Kendrick Lamar and SZA kicked off their highly anticipated Grand National Tour on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This tour marks a significant moment for both artists, as they embark on a 39-date stadium tour, a rarity for hip-hop acts.
With the duo's collaboration track "Luther" reigning at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for its eighth consecutive week, the excitement surrounding the tour was palpable. This is not just a regular tour launch; it’s a celebration of their recent successes, with Lamar achieving his sixth No. 1 hit and SZA her third. The two artists have enjoyed a series of wins leading up to this tour, with Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us" making waves in 2024 and continuing to dominate the charts.
The concert opened with a vibrant 30-minute DJ set by Mustard, who produced the impactful "Not Like Us." Lamar made a dramatic entrance, rising from below the stage in a Buick GNX, setting the tone for an electrifying night. The performance lasted over two and a half hours, featuring an impressive setlist that showcased both artists' extensive catalogs.
Throughout the concert, Lamar and SZA alternated between solo performances and collaborative tracks. Highlights included their hits "Doves in the Wind," "All the Stars," and "LOVE." The crowd, estimated at around 60,000, was treated to an array of songs from both artists, ensuring that fans experienced a wide range of their music.
During one of Kendrick's solo sets, he took a moment to address his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake. In a humorous skit, Kendrick mocked Drake’s infamous "drop drop" lyric from "Family Matters," which was followed by the performance of "Not Like Us." The skit featured a pre-recorded scene where Kendrick, dressed in black, engaged in a mock deposition, responding to an attorney’s questions about the controversial lyrics.
The tension between Kendrick and Drake has been building since 2013, with both artists exchanging jabs through diss tracks over the years. In 2024, they released several tracks aimed at each other, including "Euphoria," "Family Matters," and "Push Ups." This rivalry reached new heights when Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Kendrick and Universal Music Group on April 16, 2025. Drake's legal team claims that Kendrick's performance at the Super Bowl, coupled with his Grammy wins for "Not Like Us," misled listeners into believing Drake was involved in pedophilia, a serious allegation that has stirred significant controversy.
As the night progressed, the energy remained high. Kendrick and SZA's chemistry on stage was undeniable, with seamless transitions between their individual acts and collaborative pieces. The setlist featured a mix of their most popular songs, including Lamar's "HUMBLE." and "Alright," as well as SZA's "Kill Bill" and "Snooze." The pair also performed several tracks from their recent albums, which have both received critical acclaim and commercial success.
In addition to the performances, the concert served as a platform for both artists to showcase their artistic growth. Lamar's recent Grammy wins, bringing his total to 22, and SZA's 12 weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 with her latest project highlight their status as leading figures in the music industry. Their ability to fill stadiums speaks to their widespread appeal and the deep connection they have cultivated with their fans.
The Grand National Tour promises to be a significant event in both artists' careers, as they navigate their paths in the ever-evolving music landscape. With each show, they will continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a hip-hop artist in today's world.
As the tour progresses, fans can expect more surprises and perhaps even more developments in the ongoing feud between Kendrick and Drake. With both artists at the top of their game, the Grand National Tour is set to be an unforgettable experience for concert-goers across the country.
