charlamagne acknowledges the complexity of Kendrick's work but appreciates the accessibility of this particular album. The hosts highlight Kendrick's artistry and the meticulous crafting that goes into his music.

---

3. Kendrick vs. Drake: Industry Rivalries and Legal Battles

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, especially in light of Drake's recent legal actions against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify.

• Charlamagne Tha God [03:04]: "You know, people are starting to say that he's trying to show that he's better than Drake, but I think he's trying to show he's better than everybody."

• DJ Envy [04:29]: "Now listen, Lil Wayne is a top 5 MC of all time if you're being objective. ... emotionally, mentally and spiritually, Lil Wayne is not on the level to get out of Kendrick. Cause Kendrick would break down Lil Wayne's whole life."

The hosts explore Drake's lawsuits, speculating on his motivations and the potential impact on his career. They critique Drake's understanding of cultural dynamics, suggesting that his strategies may be short-sighted:

• DJ Envy [05:40]: "UMG has been doing for him his whole career."

• Charlamagne Tha God [07:44]: "Yeah, I thought the lawsuit was whack... if I'm not correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Drake throw shots at Kendrick that necessarily weren't true, too?"

The conversation highlights allegations made by Drake, which the hosts find unfounded and damaging. They discuss the challenges of defamation lawsuits against public figures, emphasizing Kendrick's integrity in contrast to Drake's aggressive legal approach.

• DJ Envy [07:59]: "Yeah, he said Kendrick beat his woman. He said that Kendrick's woman's one of their children was Dave Free as Man's Child."

• Charlamagne Tha God [08:26]: "Okay, I thought that was wacky. I think at this point, yes, you take the L, you regroup and you put out an album and not the album and party put out a rap album."

The hosts advocate for focusing on musical output rather than legal battles, suggesting that Kendrick's approach is more sustainable and artistically rewarding.

---

4. The Impact of Label Practices on Artists

The discussion extends to the ethical practices of music labels, particularly UMG, in promoting artists and influencing their careers. Kendrick Lamar addresses the misconceptions about UMG's intentions:

• Kendrick Lamar [08:41]: "UMG did. UMG spokesperson... They told us that the suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of his artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns."

This statement defends UMG against allegations of unethical behavior, adding another layer to the debate on artist autonomy and label influence.

---

5. Listener Segment: Thanksgiving Challenges

Transitioning from industry discussions, the hosts address a listener's Thanksgiving predicament. A woman shares her struggle with the high costs of traditional Thanksgiving meals, leading her to simplify her family's holiday dinner to spaghetti.

• Listener [11:08]: "I'm trying to do spaghetti for Thanksgiving. It's a lot easier... if you put it just on one person, it breaks the bank. Instead of spending close to $500, I figured I'm gonna keep it simple."

Angela Yee empathizes with the listener's situation, highlighting the importance of accessibility and financial responsibility during the holidays.

• Angela Yee [11:28]: "Instead of spending close to $500, I figured I'm gonna keep it simple."

The hosts discuss the balance between maintaining family traditions and managing expenses, emphasizing that the essence of Thanksgiving lies in family togetherness rather than lavish meals.

• Charlamagne Tha God [12:15]: "Spaghetti. It was just spaghetti. It was just bread. It's just bread. But at the end of the day, you want your family together."

This segment resonates with many listeners, offering reassurance that meaningful celebrations aren't dictated by financial expenditure.

---

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with final reflections on the themes discussed, reinforcing the show's commitment to addressing both cultural issues and personal struggles faced by listeners. The hosts encourage open communication and understanding, embodying the supportive spirit of The Breakfast Club.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kendrick Lamar [02:50]: "I love how short it is. Cause then you can listen to it."

• Charlamagne Tha God [03:04]: "You know, people are starting to say that he's trying to show that he's better than Drake..."

• DJ Envy [04:29]: "Lil Wayne is not on the level to get out of Kendrick. Cause Kendrick would break down Lil Wayne's whole life."

• Charlamagne Tha God [07:44]: "Didn't Drake throw shots at Kendrick that necessarily weren't true, too?"

