Mustard Reacts to Surprise Kendrick Lamar Album ‘GNX’ & Says His ‘TV Off’ Shout Out ‘Was Elite’
Superproducer Mustard was just as shocked as fans when Kendrick Lamar unexpectedly released his sixth studio album, GNX, on Friday, November 22, 2024. The album, featuring 12 tracks and collaborations with SZA, Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and others, runs just under 45 minutes. It dropped without warning, catching even those who worked on it by surprise.
Mustard, best known for his work on Lamar’s Grammy-nominated track “Not Like Us,” shared his reaction in an exclusive interview. “You know what’s crazy? It was a surprise for me, just like it was a surprise for everybody else,” Mustard said. He explained he had expected the album to drop either early next year or during a high-profile event like the Super Bowl. Instead, he found out about it while at the gym. “I’m working out, and I see Kendrick post a snippet. I’m thinking, ‘Oh, this is probably coming next week, maybe Thanksgiving.’ Ten minutes later, the whole album is out. I couldn’t believe it.”
One standout track, “TV Off,” co-produced by Mustard, has quickly become a fan favorite. The song draws parallels to Lamar’s previous hit “Not Like Us,” and Mustard revealed this connection was intentional. “The first half of ‘TV Off’ was made in the same vibe as ‘Not Like Us,’” he explained. However, the song takes an unexpected turn midway, transitioning to a second section originally crafted for a theatrical album Mustard has been working on. “I sent it to Kendrick, and he was like, ‘This is crazy.’”
The track also features a memorable shoutout to Mustard during the transition, with Lamar exclaiming “Mustaaaaaaaaard” in a moment that the producer described as “elite.” “That shoutout was fire,” he said. “It’s not just a tag—it’s a vibe. I can’t wait to perform this live and hear fans scream that part.”
GNX also includes “Hey Now,” another Mustard co-production. This track has been years in the making, with Mustard starting the beat three to four years ago. Sounwave and Jack Antonoff later added their touches to the production. Mustard credited Lamar’s vision for bringing the track to life. “I just knew if I got the right person to do it, it would be perfect. Kendrick knew exactly what to do.”
Mustard’s enthusiasm for working with Lamar extends beyond the current album. “I try to send him something every day,” he said. “I’m always wondering what’s next. Even this morning, I texted him like, ‘What do you need from me?’ Whatever it is, I’m ready.”
The unexpected release of GNX is a testament to Lamar’s ability to innovate and surprise. With its blend of thought-provoking lyrics, experimental beats, and high-profile collaborations, the album has already made waves in the music world. Mustard’s contributions, particularly on tracks like “TV Off” and “Hey Now,” highlight the synergy between two of the industry’s most creative minds. As Mustard put it, “Kendrick is the best rapper, bro. Like, of all time. I think he’s one of the best.”
Fans are already dissecting the album, but for Mustard, the focus remains on the music. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “There’s so much more to come.” With such a dynamic partnership, the future of hip-hop looks brighter than ever.
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