“You said you feel the love, right?” Kendrick Lamar asked SZA after their dazzling performance of the 2018 collaboration “All the Stars” during the inaugural LA tour stop of their highly anticipated Grand National Tour at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium on Wednesday night, May 21. The atmosphere was electric, and the audience was buzzing with excitement as they witnessed this extraordinary musical union.
“I think so,” she responded breathlessly, clearly moved by the moment. “You feel it?” Her question resonated with the crowd, encapsulating the energy in the arena.
“I definitely feel it,” Kendrick affirmed, his voice filled with conviction as he connected with the audience on a deeper level.
The duo then plunged into the heartfelt track “Love” from Kendrick’s 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN., with SZA seamlessly stepping into the role of featured artist Zacari. While Kendrick has faced criticism as a generational hater for his acclaimed rivalry with Drake, the energy in the stadiums they’ve been filling during their tour feels far from combative. Instead, the setlist features sincere and playful love songs like “Snooze” and “Kiss Me More,” alongside pointed diss tracks such as “Euphoria” and the Grammy-winning powerhouse “Not Like Us.” This Grand National Tour represents a triumphant celebration for Lamar, who headlined the Super Bowl halftime show earlier this year, and for SZA, whose blockbuster 2022 album SOS continues to shatter Billboard 200 records well into its third year. Because what could be more exhilarating than dominating a single stadium? Dominating 32 of them.
As both musical icons embarked on separate yet intertwined nostalgic journeys throughout the concert, their modes of expression were as distinctive as they are. Kendrick made a grand entrance in his sleek black 1987 Buick GNX, showcasing his iconic vehicle on stage, while SZA captivated the audience aboard a giant animatronic ant named Anthony (because why not?) that carried her throughout her performance of “Kitchen.” Shortly after, she performed a lyric from Rihanna’s “Consideration” about “ridin’ in on a pale white horse,” but the imagery couldn’t be further from reality. Fans can only dream of Rihanna returning to the stage for their first joint performance of the song since the 2016 Brit Awards, but SZA delighted concertgoers by bringing out her “best friend” Lizzo, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The dynamic duo concluded the concert with a show-stopping combination of “Luther” and “Gloria.” “Luther” has impressively maintained its position at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the past 13 consecutive weeks, as of this week (chart dated May 24), sampling Luther Vandross’ iconic 1982 hit “If This World Were Mine.” For Kendrick Lamar and SZA, it certainly feels like they are in their own world, thriving in a moment of unparalleled success.
Here are the five standout moments from the spectacular first stop at SoFi Stadium during their Grand National Tour.
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Kendrick Lamar’s Heartfelt Homecoming Celebration
“We’ve been all around the world and back, we was on the East Coast, we was in the South for a little bit, but you know I couldn’t motherf–king wait to make sure I came back home, you hear me!” Kendrick exclaimed at the base of the stage, receiving joyous homecoming cheers from every corner of the stadium. He passionately called out to his hometown, “Is Long Beach in this motherf–ker tonight? Is South Central in this motherf–ker tonight? Better yet, is Watts in this motherf–ker tonight? Is Inglewood in this motherf–ker tonight? Is Compton in this motherf–ker tonight?” The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, embracing the love for their local hero.
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SZA Invites Lizzo for an Unforgettable “Special” Performance
After Lizzo spread good vibes at the after party for SZA’s Not Beauty brand launch in Brooklyn earlier this month, SZA invited her “best friend” to join her on stage, announcing it was for some much-needed energy and positivity. Lizzo’s surprise appearance to perform the remix of “Special” added a delightful touch to the evening. While she was the sole special guest for the first LA stop, her infectious energy and undeniable star power filled the stadium, leaving everyone exhilarated.
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Kendrick Lamar Unleashes New Verse on “Family Ties”
Even though Kendrick invited his younger cousin Baby Keem to perform “Family Ties” during one of their earlier MetLife Stadium stops, Lamar showcased his solo prowess with a brand new verse. “Ay, you n—as will never compare to me/ F— poppin’ in, I’mma declare the streets/ My mama said ‘be scared of God’/ On God, they better be scared of me/ Beverly playing, I was making a right/ Pop punani ain’t making it right/ Told you, you would fight my fight/ I’m buckling up,” he rapped, delivering each line with intensity and conviction that resonated deeply with the audience.
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SZA’s Stunning Transformation as She Becomes a Fairy
Following her enchanting performance of “Snooze,” SZA graced the stage again in a shimmering chrysalis gown adorned with wings during her performance of “Crybaby,” and at a pivotal moment, she took flight mid-song. She eventually shed the long skirt, completing her stunning metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly before diving into her Hot 100 top 10 hit “Nobody Gets Me.” “I wrote this about my ex-fiancé. He hates me,” she stated candidly, encouraging her fans to sing along for him. When asked in one of the deposition video skits if she believed she would have hit songs without the dysfunction in her relationships, SZA replied, “No, so grateful. I owe everything to those terrible… interactions.”
This moment served as a poignant reminder that personal growth and success often emerge from overcoming challenges, and the journey is what ultimately makes everything worthwhile.
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Mexican Fans Revel in Their Chamoy Encounter
SZA has undeniably found her niche in the buddy comedy genre. After portraying a quirky character in her critically acclaimed film One of Them Days earlier this year, she took on the role of Dot’s nagging little sister during a hilarious video sketch where the two pulled up to a gas station – in his GNX, no less – and bickered over which snacks he should grab.
“What is it, chimmy chua?” he asked her, feigning confusion over the proper pronunciation of the sweet, salty, and spicy Mexican delicacy.
“Chamoy,” she corrected him, her tone dripping with sass. “Your fans are Mexican. How do you… Chamoy!” The audience erupted with laughter, feeling the camaraderie and cultural connection.
As he walked away grumbling under his breath, his LA-based Mexican fanbase felt the love as they basked in the spotlight. Kendrick has long celebrated his appreciation for this demographic, often featuring mariachi singer Deyra Barrera on tracks like “Wacced Out Murals,” “Reincarnated,” and “Gloria” from GNX, as well as collaborating with Mexican rappers Peysoh and Lefty Gunplay on the title track and “TV Off,” respectively.
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