• Kendrick Lamar [08:41]: "UMG spokesperson... the suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of his artists is offensive and untrue."

• Charlamagne Tha God [12:15]: "Spaghetti. It was just spaghetti. It's just bread."

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of Kendrick Lamar's latest album and the intricate dynamics of hip-hop rivalries. The hosts expertly navigate complex topics, providing listeners with insightful commentary and relatable personal stories. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to the conversation, this episode delivers valuable perspectives on music, culture, and the importance of familial bonds during the holiday season.

Transcript

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The holidays are in full swing at Home Depot. If you want to make the most of your time with your family, they have everything you need like the KitchenAid Artisan Serious Stand Mixer with 10 speeds and a 5 quart bowl that can whip up a 9, yes, 9 dozen cookie at once. That helps me out. You know I got 6 kids so I need more than 9 cookies but plenty for everyone, even the big guy. Get a gift. The whole family can gather around. Enjoy up to 40% off select furniture, decor and kitchen essentials at the Home Depot. Shop now@home depot.com Life is an act of constant reinvention. That's true for you and for cars. Nissan Reimagined the all new Kicks around you. The Bose Personal plus sound system with speakers in the headrest keeps you in the groove, while The Nissan Safety Shield360 technologies keep you safe. If Nissan reinvented the Kicks, you can reinvent yourself. Drive the all new reimagined Nissan Kicks.

[DJ Envy]

Today Available Features Compatible device service and consumer activation of Nissan Connect Services package Required Use only when safe and legal. Subject to third party service availability. For more information, see nissanusa.com connect legal Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Link. Intelligent all wheel drive Cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.

[Angela Yee]

Taking control of your career is empowering.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Just don't tell my boss I said that. Building a career just isn't about a job, it's about creating a path that.

[Angela Yee]

Impacts our community and future generations.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Whether you're starting out or making big moves, State Farm is here to support you with resources to help protect what.

[Angela Yee]

You'Re working hard to achieve.

[Kendrick Lamar]

They've got your back every step of.

[Angela Yee]

The way because like a good neighbor.

[Kendrick Lamar]

State Farm is there. Find out more@state farm.com what's it like.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

To get the new iPhone 16 Pro with ATT? Next up anytime? It's like when you first light up the grill and think of all the mouth watering possibilities. Learn how to get the new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on AT&T and the latest iPhone everywhere with AT&T's next up anytime. ATT Connecting changes everything. Apple intelligence coming fall 2024 with Siri and device language to set US English. Some features and languages will be coming over the next year. $0 offer may be not available on future iPhones. Next up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time, subject to change. Additional fees, terms and Restrictions apply. Ca att.com iPhone for details.

[Diet Coke Voiceover]

You could sit there and listen to ads or you could Take a moment to have a Diet Coke break. First, grab a chilled Diet Coke, because if you want it to be perfect, it needs to be crispy. Next, get a big cup of ice, because everyone knows Diet Coke is best served swimming in ice. Then sip it slowly, feel that burn, and enjoy your break for as long as possible. When you need a break, don't forget to grab an ice cold Diet Coke and take a Diet Coke break.

[Kendrick Lamar]

All right, so Kendrick Lamar dropped a surprise album. And it's crazy. We was at work and then he dropped it right when we went home that Friday before break. And I ain't gonna lie, I love it. I listen to it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's tough.

[Kendrick Lamar]

I love how short it is. Cause then you can listen to it. Cause dissecting an album, a Kendrick album, is one of the hardest things to me, but I do it. You have to listen to his albums more than once, but this one, you get. Everything I got was hard.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, people are starting to say that he's trying to show that he's better than Drake, but I think he's trying to show he's better than everybody.

[Kendrick Lamar]

This is.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

What are y'all talking about?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's. That's. He got busy on that album.

[DJ Envy]

Kendrick has not been in competition with nobody for a very long time.

[Kendrick Lamar]

That's right. That's what you talking about.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That album is great.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yep, yep, yep.

[DJ Envy]

He's the Pulitzer Prize winner. Let's not forget that.

[Kendrick Lamar]

And then whacked out murals. Kendrick addressed Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne. That's what people was talking about. And so Snoop actually big up them, you know, K new album, gnx. Now listen real quick, before we get into the responses, is it Goodnight X genx or gnx? You never know what camera is a type of car.

