Latest news with #ThePopOut
Black America Web
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
In Case You Forgot: Revisiting Kendrick Lamar & ‘The Pop Out' Concert One Year Later
Source: Timothy Norris / Getty One year ago today, (June 19th) the world watched as Kendrick Lamar performed for the first time since his public feud with Drake. Continue reading to refresh your memory and see how everyone reacted to the epic night! Unless you live under a rock, you know that last year the hip hop community was enthralled with the beef between rap giants Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The two Grammy Award-winners traded scathing shots back and forth for almost a month and left fans on both sides defending their goats. After much debate, public opinion crowned Kendrick the winner, especially after the release of the track 'Not Like Us.' The DJ Mustard produced song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release and spent the better part of the last year occupying the chart. Once the beef died down a bit, fans began to wonder what would be next. A video? A remix? Both? Instead, Kendrick, who just had celebrated his 37th birthday two days prior, blessed his fans with something much better, a one-off concert entitled The Pop Out – Ken and Friends in Los Angeles on Juneteenth. Unsurprisingly, almost as soon as tickets for The Pop Out released, they sold out. Naturally, the demand for tickets was so high that everyone wasn't able to purchase them. For all of those who weren't lucky enough to snatch up tickets to attend in person, the concert also live-streamed on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. Even before fans stepped into The Forum, the atmosphere at The Pop Out , which was presented by pgLang and Free Lunch, was electric. It was a party outside as fans waited for doors to open. While people waited around, there were several merchandise stands, food and beverage stations and photo ops for them to hit up. On top of that, courtesy of HeadCount, there was a voter registration station, encouraging attendees to vote in November. As entertained as fans might've been outside, it was nothing compared to the show they were blessed with once they stepped inside The Forum. The highly anticipated concert began with a set from Real 92.3 FM's DJ Hed. He brought out a multitude of established and up and coming West Coast artists including Remble, Westside Boogie, BlueBucksClan, CUZZOS, Bino Rideaux and many more. Legendary Compton, California dancer Tommy the Clown even stepped out to take fans down memory lane with a special performance alongside his TSquad dancers. Hed's set was a great introduction to some of the rising talent in California and a perfect warmup for what went on to be an absolute epic night. The concert was titled The Pop Out, which was a play on one of the lyrics in 'Not Like Us.' What better way to continue the night than by having the producer of the smash hit grace the stage? That's right. DJ Mustard was next to electrify the crowd with an impeccable set. In addition to playing some of his own biggest hits, the Los Angeles native used his star power to bring out some of the superstar artists he's worked with throughout his illustrious career. Before Mustard exited the stage, West Coast staples Ty Dolla $ign, Dom Kennedy, YG and Roddy Ricch and more performed some of their massive slaps in front of a packed house. The roof of the building almost blew off when Tyler, The Creator surprised everyone and blazed the stage. In one of the most heartwarming moments of the night, Mustard paid tribute to the late legendary rapper Nipsey Hussle. He had fans in attendance raise their phones and turn their camera lights on while he played three of Nip's songs. Even if the show ended after Mustard's set, it would've been considered classic. Luckily, the main event was still on deck. After a brief intermission, the man of the hour popped out from the bottom of the stage and started his show in a way that only he could. The first song in Kendrick's set was his six minute 24 second Drake diss track, 'Euphoria.' The crowd rapped the whole song word for word as Kendrick set the tone for what the rest of his performance would be like. After the exhilarating introduction, Cornrow Kenny performed a plethora of his classics including, 'DNA,' 'Element,' 'Alright,' 'Swimming Pools' and more. Nostalgia hit an all-time high when Kendrick brought out Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q to perform some of their biggest tracks together. The reunion was truly a special moment as it marked the first time Black Hippy had been seen together since Kendrick left TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) in 2022. After Kendrick dipped into his catalog to perform some more of his timeless bangers and his controversial 'Like That' verse, he brought out one of his mentors and one of the West's most legendary musicians, Dr. Dre. To the delight of the crowd, Dre performed the undeniable classic tracks 'Still D.R.E' and 'California Love' with assistance from Kendrick. As Dre was about to exit the stage, Kendrick questioned if he was going to say anything else before they continued the party. This prompted Dre to walk back, quiet the crowd and whisper 'I see dead people' into the mic. Every single person in the crowd and watching at home knew exactly what that meant. For the first time ever, Kendrick began performing the song of the summer. The crowd completely exploded as they screamed the lyrics to the song at the top of their lungs. The song's impact become more and more apparent as Kendrick performed it four more times. Each time the track restarted, it seemed as if the crowd got louder and louder. The most impactful thing that took place during the whole night happened before the fifth performance of the chart-topping diss track. Kendrick brought up all of the artists who had performed throughout the night (regardless of their gang affiliations) and got them to take a picture together on stage. 'Let them see this. We put this together with peace.' Kendrick said to the crowd. After the picture, it seemed as if the whole West Coast music scene was on the stage performing 'Not Like Us' in one of the most beautiful and important moments in recent hip hop history. The Pop Out – Ken and Friends was a deserved victory lap for Kendrick and a much needed uniter for the West Coast and the city of Los Angeles in specific. Throughout the show and after, fans couldn't help but to chime in and give their opinions of the night, Kendrick, Drake and everything in between. One year later, check out some of the reactions to the biggest concert of last year! In Case You Forgot: Revisiting Kendrick Lamar & 'The Pop Out' Concert One Year Later was originally published on
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Will Kendrick Lamar sing Not Like Us during the Super Bowl halftime show?
