Kendrick Lamar and SZA launched their "Grand National Tour" in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with a spectacular performance at the U.S. Bank Stadium that attracted nearly 50,000 fans. The concert featured a massive 52-song setlist divided into nine acts, showcasing the duo's extensive catalogs and their collaborative hits.
The night kicked off with Kendrick Lamar's live debut of the track "Wacced Out Murals," performed from inside a vintage black Buick GNX, a nod to his recently released album, GNX. Lamar followed up with crowd favorites like "Squabble Up," "King Kunta," and "ELEMENT." His performance set the tone for an evening filled with energy and excitement.
SZA then took the stage, captivating the audience with hits from her acclaimed album Ctrl, including "Love Galore," "Broken Clocks," and "The Weekend." The two artists shared the spotlight for a duet of "30 for 30," further igniting the crowd's enthusiasm.
Lamar continued with a mix of new material, including the Drake diss track "euphoria," and classics from his previous albums, such as DAMN. and good kid, m.A.A.d city. SZA countered with selections from both Ctrl and her latest project, SOS, featuring tracks like "F2F," "Shirt," and "Kill Bill." Their chemistry was palpable during collaborative performances of songs like "Doves in the Wind," "All the Stars," and "LOVE." The show concluded with a powerful rendition of "Luther" and "Gloria," leaving fans eager for more.
The Grand National Tour marks a significant milestone for both artists, as it is their first all-stadium tour. Lamar has enjoyed a successful year, having surprise-released his album GNX to critical acclaim, headlined the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show, and won multiple Grammy Awards for his track "Not Like Us." SZA, on the other hand, recently released the deluxe edition of her album, titled Lana, and made her film debut in One of Them Days alongside Keke Palmer.
The tour will continue with stops in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and several other cities before wrapping up its North American leg in Landover, Maryland on June 18, 2025. From there, the duo will head to the UK and Europe in early July.
Concertgoers were treated to a visual spectacle, as SZA's performances incorporated an insectoid theme, complete with a video of a female praying mantis devouring her mate during her performance of "Kill Bill." Lamar's set featured dynamic stagecraft and a series of film clips, including one where he humorously explained the meaning behind his lyrics.
Despite a few minor hiccups, such as SZA nearly falling during her performance of "Diamond Boy (DTM)," the overall reception of the concert was overwhelmingly positive. Fans and critics alike praised the duo's ability to command the stage and engage the audience, demonstrating the power of their combined artistry.
As the night unfolded, the excitement in the stadium was palpable. Lamar's intense delivery and SZA's soulful sound created a unique blend of hip-hop and R&B that resonated with fans of all ages. The setlist, which included a mix of both artists' hits, was designed to keep the energy high throughout the nearly 2-hour and 40-minute performance.
With a strong opening night behind them, Kendrick Lamar and SZA are poised to continue captivating audiences across North America and Europe. Their Grand National Tour promises to be a celebration of music, artistry, and the connection they share with their fans.
Fans can look forward to the upcoming shows in Houston on April 23, followed by Dallas on April 26, and Atlanta on April 29. With such a strong start, the Grand National Tour is set to be one of the most talked-about concert events of 2025.
