Wed Jan 29 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Kendrick Lamar Channeled Goku When Recording Hit Track “Hey Now”
**LOS ANGELES, CA** – Producer Mustard revealed a surprising anecdote about Kendrick Lamar’s creative process behind “Hey Now,” a standout track from Lamar’s surprise album *GNX*. Speaking to the Grammy Awards ahead of the 67th Annual ceremony, Mustard recounted Lamar’s enthusiastic reaction to the beat: Lamar described feeling like “Goku” from *Dragon Ball* upon hearing it.
The unexpected comparison left Mustard speechless, but Lamar explained that certain beats unlock a unique creative energy within him. This revelation highlights the collaborative spirit behind the track and *GNX* as a whole. The album, which also features collaborations with SZA and boasts critically acclaimed tracks like “Luther,” “Squabble Up,” and “TV Off,” is nominated for multiple Grammys.
Mustard also shed light on the innovative production of “TV Off,” revealing that Lamar himself conceived the dramatic beat switch dividing the song into two distinct parts, selecting two beats from a group of five sent by Mustard.
With multiple Grammy nominations for both artists (“Not Like Us” is nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song, while Mustard is nominated for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)), Lamar and Mustard’s collaborative success on *GNX* further cements their positions as leading figures in hip-hop. The album’s innovative soundscapes and emotional depth showcase Lamar’s ongoing commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
First Piper 