[DJ Envy]

Gnx.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Okay. I don't know. I just know it's nice.

[DJ Envy]

It's a very popular car in la.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Very limited, Very limited edition. They only made it for one year and I think they made. It's just a couple of hundred. It's like 100 if you want to buy it. Now, one just sold this week for like 116,000 on brand.

[DJ Envy]

It was a black Grand National.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Okay, so that's what that Grand National.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's a limited edition to the Grand National.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Cause I know I'm not the only one that had this question. Don't be looking at me like, oh.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, he had a picture of the car on the COVID Okay.

[DJ Envy]

No, you're right. I asked that question too. I asked my homies on the West Coast I said, what's the significance of the Grandex? And they broke it down for us.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Because Kendrick is so damn coded, we don't know.

[DJ Envy]

I asked my man Glasses Malone that last week.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's a great addition to the Grand National.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Wayne reacted and he said, man, what the f. I do? I just be chilling and they still come for my head. Let's not take kindness for weakness. Let this giant sleep. I beg you all. No one really wants destruction, not even me. But I shall destroy it if disturbed. On me love. That's crazy.

[DJ Envy]

Now listen, Lil Wayne is a top 5 MC of all time if you're being objective. Right. I have to put Lil Wayne in my top five. He don't want no problems with Kendrick right now. And the reason he don't want no problem with Kendrick right now is because emotionally, mentally and spiritually, Lil Wayne is not on the level to get out of Kendrick. Cause Kendrick would break down Lil Wayne's whole life.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yeah, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

In a very therapeutic way.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yep. And it's not even. But what he said didn't cause for that reaction to me. That's all he said my hard work, I guess he let, you know, let him down. But I do feel like it was like I was surprised that Wayne took that approach that he did when he responded about not doing the super bowl or whatever like that. So I just don't think it was big enough for him to do that. But I mean they gonna be them now. Drake, on the other hand, he filed two lawsuits against umg and that was the Monday after the album had dropped or whatever. Right. So he pro. He filed a pre action doc that's asking to be able to get all in UMG's business because he's going file. He going to file a suit, but he needs to know who's against it. Like, like he's a legend. UMG paid for bots, influencers and podcasters to make noise for like to push, not like us to make it as big as it was now on the.

[DJ Envy]

Same thing UMG has been doing for him his whole career.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yeah. But he, I'm sure he said he got evidence of like. All right, so basically one of the things that stuck out to me is what he said when he said influencers is videos of influencers. Like saying like play Drake music. Like you can say it to Siri, like, oh, certified level.

[DJ Envy]

That's because these, these things pick up lyrics too. So if you don't know the name of a song and you say keywords, it'll pull up the song. So if you say certified lover boy in that moment during that week. Yes. Not like us would come up.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yeah, yeah. And then we. You predicted this. You predicted this six months ago on Brilliant Idiots 1.

[DJ Envy]

What is the next move for Drake Lawsuit. Let me tell you something. Drake is half white.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Exactly.

[DJ Envy]

Okay? Drake, mama side of the family is like, oh, no, Aubrey, this man is out here calling you a pedophile. There's probably people at night. There's probably people at Universal. There are people that got real vested interest in Drake. That is a multi billion dollar entity. You got to protect your name. All that rap. Call your cousin. Call your cousin who's the lawyer.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He's not suing. And then he.

[DJ Envy]

I did predict that I charged for that too, but it don't work.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yeah, but he basically feels like, yo, you. And he's suing, and he's not suing Kendrick. A lot of people was in the comments. Are you suing? Because you know he's suing UMG and Spotify basically saying, like, y'all. Like, y'all. Y'all let this man call me a pedophile on this song that costed me money.

[DJ Envy]

Well, he's not suing anybody yet. He just filed a petition.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Well, yeah, yeah, yeah. But it wouldn't be against Kendrick. It would be UMG and Spotify.

