Over a year has passed since Kendrick Lamar transformed the hip-hop landscape with his groundbreaking track “Not Like Us,” a powerful anthem that not only clinched five Grammy Awards but also dominated the Billboard Hot 100 during his intense rivalry with Drake. The electrifying atmosphere at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on May 10 was a clear indication that K.Dot continues to reign supreme in the music scene, and his influence shows no signs of waning.
Sharing the stage with SZA, both of whom are former labelmates under Top Dawg Entertainment, the two titans of modern music captivated the audience during their second performance of two in East Rutherford, N.J., as part of their monumental Grand National Tour. This tour is hailed as one of the most ambitious endeavors in the history of hip-hop, having commenced in Minneapolis on April 19 and marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Kendrick showcased a mix of mainstream hits like “Luther,” “Humble,” and “DNA” alongside introspective tracks from his latest Billboard 200 chart-topping album GNX, including “Man at the Garden” and “Reincarnated.” He presented hip-hop as a grand theatrical experience, focusing on its core elements rather than relying on extravagant visuals or elaborate set designs. By returning to the fundamental principles of the genre, he highlighted the pure artistry involved in emceeing and performance on a live mic.
The show commenced with the opening track from GNX, “Wacced Out Murals,” with Lamar taking the stage solo for nearly three hours of pure entertainment. Throughout the evening, Kendrick and SZA alternated their performances, seamlessly transitioning between their sets with beloved collaborations like “Doves in the Wind,” “All the Stars,” and the recent “30 for 30 Freestyle.” While both artists primarily showcased their latest albums (GNX for Kendrick and SOS Deluxe: LANA for SZA), they also honored their earlier works, with Kendrick delivering an a cappella rendition of “Swimming Pools” for his loyal fans, and SZA expressing love for her “Ctrl babies” before performing tracks like “Garden (Say It Like Dat)” and “Broken Clocks.”
Cassidy Meyers
The stage design for the Grand National Tour echoed the unique setup seen during Lamar’s iconic Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, featuring a largely minimalist aesthetic with a central stair platform. While there were a few elevated mini-platforms and a whimsical moment where SZA floated above the stage, the main highlight was the literal GNX that transitioned between sets. Initially, when Kendrick debuted on stage, the black GNX mirrored its presence on the album cover. As SZA took the stage later, the vehicle evolved into a lush, nature-inspired design that reflected the vibrant aesthetic of the LANA era. In a charming moment during the show’s finale with “Gloria,” Kendrick opened the passenger door for SZA, showcasing his gentlemanly nature as they both hopped into the car, wishing the audience safe travels home.
This tour serves as both a remarkable celebration of their achievements and a testament to over a decade of hard work from both Kendrick and SZA. The Grand National Tour exemplifies how two of the most influential artists of the past two decades are operating at the peak of their careers, ensuring that the essence of hip-hop remains at the forefront of the music industry.
Let’s dive into the top ten unforgettable moments from their exhilarating stop at MetLife Stadium.
-
Tributes to Prince: Celebrating Music Legends
In the track “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin, Kendrick boldly claimed his identity as a music legend, likening himself to Prince while challenging the notion of the “Blog Era Big Three,” asserting, “And your best work is a light pack/ N—-, Prince outlived Mike Jack.”
Having collaborated with the legendary Prince before his passing, Kendrick has often expressed deep admiration for the music icon. Therefore, it was fitting that “Purple Rain” resonated through the stadium as the final track played before the lights dimmed. This poignant moment, coupled with SZA’s playful nod to “Kiss” during her performance of “Kiss Me More,” created a beautiful homage celebrating Black music legends from Anita Baker to Teedra Moses.
-
SZA’s Electrifying Rock Star Performance
As she commenced her second act, SZA embraced her rock influences, delivering a dynamic medley of “Scorsese Baby Daddy” and “F2F.” With a talented guitarist accompanying her throughout the performance, she showcased her powerful vocal delivery, impressive ad-libs, and captivating stage presence that embodied the essence of a pop star transitioning into rock.
Surprisingly, SZA appeared more at ease in this rock star persona compared to her ethereal ballad performances. The highlight was her seamless ability to shift between different musical styles as the night progressed, captivating the audience with her versatility.
-
Innovative Musical Arrangements Elevate the Experience
The rise of backing track performances has often led to a lack of creativity in live music reinterpretations, but Kendrick is not one to conform to that trend.
At the Super Bowl, he uniquely rearranged tracks (such as the barbershop quartet rendition of “Man at the Garden”) to align with themes of pride and Black identity in America. During the Grand National Tour, he revisited and reimagined classic songs, infusing them with the nostalgic vibes reminiscent of Anita Baker’s timeless soundtracks that accompanied rides in his GNX.
For instance, “M.A.A.D. City” received a “Sweet Love” makeover, highlighting the emotional dichotomy between love and hate, while live drumming amplified the haunting atmosphere of “Wacced Out Murals” at the show’s beginning. This innovative approach proves that vibrant performance doesn’t solely rely on elaborate stage effects.
-
Kendrick Lamar’s Unmatched Stamina on Stage
Kendrick’s incredible stamina was a highlight of his Super Bowl halftime performance, but he took it to another level during the Grand National show. Lasting approximately two hours and 15 minutes, the concert allowed Kendrick and SZA to showcase their skills, with each artist commanding the stage.
