The City of Angels was ablaze with hip-hop royalty and star power as Kendrick Lamar and SZA launched the first of three sold-out nights at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium as part of the Grand National Tour. The night delivered unforgettable performances, a surprise appearance by Lizzo, and the reaffirmation of Kendrick Lamar’s cultural dominance — all set against the backdrop of an ecstatic hometown crowd.
Kendrick Lamar Opens with Commanding Energy and a Message of Homecoming
From the very moment Kendrick emerged atop his iconic black 1987 Buick GNX, fans knew they were witnessing something historic. Opening with “wacced out murals,” the Compton native’s presence was magnetic. Each line echoed through the packed stadium, setting the tone for an electrifying evening. Without needing an entourage of surprise guests, Kendrick stood alone, powered by a small crew of backup dancers, cinematic stage effects, and an audience that knew every word.
Songs like “squabble up,” “ELEMENT.” (2017), and “King Kunta” (2015) took fans on a journey through Kendrick’s evolving discography before returning to the present-day bangers like “tv off.”
SZA Proves Her Star Power with a Thematic, Fantastical Set
Taking the stage with a dreamlike “bug aesthetic” that has become synonymous with her latest work, SZA enchanted the crowd. Beginning with “Garden (Say It Like Dat),” she was flanked by dancers dressed as whimsical grasshoppers, and her transitions into tracks like “Kitchen” (performed atop a massive animatronic black ant named Anthony) were visual masterpieces.
SZA’s performance turned surreal with the rendition of her Grammy-winning hit “Snooze” followed by “Crybaby.” Draped in a chrysalis-inspired gown and suspended mid-air, she transformed into a butterfly while performing “Nobody Gets Me.” It was a powerful visual metaphor for growth, change, and freedom — themes central to her latest deluxe album LANA.
Lizzo Joins SZA On Stage for a Soulful “Special” Remix Duet
Fans were treated to the night’s only guest appearance when SZA invited her close friend and fellow superstar Lizzo to the stage. Together, they performed the uplifting “Special” remix, radiating joy and empowerment. The surprise duet sent shockwaves of excitement through the crowd, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the evening.
Kendrick Lamar’s Artistic Stagecraft and Visuals Continue to Dazzle
Having already impressed with his Juneteenth: Ken & Friends concert and a Super Bowl performance earlier this year, Kendrick doubled down on his mastery of live stage production. Tracks like “peekaboo,” “mA.A.d city,” “DNA.,” and a fiery second rendition of “tv off” kept energy levels sky-high.
During the final act, Kendrick’s now-iconic shoutout, “Mustaaaard,” summoned DJ Mustard to the stage — a satisfying moment for longtime fans. The show’s expert lighting, pyrotechnics, and sharp camera angles enhanced every performance, making the experience cinematic even for those watching from the upper rows.
A Tribute to Los Angeles and Kendrick’s Unshakable Dominance
Kendrick took a moment mid-show to express his love for L.A., shouting out its diverse neighborhoods and declaring:
“We’ve been all around the world… but you know I couldn’t motherf-cking wait to make sure I came back home, you hear me!”
This hometown pride wasn’t just emotional — it was symbolic. The Compton lyricist performed key tracks from his ongoing lyrical feud with Drake, including “Not Like Us,” “Like That,” and “Euphoria.” Notably, he performed “Not Like Us” just once, backed by a striking Black history collage created by acclaimed visual artist Lauren Halsey — marking a poignant moment in hip-hop history.
Breaking Records: Kendrick’s Historic Earnings on Tour
According to Touring Data, Kendrick Lamar set a new industry benchmark following his May 17 performance in Seattle. That night, the rapper became the first hip-hop artist in history to gross over $14 million from a single show, raking in a staggering $14.8 million. These figures underscore Lamar’s enduring influence and market dominance.
What’s Next for the Grand National Tour?
Kendrick Lamar and SZA will return to SoFi Stadium on May 23 and 24, wrapping their L.A. stint before heading to Glendale, CA, on May 27. The international leg of the tour kicks off June 12 in Toronto, with the final show scheduled for August 9 in Stockholm, Sweden.