[DJ Envy]

Man, please. You know Kendrick was in that house. I ain't shooting Kendrick. I just shot up the house. Knock it off. Okay? What are you talking about? All right, you know what you doing? It just showed me that Drake does not understand culture because Not Like Us was a cultural phenomenon. You know, like, you can't program a record like that. Like, it wouldn't surprise me if one day California made Not Like Us their actual state model. That's how big that record is. Yeah, and it was. It has nothing to do with programming a playlist or paying a radio.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, I thought the lawsuit was whack. And the reason I think it was whack is diss records. And talking about people in records have been going on since the beginning of hip hop. And not only that, if I'm not. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Drake throw shots at Kendrick that necessarily weren't true, too?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, he said Kendrick beat his woman. He said that Kendrick's woman's one of their children was Dave Free as Man's Child. That's who got the. By the way, if anybody wanted to sue for defamation, it could be Kendrick's girl. She got the slam dunk defamation suit. Cause she's a civilian. It's hard to prove defamation against public figures. But she's a civilian.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Correct?

[DJ Envy]

She don't got nothing to do with none of this. And you said she got beat on and you said that one of her children. It was somebody else's and not Kendrick's.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay, I thought that was wacky. I think at this point, yes, you take the L, you regroup and you put out an album and not the album and party put out a rap album. And then whatever you feeling in that rap album, you say in them songs.

[DJ Envy]

You should take my advice, Drake, that I told you over the summer you should take a year off.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yep. UMG did. UMG spokesperson. Real quick. A spokesperson for umg. They told us that the suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of his artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So, yeah, I just don't understand because he's still selling records, he's still selling tours, he's still one of the biggest artists out there. I just don't understand that move.

[DJ Envy]

He's light skinned. You do understand. Oh, yes, it is.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, it's not.

[DJ Envy]

It's beyond light skinned, but also too. You know, Drake is kind of shooting himself in the foot because what about when he puts out his next project and he want them little tricks of the trade that he's giving up? There was times when Drake's music would be at the top of the gospel playlist. What the hell is he at the top of the gospel playlist?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

God's plan was that. No, it wasn't God's plan for My.

[DJ Envy]

Dogs at the top of the gospel playlist. Why you put a song at radio and immediately Drake's song is everywhere. Like, come on. So what happens when UMG doesn't use those tricks of the trade for his next project?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Seems like he's trying to get off umg. I just don't think this is the right way to do it. I think this hurts himself. I mean, there's other distribution houses, but I think he just read up two years ago.

[DJ Envy]

That's the other thing everybody keeps talking about. This is he's in the middle of negotiation. He just read up, like two years ago for 400 million.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He is in a middle of reading again. They said he gave, yeah, 600. 600 million now. They said he made that $400 million back, I guess allegedly from touring and album sales. But they're renegotiating allegedly now.

[DJ Envy]

I don't believe that that's what they said. I just think people are making excuses for Drake because they like Drake. Because the same way Drake was sitting on the CN Tower, people be sitting on Drake's penis just like that.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Oh, my God.

[DJ Envy]

Oh, Drake got the greatest D riders of all time.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yeah, that's just for the math.

[Angela Yee]

I don't know.

[Kendrick Lamar]

I don't know.

[DJ Envy]

You stop with the D riding.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Yeah, because I'm trying to think about. Oh, okay. All right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right. Now when we come back, let's open up the phone lines. 800-585-1051. There was a lady. Do we have audio of the lady? Of the woman at all at Thanksgiving? No, no. They're about to put it in there, saying, it's in. They're pointing at you and saying, it's in. Now, this lady got pause pretty much. So this lady over Thanksgiving got mad at her family because she said, last year, Thanksgiving was very expensive. It cost her over $500. So this year when family members came, she has spaghetti. Okay, you got the audio.

[Angela Yee]

We're trying to do spaghetti for Thanksgiving. It's a lot easier. You try to keep up with the tradition of Thanksgiving, but the way groceries are, unless you're doing a potluck, if you put it just on one person, it breaks the bank. Instead of spending close to $500, I figured I'm gonna keep it simple.

[DJ Envy]

You spent almost $500 last year.

[Angela Yee]

Yes. It was egregious.

[Kendrick Lamar]

It.