Unlike many contemporary rappers who lean on backing tracks or let the audience sing along while a recording plays, Lamar’s dedication to performing every single lyric live was mesmerizing. From the six-minute powerhouse “Euphoria” to reinvented versions of classics like “M.A.A.D. City,” Kendrick maintained powerful breath control while executing choreography and engaging with the entire stage, making his performance a physical spectacle.
While the tour successfully translates cinematic minimalism into a stadium experience, Kendrick’s high-energy performance was undoubtedly the heart of the show.
-
SZA Performs ‘Another Life’ Live for the First Time
While “30 for 30 Freestyle” made it to the top 10 on the Hot 100 and tracks like “BMF” and “Diamond Boy” gained attention, it was “Another Life” that resonated most profoundly with fans from LANA.
After teasing a dynamic setlist during previous tour stops, SZA surprised the audience at MetLife Stadium by delivering her first live rendition of “Another Life,” beautifully fitting it into her emotional ballad segment alongside the SOS hit “Nobody Gets Me.”
Fans who were fortunate enough to be in attendance experienced an overwhelming reaction, as the cheers for “Another Life” rivaled those for her chart-topping tracks like “Kill Bill,” underscoring how SZA’s most cherished songs often transcend commercial success.
-
Baby Keem Surprises with ‘Family Ties’ Performance
Following Playboi Carti‘s surprise appearance in Atlanta for “Good Credit,” anticipation grew for a potential guest at the East Rutherford show.
On the second night of the tour, Baby Keem emerged as the first special guest, joining his cousin Kendrick for a spirited rendition of “Family Ties.” The audience erupted in cheers as the duo performed the Grammy-winning track, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Fans who witnessed Keem open for Kendrick during The Big Steppers Tour were thrilled to see their evolution from arena performances to a stadium setting.
-
Heartwarming Interludes Showcase K.Dot & SZA’s Dynamic
With SZA’s successful movie endeavors alongside Keke Palmer in One of Them Days and Kendrick’s involvement in the production of Trey Parker’s upcoming film, the two artists are making significant strides in the film industry. Their collaboration on the Oscar-nominated song “All the Stars” from Black Panther further showcases their versatility.
In the interludes that preceded Kendrick’s performances, the two former labelmates displayed their acting talents and comedic skills, providing charming glimpses into their adorable brother-sister dynamic. From SZA’s humorous comments about never forgetting “that prophet n—-‘s” gas station order to Kendrick’s playful rants about her requests for Chamoy, these video segments added a delightful touch to the show, framing it as a celebratory road trip from Compton to St. Louis and beyond.
-
Honoring the Five Core Elements of Hip-Hop
The effectiveness of Lamar’s staging during the MetLife performance was largely due to his commitment to the foundational five pillars of hip-hop.
His always-present microphone highlighted the physicality of his emceeing prowess, while Mustard’s opening DJ set and reappearance during “TV Off” celebrated the essential role of DJing within the hip-hop culture. Although traditional graffiti wasn’t heavily featured, the dynamic design of the GNX and the narrative elements within the interludes conveyed a visual representation akin to street art. Additionally, the dancers incorporated a blend of Super Bowl choreography with classic West Coast dance moves, further enhancing the performance’s authenticity.
Ultimately, Kendrick’s entire discography serves as a metaphorical journey of self-discovery and understanding, and the Grand National Tour effectively showcased this evolution, culminating in the realization that hip-hop has firmly established itself as a genre capable of filling stadiums.
-
Kaytranada Ignites a Sing-Along with ‘Be Your Girl’
Once Baby Keem made his appearance, it was only fitting for SZA to invite some friends to the stage, which she did. Grammy-winning DJ and producer Kaytranada took the spotlight, energizing MetLife Stadium with his viral remix of Teedra Moses’ “Be Your Girl.”
After teasing the audience with a dance music mashup featuring her 2017 hit “The Weekend” and its disco remix by Calvin Harris, SZA went all-in on house music with Kaytranada’s exceptional remix, transforming the stadium into a euphoric hub of musical joy. This moment of shared musical escapism resonated deeply, and Kaytranada even hosted a surprise afterparty linked to SZA’s newly launched Not Beauty brand.
Even fans who primarily came to see Kendrick couldn’t resist getting lost in the infectious rhythm!
-
Kendrick’s Bold Declaration: “This Ain’t No Pop S—!”
“I said, please believe this ain’t no pop s—,” Kendrick proclaimed before diving into his classic track “Money Trees.” “This some rap s— tonight!”
This powerful statement marked one of the most memorable moments of banter at MetLife Stadium, showcasing Kendrick’s commitment to genuine hip-hop. Staging not just one, but two sold-out rap concerts in an iconic venue that attracts fans from multiple states is nothing short of extraordinary. His choice to focus on authentic hip-hop tracks, excluding radio-friendly hits like “Bad Blood” and “Don’t Wanna Know,” made moments like “Money Trees” and “Reincarnated” even more impactful.
The intense rivalry from the previous year reshuffled many fans’ rankings of the greatest artists, and the Grand National Tour will undoubtedly influence those lists even further.
