Latest news with #GrandNationalTour
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kendrick Lamar, SZA wrap up U.S. tour by flourishing in DC
Kendrick Lamar, SZA wrap up U.S. tour by flourishing in DC SZA With The Mexican And American Flag On The Final Night Of The U.S Leg Of The GNX Grand National Tour In Landover, Maryland Sold Out Northwest Stadium — Kendrick Lamar & SZA Grand National Tour (@kdotszagnxeraa) June 19, 2025 LANDOVER, Md. -- By the time Kendrick Lamar played Alright, a feeling that things might actually be OK had long permeated the packed crowd at Northwest Stadium. That wasn't the case about an hour earlier, when cloudy skies continued to give way to scattered showers that just wouldn't shut off in an almost ominous nod to what was taking place just 10 miles east, where President Donald Trump had teased a possible strike on Iran. But just as DJ Mustard wrapped his nearly hour-long opening set Wednesday evening, giving way to Lamar and co-headliner SZA, the rain just... stopped -- replaced by literal rainbows and good vibes. And as he so often does in times of uncertainty, Lamar delivered. SZA too. Giving those in attendance a brief musical reprieve from any troubles they might have as the night sky removed any trace of the bad weather from earlier in the day. Then, waking their fans back up to the real world on the way out. "Love to all my immigrants," SZA said while holding Mexican and American flags after the duo performed gloria to close the show. On the eve of Juneteenth, it was a fitting way for the Grand National Tour to wrap its U.S. leg before taking to Europe on July 2. It wouldn't be Kendrick Lamar and SZA without that human element, especially after protests in Lamar's hometown of Los Angeles became a flashpoint for resistance against Trump's ICE deportations. Grand National Tour was a no-frills good time On the Venn Diagram of Kendrick Lamar and SZA fans, I would imagine there's a fairly large cross of people who enjoy both because of the duo's parallel rise and close ties through Top Dawg Entertainment. I don't know what the percentage is, but I know they exist because I know some personally. On Wednesday, I got to witness just how many of those fans exist, as the packed arena around me seemingly stayed on their feet the entire night. Even as Lamar and SZA took turns gracing the stage through about seven alternating acts, connected through the few songs they performed together, there was never really a drop-off in the energy of a crowd ready to sing along to the biggest hits of both artists. However, the longer I stood there myself, the more I realized that cross-section of fans probably wasn't who this tour was intended for. Sure, they were more than welcomed -- and surely enjoyed the show more than anyone -- but K. Dot and SZA's chemistry, and ability to put on a great show, inevitably lended itself to grabbing each other's fans. To me, that was the genius in this pairing, the grand point of the Grand National Tour, to grab fans like myself, familiar with Kendrick's catalog while only a casual fan of SZA. Or vice-versa. Or couples, who came with split interests and left with a better appreciation for their significant other's tastes. It worked. By the end of the show, this Kendrick Lamar fan didn't leave a bigger fan of Kendrick. I left as a bigger fan of SZA, who thanked Lamar for what she called the biggest moment of her life. SZA thanks Kendrick Lamar, she gets emotional then they hug each other.🥹♥️ That concludes North American leg of Grand National Tour — Hiiipower - TDE News (@hiiipowers) June 19, 2025 Admittedly, I did my best to avoid reviews of the show leading up to this final stop, so as not to spoil any surprises knowing an opportunity to attend might present itself. So, I had absolutely no clue what to expect as someone who doesn't frequent live shows and had only previously seen Lamar perform virtually, first for the Pop Out concert last year and then for halftime of the Super Bowl in February. Those shows had very different vibes, as the Pop Out felt like a victory lap in Lamar's feud with Drake, while the Super Bowl had a larger underlying message for people to dissect. While the Grand National Tour certainly had elements of each -- euphoria, Like That and Not Like Us all still crank -- it was mostly just a good time without much of an agenda. Dot and SZA simply took turns exchanging bangers, and let me tell you, it worked. The set was simple yet effective, with large screens to add complimentary visuals, a couple floating platforms, a live band, background dancers and of course the Buick GNX for which Lamar's latest album is named after. The weather wasn't ideal, but people showed up. Kendrick Lamar and SZA did too. And I'd venture to say they gave people a good time, which seems to be harder to come by these days. That's all you can ask for.
