Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release of his latest album, GNX, on November 22, 2024, has taken the music world by storm, earning critical acclaim and setting streaming records. Amid the buzz surrounding the album, singer Chloe Bailey captured attention with a viral livestream on November 28, where she shared her admiration for the rapper, admitting that she once thought she and Lamar would end up together.
Chloe Bailey’s Kendrick Lamar “Phase”
During her livestream, Chloe, who is one-half of the duo Chloe x Halle, revealed her longstanding fandom for Kendrick Lamar, describing a time when she went through what she called a “Kendrick phase.” She said:
“Ask Halle. Ask Branson. About eight years ago, I had a whole Kendrick phase. I’ve had phases, right? Like, I had a James Fauntleroy phase. I had a Frank Ocean phase. I had an FKA Twigs phase. I had a Tune-Yards phase. I had a Kendrick Lamar phase, and I was convinced I was going to be with him.”
Chloe also praised GNX, noting she had been listening to the album on repeat and inviting fans to share their favorite tracks. Reflecting on her early appreciation of Lamar’s music, she mentioned being a fan since his debut album, Section.80, and his mixtape Overly Dedicated.
Fans Weigh In
Chloe’s candid remarks quickly sparked reactions online, with many discussing her comments about Lamar. Some fans expressed discomfort, pointing out Lamar’s long-term relationship with his fiancée, Whitney Alford, to whom he has been engaged since 2015. Alford and Lamar are also parents to two children, Uzi and Enoch.
Some fans, however, dismissed the controversy, focusing instead on Chloe’s admiration for Lamar’s artistry. Others used the moment to highlight their favorite lines from GNX.
Chloe Bailey, known for her role in Grown-ish and her music career with sister Halle Bailey, has consistently shown herself to be a passionate supporter of Kendrick Lamar’s work. While her recent confession stirred mixed reactions, her praise of Lamar’s artistry reflects the widespread admiration for his latest album.
Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is currently dominating platforms like Apple Music and has been predicted by Vibe magazine to become the most-streamed hip-hop album of the year. As for Chloe, her candid admission has added a layer of relatability, illustrating how Lamar’s music resonates deeply with fans across the globe.
In the end, the buzz surrounding Chloe’s remarks is just another testament to Kendrick Lamar’s ability to capture hearts and minds—both through his music and beyond.