While SZA and saxophonist Kamasi Washington are the only cameos on “GNX” that pop music fans are likely to recognize, the album is a comprehensive roster of SoCal scene-beloved veterans like Wallie the Sensei, AzChike and Hitta J3, and fast-rising local acts like Dody6 and YoungThreat.

Asserting his place in a broader lineage of Black music on the polarizing “Reincarnated,” Kendrick attacks Drake's bona fides one more time—without ever saying his name.

This week's Trending Up looks at the biggest surprise release of 2024, as well as the liftoff of the 'Wicked' soundtrack and a new dance trend-boosted TikTok hit.