Kendrick Lamar’s Electrifying Performance
Kendrick Lamar has once again proven why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. At his sold-out LA show on the Grand National Tour, he took to the stage alone, except for a small group of backup dancers and select duets with co-headliner SZA. The Compton rapper’s set began with "Wacced Out Murals," where he emerged from his iconic 1987 Buick Gnx on stage, spitting bars from the first song of his latest album, named after the car.
A Journey Through Kendrick’s Discography
The performance was a journey through Kendrick’s discography, with hits like "Strait Up" and "Element" from 2017, and "King Kunta" from 2015. He also performed "TV Off" from his latest album, showcasing his growth and evolution as an artist. SZA joined him on stage for "30 for 30" from her 2022 album SOS, and the duo’s chemistry was undeniable. They also performed "Pigeons in the Wind" and "All Stars" together, solidifying their status as a dynamic duo.
SZA’s Show-Stopping Performance
SZA’s set was a visual masterpiece, with a beetle-inspired aesthetic that brought her latest project to life. She performed "Garden (Say It Like Dat)" with dancers dressed as giant green grasshoppers, and "Kitchen" on an animatronic black ant, which she affectionately called Anthony. Her performance of "Crybaby" was a highlight, with SZA emerging on stage with wings and a chrysalis-like skirt, symbolizing her transformation. She also brought out special guest Lizzo for a remix of "Special," which got the crowd hyped.
Kendrick’s Masterful Stage Presence
Kendrick’s stage presence was masterful, with sharp cuts and fire effects that amplified the energy of his most stirring tracks like "Peekaboo," "Ma.ad City," and "DNA." He also performed a second rendition of "TV Off," where he screamed out the name of his DJ, Mustaaaaard, who appeared on stage for a wave call. Kendrick’s music spoke for itself, except for a brief moment when he addressed the crowd, saying, "We’ve been all over the world and back, but I made sure to come back home to LA."
A Subtle Nod to His Rap Feud
Kendrick also subtly addressed his rap feud with Drake, mentioning the Canadian rapper’s name only once in his song "Not Like Us." He performed a new verse on "Family Ties," a song he shares with LA rapper and cousin Baby Keem, and also dropped a new verse on "Like This," a track by The Future and Metro Boomin. Kendrick’s performance was a testament to his growth and maturity as an artist, and his ability to speak his mind without resorting to beef.
The Grand National Tour’s Success
The Grand National Tour has been a massive success, with Kendrick becoming the first rapper in history to earn over $14 million for a single performance. The tour has been ongoing for a month, with two additional dates in Los Angeles on May 23 and 24, and a international leg starting on June 9. With his electrifying performance and SZA’s show-stopping set, the Grand National Tour is an experience not to be missed.