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
‘I Shouldn't Have Gone': Jagmeet Singh Apologises To Drake After Kendrick Concert
Last Updated: Jagmeet Singh publicly apologised to Drake for attending a Kendrick Lamar show in Toronto after Drake called him a 'goof.' The most intense dispute in modern rap history has erupted in recent years, leading to several legal lawsuits and a stunning uprising against their mutual record label. Drake is most likely not feeling too good after Kendrick Lamar received a lot of love from his hometown of Toronto during the Compton rapper's co-headlining performances there last week alongside SZA. He is, thus, venting his frustration on the New Democratic Party's former federal leader, Jagmeet Singh, who was spotted at one of Lamar's performances. The former federal NDP leader apologised late Sunday night only hours after Drake shared a screenshot of a private Instagram message to Singh in which the rapper labelled the politician a 'goof." Drake merely wrote, 'You're a goof," to the politician in his most recent message. Previous messages included a thank-you note for Drake's follow in 2019 and since-deleted stories Singh had previously posted about Drake. Images of Singh during the performance began to circulate online by Sunday night. Singh quickly apologised for the comments and explained on social media. Writing on his personal Instagram story, he said: 'I went for SZA, not Kendrick, I was born in this city, I love this city. But real talk, I get it. I shouldn't have gone at all. For me, it'll always be Drake over Kendrick." canadian politics are not real why are drake and jagmeet singh fighting — Liz ✿ | lime skittle (@ElizabethRenzie) June 16, 2025 Lamar led a show in Toronto last week alongside SZA, his first in Drake's city since their high-profile dispute began. These were the only Toronto shows in their Grand National Tour. It is not known which night Singh attended Lamar's show. The audience appeared to be quite receptive, pleading for Lamar to perform an encore of his popular diss song 'Not Like Us' as well as giving it a two-minute ovation. Drake singled out Singh and said nothing else about the performances or Toronto's affection for Lamar. The former coworkers-turned-foes have been embroiled in a highly visible conflict for more than ten years, beginning with Lamar's public taunts of Drake in 2013. The altercation became far more intense last year when both released diss tracks, including Lamar's Grammy-winning song 'Not Like Us.' Drake and fellow Toronto rapper Smiley released a new song on Friday while Lamar performed for the Toronto audiences. He notably maintains his moniker as 'the 6ix God," a reference to Toronto residents referring to the city as 'the 6ix" in the new song.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
SZA was worried that fans would only go to Grand National Tour shows for Kendrick Lamar
SZA feared that fans would only attend the Grand National Tour to see Kendrick Lamar. The R+B superstar is sharing top billing with the rapper on their current global jaunt but has explained that she was crippled by anxiety before the performances began. In conversation with fellow artist Chappell Roan for Interview magazine, SZA said: "Every time I had to go on stage, every time I had to get on a carpet, I'd have full-on panic attacks. "I used to not show up to something because it was like, 'I'm never going to win. No one cares that I'm here. Why would I go?'" The Saturn hitmaker continued: "Same thing with the Kendrick tour. Everybody's going to see Kendrick. I don't even know if I have anything to show these people that's exciting and new." However, SZA says she has been able to quash her anxious thoughts by connecting with her spirituality and educating herself on the "laws of magic". She said: "Now it's just like, 'F*** it. I don't have anything else to do, and I want to see where this door is going to lead.' I want to walk through the door. I want to see what happens in the uncertainty." SZA was joined on stage by her pal Lizzo at a concert in Inglewood last month and she explained how the pair have been good friends for more than a decade. The 35-year-old singer recalled: "We've been friends since, like, 2013, but it was very organic and very random. "One day we were on the same tour, and I was like, 'We're about to drive out to Lake Michigan, do you want to come?' And she was like, 'Yeah, let's go.' And then we just got drunk and hung out, and we kept doing that, and then our lives and careers progressed, and we kept talking and hanging out." Meanwhile, SZA confessed last year that she was too "scared to go over" and introduce herself to Beyonce at the Grammy Awards. The Kill Bill singer – who has long been a fan of the music megastar – said: "I can't speak unless she wants to speak, in my brain, because I don't want to bother her. She looked so peaceful and beautiful. "I just admire her. She's a masterclass on poise, grace, artistry, beauty and kindness."
