On November 22, Kendrick Lamar pulled a Beyoncé and dropped his surprise sixth album, GNX, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. The 17-time Grammy winner didn’t hold back, collaborating with heavy hitters like SZA and rising star Deyra Barrera. The album also boasts production credits from Jack Antonoff—best known for his work with Taylor Swift—and the iconic Mustard, aka Dijon Isaiah McFarlane. If Mustard’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because his beats brought us Lamar’s previous viral smash, “Not Like Us.”
But this time, Mustard’s name isn’t just in the credits—it’s in the lyrics.
“Mustard!”—The Meme That’s Taking Over the Internet
On the seventh track, “tv off,” Kendrick doesn’t just nod to Mustard—he shouts his name. About two minutes in, he belts out “Mustard!” with enough force to make you check if your TV’s actually off. The uvula-shaking yell lasts a glorious five seconds (that’s two full measures for the music nerds), and it’s already the stuff of legend.
Social media quickly latched onto the shout-out, turning “Mustard!” into a viral meme. It’s everywhere—TikTok dance trends, Instagram reels, and even the NFL. Yes, the NFL. McDonald’s and Heinz (you know, the ketchup folks) also jumped on board. Mustard memes are officially hot dog-level iconic.
Mustard’s Reaction: “That S— Was Elite”
In a twist no one saw coming, not even Mustard himself knew about the shout-out before the album dropped. “That s— was elite. So fire,” he told Billboard on release day, still catching his breath from the surprise. In fact, he’s considering making the shout his new producer tag.
“I can’t wait to perform that song and just hear people saying it, ‘cause everybody’s going to say that like crazy,” he added.
Why GNX Is Already a Cultural Reset
Beyond the meme-worthy moments, GNX proves once again why Kendrick Lamar is a generational talent. The album is packed with introspective lyrics, genre-blending beats, and surprising collaborations. Jack Antonoff’s influence brings an unexpected indie-pop edge, while Mustard’s signature West Coast bounce anchors tracks like “tv off.”
The Kendrick-SZA reunion is also a major highlight. Their last collaboration, “All the Stars,” dominated the Black Panther soundtrack, and their new work together doesn’t disappoint.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the memes or the music, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is an undeniable moment in pop culture. From surprise releases to producer shout-outs that echo through cyberspace, this album is a masterclass in keeping fans on their toes. And let’s be real—none of us will ever say “Mustard!” the same way again.
Your move, ketchup.