Kendrick Lamar, the Compton-born rapper known for his unfiltered lyrics and bold stage presence, proved that he is not one to back down from controversy during his ‘Grand National Tour’ at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday night.
As the crowd erupted at the deep-cut performance of his new track “Not Like Us,” it marked just one highlight of an electrifying evening.
Lamar’s performance was further elevated by the presence of featured guest star Sza, who surprised the audience by bringing out Doja Cat for a rendition of “Kiss Me More.”
The chemistry between Sza and Doja Cat lit up the stage, with the energetic duo engaging with a captivated audience gathered around the gyrating general admission pit.
Throughout the evening, Sza’s vibrant, colorful set provided a stark contrast to Lamar’s more somber, black-and-white aesthetic.
This creative juxtaposition allowed for a dynamic seven-act production that captivated attendees.
Adding to the tour’s allure was Lamar’s vintage ‘87 Buick Grand National Experimental (GNX), a nod to his 2024 album release and his father’s cherished vehicle.
Fans noted the car’s presence in VIP parking before the show, adding a touch of authenticity to Lamar’s persona.
In contrast, Sza’s stage presence featured an oversized, life-size praying mantis—one of the more psychedelic effects not seen in Dead & Company’s Sphere performances.
This unique production element embodied her independence and light-heartedness, even evoking imagery reminiscent of the 1957 horror film “The Deadly Mantis.”
The duo’s on-stage partnership was evident during their collaborative mini-sets, where they performed hits such as “Doves in the Wind,” “All the Stars,” and “LOVE.”
As the show reached its climax, they closed with “luther,” which impressively lingered on the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks, a record for Lamar, alongside the track “gloria.”
The entire concert spanned three hours, emulating the grandeur and spectacle of a Super Bowl halftime show.
This was particularly poignant as Lamar first captured national attention during the Super Bowl performance of “Not Like Us,” which garnered a staggering 133 million viewers.
Critics were divided over his choice of visuals and lyrics, expressing disappointment for a departure from the familiarly commercial pop aesthetics of past performances.
Yet, this polarizing act served only to amplify Lamar’s notoriety, catalyzing increased sales and streaming of his music, while generating considerable buzz around his current world tour.
“Not Like Us” ascended to the top of music charts and accumulated a multitude of Grammy wins, setting a new standard for success.
However, recognition has come with its complications, as rival Drake has initiated legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging defamation linked to Lamar’s lyrics and marketing strategies.
In a light-hearted response woven into his performance, Lamar included a comical video skit of a purported “deposition,” where he faced questions pertaining to the song’s impact.
The atmosphere electrified when the crowd roared in response to the reference, particularly to the line reflecting their ongoing rivalry.
Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar continues to seize his narrative, making his art and persona an unassailable part of the ongoing discourse in the music industry.
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