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Drake Gets Apology From 'Goof' Canadian Politician For Attending Kendrick Lamar Concert: 'I Went For SZA'
Drake's seemingly never-ending beef with Kendrick Lamar may have paused on wax, but it's seen new sparks in the last week. Lamar's Grand National Tour had two stops in Toronto's Rogers Centre recently, and many wondered if Drake's hometown would embrace the Compton MC, and they did… overwhelmingly. During Thursday night's show, some fans even begged for an encore, screaming 'one more time' after Kendrick performed 'Not Like Us.' Social media erupted as fans reacted to the lack of turf loyalty to Drizzy, with concertgoers dancing to the songs that dissed the 6 God. Among the people in the crowd was Jagmeet Singh, a Canadian politician who served as the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2017 until 2025. Drake was lurking and spotted a photo of Singh in the crowd, and it must have made him feel slighted that Singh was enjoying the show. So, using his typical trolling tactic on social media, he hopped into his DMs, messaging him, 'you're a goof,' and then posted a screenshot of it to his Instagram Stories. Singh got wind that one of his country's biggest celebrities was criticizing him for hanging out with the opposition and released a statement apologizing, claiming he was only really in attendance to see SZA while championing all things Canada. 'I went for SZA, not Kendrick. I was born in this city. I love this city. But real talk, I get it,' he wrote. 'I shouldn't have gone at all. OVO and Drake have lifted up this city and D.' He ends the message by picking sides, writing, 'For me it'll always be Drake over Kendrick.' The beef has quieted down once again now that Lamar has left Canada as he readies up for the overseas leg of his tour. Drake has also embraced the spat on his own tour, wearing a hoodie with bullet holes in its back as smoke flows out during the Anita Max Win Tour . However, he hasn't performed in Lamar's home state of California since, and his upcoming Some Special Shows 4 U shows with PARTYNEXTDOOR are only scheduled to take place in Europe. See social media's reaction to Drake's disagreement with a politician below. Drake Gets Apology From 'Goof' Canadian Politician For Attending Kendrick Lamar Concert: 'I Went For SZA' was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Kendrick Lamar performs ‘Not Like Us' in Toronto, crowd responds
Kendrick Lamar has been on his Grand National Tour with SZA. His most recent stop was in Toronto, Canada. The overly publicised feud between Kendrick and Drake reached a fever pitch when Lamar took to the stage at the Rogers Centre and let loose with a selection of his records aimed at Drake. These included Like That by Future which Lamar features on. That particular record sparked the exchange between two of the best rappers out. Lamar also did Euphoria and the monster hit, Not Like Us. He performed for two nights in Toronto, which is also known as The 6. Pundits debated whether he would be able to perform in his rival's hometown, but not only did he do that, but he played to a sold-out audience. Lamar left the crowd wanting more, right after he performed Not Like Us. This record is considered to have sealed Lamar's victory in the battle. That song houses lyrics that frame Drake in a dim light, inferring that he is a deviant. Drake is still at legal loggerheads with Universal Music Group (UMG) over their promotion of that track. The lawsuit filed in January of this year, alleges that UMG defamed Drake by amplifying Not Like Us, which includes accusations against him and his associates. UMG has filed motions to have this ongoing matter dismissed. Regardless, Lamar basked in the moment at centre stage as the chant of 'one more time' rang around the arena after he played the controversial global hit. The Compton native did not oblige and instead moved on with his set. Everything Lamar did in the battle was very purposeful and calculated. This was no different with his visit to Canada. Lamar played at a venue that Drake has not even performed at yet, which must sting. Drake has of course played at some major venues in Canada but not at the Rogers Centre. Also having SZA on the GNX tour and performing in Canada could be a sore spot for Drake. At one stage he and SZA seemed to be friendly, and the R&B sensation has even appeared in a Drake music video for the song Rich Baby Daddy as well as an appearance in the lyrical visualiser for Slime You Out. Adding insult to further injury, Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's NDP party, was spotted in the audience. Drake called him out on social media to which Singh responded and claimed to have only been at the show to see SZA and nobody else. Singh even posted an apology on his social media, stating that Drake and his OVO collective have done so much for Canada and that it was insensitive for him to have gone to this concert. The event went off without much incident as tensions were expected to be high. Some of Drake's most loyal fans did attempt a protest outside the venue, but to no avail, as the show went ahead as planned and uninterrupted. Drake has been working on a new solo album following the Valentine's Day release of his third joint or collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with Partynextdoor. It would be hard to conceive a reality where the Canadian superstar lets this moment go by unanswered but given that he is widely considered to have lost the lyrical skirmish with Lamar, it might be better to simply move on. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
