What makes New Freezer by Kendrick Lamar notable?

'New Freezer' garnered significant attention for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, reaching number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving praise from critics for its fresh take on hip-hop production. The collaboration between Kendrick and Swae Lee represented a blending of styles that resonated within the evolving landscape of contemporary hip-hop. By the time Kendrick Lamar released 'New Freezer' in 2017, he was at a critical juncture following the monumental success of 'To Pimp a Butterfly.' This track marked his continued evolution as an artist, showcasing his ability to merge mainstream appeal with profound social commentary while collaborating with rising star Swae Lee.

How many songs are on New Freezer?

New Freezer has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

New Freezer

Kendrick Lamar · 2017

3 min · 1 track · funk

A pulsating blend of West Coast grooves and sharp lyrical commentary that challenges societal norms and celebrates personal triumphs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New Freezer — The title track exemplifies Kendrick's dexterous flow and sharp wit, intertwining themes of success and authenticity against a vibrant backdrop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track blends strong grooves with sharp lyrics, showcasing Lamar's evolving artistry in hip-hop.

What we noticed

The track features a steady, pulsating beat that maintains a consistent groove throughout its duration.
Kendrick Lamar's vocal delivery alternates between rapid-fire verses and more laid-back, melodic hooks, creating dynamic shifts in energy.
The production incorporates layered synths and bass lines that enhance the funk influence while supporting the lyrical content.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Continues the evolution of Kendrick's sound post-'To Pimp a Butterfly' with innovative elements.
Themes: West Coast grooves· personal triumph· societal critique
Moods: Energetic· Uplifting
Career context: By the time Kendrick Lamar released 'New Freezer' in 2017, he was at a critical juncture following the monumental success of 'To Pimp a Butterfly.' This track marked his continued evolution as an artist, showcasing his ability to merge mainstream appeal with profound social commentary while collaborating with rising star Swae Lee.
Stylistic neighbors: Isaiah Rashad· Anderson .Paak· Saba