From Hip-Hop Beats to Classic Streets: Inside Kendrick Lamar’s Legendary Buick

Kendrick Lamar isn’t just a rap icon—his love for classic American muscle cars is equally legendary. Spotted leaning against his 1987 Buick Grand National GNX in a Harper’s Bazaar shoot, this car perfectly complements Kendrick’s style and persona. Want to know why this car is a perfect fit for him? Let’s take a look.

Kendrick Lamar is known for his bold music, sharp fashion, and love for classic American muscle. Captured in a photo shoot for Harper’s Bazaar, Kendrick leans against his Buick Grand National GNX—a true symbol of 1980s power.

Kendrick Lamar’s Buick Grand National GNX: A Perfect Fit for a Rap Icon

The GNX, often called “The Assassin”, was one of the fastest cars of its time. With its all-black, menacing look, this muscle car was made for speed and stealth, much like Kendrick’s lyrical flow.

Buick Grand National GNX Specs

Engine: Turbocharged 3.8L V6
Horsepower: 276 hp
0-60 MPH: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 124 mph
Price Today: $150,000
The Buick GNX, often referred to as “The Assassin”, was a machine built for raw speed and a subtle kind of menace that matched its ominous appearance. Released in 1987 as a limited edition, it quickly became a legend in the muscle car world due to its unmatched combination of power, performance, and stealth.

The GNX was a refined version of the Buick Grand National, a car that already had a reputation for being a powerhouse on the road. But the GNX took it to a whole new level, both in terms of engineering and visual appeal.

With its sleek, all-black exterior, the GNX exuded an aura of intimidation. It wasn’t a car that screamed for attention—it quietly demanded it. The stealthy design gave it an almost shadow-like presence on the road, not unlike a hunter lying in wait.

Under the hood, the GNX’s 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine was a beast. It produced 276 horsepower, but the real magic was in the torque—over 360 lb-ft—delivering blistering acceleration and putting other cars to shame in straight-line speed.

What made the GNX even more special was its limited production—only 547 units were ever built. This exclusivity, combined with its performance capabilities, made the GNX a coveted collector’s item.
It was capable of running the quarter-mile in just 13.4 seconds, a time that was practically unheard of for production cars in the 1980s. With a top speed of 124 mph, it was one of the fastest cars of its time, outpacing much of the competition from both American and European automakers.

In many ways, the GNX mirrored the approach of a legend like Kendrick Lamar. Much like his lyrical flow, which is fast, sharp, and stealthy, the GNX didn’t need to be loud to make its mark.
It simply was—an embodiment of precision, power, and finesse, gliding through the streets with a quiet confidence that made it impossible to ignore. The GNX wasn’t just a car; it was an assassin on wheels.

A Ride That Matches Kendrick’s Style

Kendrick’s GNX isn’t just about looks—it’s a rare piece of American history. With only 547 made, it’s as exclusive as it is powerful, mirroring Kendrick’s approach to music: raw, authentic, and impactful.

What Do You Think?

Does the GNX fit Kendrick’s persona, or would you have picked something else for him? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with car and hip-hop lovers alike!