Friday

06-06-2025 Vol 1983

Kendrick Lamar Takes Center Stage Amidst Controversy and Feuds on Grand National Tour

Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake has taken center stage as he continues to captivate audiences during his ‘Grand National Tour.’

Recently, Lamar performed his controversial track “Not Like Us” at Allegiant Stadium, eliciting a thunderous response from a sellout crowd, but this performance was just one of many highlights from the night.

The concert featured Sza, who brought out Doja Cat for a lively rendition of “Kiss Me More.”

These two artists showcased their chemistry on stage while juxtaposing Lamar’s stark, powerful rap with Sza’s vibrant and melodic performances.

Lamar’s heritage shone through as he incorporated his signature ‘87 Buick Grand National Experimental (GNX) into the show, an homage to his father’s car.

This vehicle not only inspired the tour title but is also tied to Lamar’s highly anticipated album set for release in 2024.

Meanwhile, Sza added a touch of whimsy to the event with a mesmerizing life-size praying mantis that enlivened her set, playful and symbolic of her independence.

During their mini-sets together, the duo performed hits like “Doves in the Wind” and “All the Stars,” culminating in a powerful closing with “luther,” a song that notably secured Lamar a record 13 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, alongside “gloria.”

The concert experience stretched over three hours, rivaling the length and scale of the Super Bowl itself, an event where Lamar made headlines by performing “Not Like Us” to a staggering 133 million viewers.

Despite attracting critical backlash due to its profanity and provocative visuals, his halftime performance solidified Lamar’s status and amplified his fame.

In the wake of “Not Like Us” achieving chart-topping success and winning multiple Grammys, tensions have escalated with Drake, who initiated legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging defamation linked to the song.

Lamar responded with a humorous video skit during his tour, featuring a mock “deposition” where an off-camera interrogator references various details surrounding the contentious track.

This creative segment left the audience in stitches as Lamar turned the legal dispute into part of his dynamic performance.

When asked about the line from Drake’s song “Family Matters,” Lamar cleverly played the opening line from “Not Like Us,” referencing the controversial “I see dead people,” which drew cheers from the thrilled crowd.

As the rivalry with Drake continues to be a focal point of interest, Kendrick Lamar remains unshaken, transforming a dispute into an integral part of his show while simultaneously captivating fans with his artistic prowess and captivating performances.

Lamar’s ability to blend personal narratives, public feuds, and broad musical appeal solidifies his unique place in the industry as he continues to captivate his audience on this monumental tour.

image source from:https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/kendrick-lamar-sza-bring-surprise-guest-to-las-vegas-show-3314892/

Abigail Harper