[Angela Yee]

It hurt, to say the least. And then the turnaround, knowing that rent was due the next week, me doing that. Beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, yam, lamb, ram, ham, hog. I'm not doing it. I ain't got the funds. You feel like you're taking the holidays away from your kids or your family. I'm just happy that we get to experience it, even if it's not, you know, the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole type of situation.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Damn. I mean, I get it. I get it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I mean, the family was mad. They wanted. Well, the people were talking in the comments. They were upset. They was like, that's kind of whack, but bring me some money.

[Kendrick Lamar]

Bring me some food or something then.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But I thought Thanksgiving was about family. Family coming together. Whatever you could provide on your table. That's all that matters.

[Kendrick Lamar]

If that's what she could afford.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Spaghetti. It was just spaghetti. It was just bread. It's just bread. But at the end of the day, you want your family together. The fact that you got your parents, your grandparents, your cousins, your brothers, your sisters, I think that's what it is.

[Kendrick Lamar]

It's more so about being thankful.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now let's open up the phone lines. What's your thoughts? 8585 151. You go to Thanksgiving for your family member. When you get there, they got spaghetti. How you feeling out there? Let's discuss. Let's talk. 800-585-1051. How would you feel if you showed up and they were serving spaghetti? Let's talk it's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[DJ Envy]

Wake that ass up early in the morning. The Breakfast Club. The holidays are here. It's that time of year to think about, yes, gifts, but not only gifts. It's the guests, the party planning and the true meaning of the season. Spending time with family and friends. We know it's a lot, but we're here to ease your mind and share some tips so we'll make it through together. With the season getting underway, now is the time to shop early for amazing holiday deals at Amazon. Amazon has a wide selection for all your holiday needs. I don't care if you want to get your people's laptops, gaming screens, whatever it is they need. Amazon got it. And please remember Amazon Cyber Monday deals are here with deals up to 40% off. Shop cyber Monday deals now on Amazon and visit Amazon.com black effect podcast for my favorite picks. Peace to the planet. I go by the name of Charlamagne Tha God and I want to introduce you to Uberteen Accounts, a connected account for your teen with trackable trips and highly rated drivers. Now I am the father of a 16 year old daughter so I need things like Uber Teen. Okay, Your teen can feel a sense of independence in you can feel a sense of relief. You can follow their entire ride on a live tracking map. Perfect for those times when you want to be there but can't. When your teen requests a trip they are matched with highly rated and experienced drivers and you receive real time notifications. Every trip comes with enhanced safety features. Pin verification to ensure your teen enters the right vehicle. Live trip tracking for parents plus you the parent can contact the driver directly from the app. Add your teen to your account today. Available in select locations. C app for details.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The holidays are in full swing at Home Depot. If you want to make the most of your time with your family, they have everything you need like the KitchenAid Artisan Cereal Stand Mixer with 10 speeds and a 5 quart bowl that can whip up a 9, yes, 9 dozen cookie at once. That helps me out. You know I got six kids so I need more than nine cookies, but plenty for everyone, even the big Guy. Get a gift. The whole family can gather around. Enjoy up to 40% off select furniture, decor and kitchen essentials at the Home Depot. Shop now@home depot.com what's it like to get the new iPhone 16 Pro with AT&T next up Anytime? It's like when you first light up the grill and think of all the mouth watering possibilities. Learn how to get the new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on AT&T and the latest iPhone everywhere with AT&T's next up anytime. ATT connecting changes everything. Apple Intelligence coming fall 2024 with Siri and device language to set us English. Some features and languages will be coming over the next year. $0 offer may be not available on future iPhones. Next Up Anytime feature may be discontinued at any time, subject to change additional fees. Terms and Restrictions apply. Ca att.com iPhone for details.

[Diet Coke Voiceover]

You could sit there and listen to ads or you could take a moment to have a Diet Coke break. First, grab a chilled Diet Coke because if you want it to be perfect, it needs to be crispy. Next, get a big cup of ice because everyone knows Diet Coke is best served swimming in ice. Then sip it slowly, feel that burn and enjoy your break for as long as possible. When you need a break, don't forget to grab an ice cold Diet Coke and take a Diet Coke break.