If he wants to break the internet, Kendrick Lamar has an easy opportunity. All he has to do is sing 'Not Like Us' at the Super Bowl. Kendrick, who recently won several Grammy Awards for his diss track about Drake heard around the world. Kendrick is diabolical and if he wanted to do it, the rapper could use his platform at the Super Bowl to put one last nail in this purely metaphorical coffin of this beef. All he would have to do is sing 'Not Like Us' as the entire crowd sings 'a minor' over the masterful production of DJ Mustard. KENDRICK LAMAR SUPER BOWL: 15 guest stars we hope he brings out for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show While he has so many songs to choose from, Kendrick could also make the diabolical but brilliant decision to play the diss track more than once just like he did at The Pop Out concert last year. There, he played the song five times in a row. Even though he can play a few of his other diss tracks against Drake as well, this is the one that would make the most sense on that stage. It would make a memory for a lifetime he makes that decision.
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Who will perform with Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl? Our predictions
Who will perform with Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl? Our predictions Show Caption Hide Caption Kendrick Lamar teases his Super Bowl performance Grammy award-winning artist Kendrick Lamar reveals what to expect from his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. Entertain This! Super Bowl 59 has the sporting landscape focused on the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, but plenty of people will be tuning in to see Kendrick Lamar and the halftime show. So far, the enormously famous rapper — fresh off a huge night at the Grammys — has largely kept his plans for Sunday under wraps. Lamar has talked about a focus on "storytelling" during his performance, but as far as a guest list, the only performer confirmed to be joining him is SZA, another Grammy winner who has worked with the Los Angeles native on multiple occasions. That has opened the door to plenty of speculation. Lamar has a history of incorporating surprise guests, most notoriously bringing scores of big names on stage at last year's "The Pop Out" concert. With a long list of hits involving verses from other hip-hop superstars and a creativity that opens the door to include artists from other genres, the possibilities for the halftime show at Caesars Superdome feel endless. Who could take the stage with Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl 59? Here's some predictions: Super Bowl halftime show: Predicting Kendrick Lamar's setlist SZA This one's not a prediction but something we already know. In January, Apple Music confirmed that SZA, who has since won her fifth Grammy, will join Lamar as part of the halftime show at Super Bowl 59. The duo have made multiple songs together, including the Grammy-nominated "All the Stars" in 2018, and are going on tour together beginning in April. Given the frequency of their collaborations, it would have been a shock if SZA wasn't involved in the halftime show. Black Hippy Super Bowl performances often see artists combine with like-minded performers, balancing the desire to surprise fans with the need to make sure the performance goes off without a hitch. For Kendrick Lamar, that probably means turning to Black Hippy, the supergroup he was a part of for years alongside ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul. The four Los Angeles rappers teamed up for 14 years starting in 2008, though they never put out an album. Instead, they dropped numerous hits on one another's solo projects. The group broke up in 2022, but reunited for Kendrick's "The Pop Out" mega-concert at the Kia Forum last summer. Given the cultural impact of that concert, Black Hippy banding together once again feels like a solid bet at Super Bowl 59. Doechii Super Bowl halftime shows don't all have to feature longtime collaborators. We could see a new breakout star like Doechii take the stage, especially in the aftermath of her Best Rap Album win at the Grammys. However, just because there's not a Kendrick/Doechii song tearing up the charts yet, it doesn't mean the Florida native should be ruled out of Sunday's halftime show. Last year, Kendrick called her "the hardest out" in a post on Instagram, offering significant praise for Doechii's "Alligator Bites Never Heal" mixtape. Part of the art of assembling a Super Bowl halftime show is mixing the old with the new, playing some long-standing hits while incorporating newer songs in an unexpected way. If Doechii emerges from some part of the stage during a medley on Sunday, it will be a surprise ... but not a total stunner. Dr. Dre It's no stretch to think that West Coast legend Dr. Dre could perform with Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl 59. The latter considers the former a mentor, and Dr. Dre had Kendrick as one of his guests on stage at Super Bowl 56. Earlier this month, Dr. Dre was obviously delighted to see Kendrick win five Grammy Awards, and the aforementioned halftime performance three years ago in Los Angeles was well-regarded. It stands to reason that Kendrick will return the favor, possibly with a rendition of "The Recipe" off his 2012 breakthrough "good kid, m.A.A.d city." What about Taylor Swift? Taylor Swift is by now a well-established regular figure at Kansas City Chiefs games, so of course it will come as no surprise that she is expected to attend Super Bowl 59. The pop icon is famous enough that NFL broadcasts regularly cut to shots of her, generally enjoying the game like anyone else (albeit from slightly nicer seats) and rooting for boyfriend Travis Kelce. Taylor Swift: Are Travis Kelce's stats better or worse with Taylor Swift at Chiefs games? Here's the thing, though: she and Kendrick Lamar have a song together, a remix of her 2014 hit "Bad Blood." Over the years, the two have remained friendly, with Swift raising a glass at the Grammys to yet another Kendrick award. On top of that, Kendrick worked extensively with Jack Antonoff — a prolific collaborator of Swift's over the years — on his most recent album, "GNX." Super Bowl halftime shows are supposed to feature great music, but they've also relied on surprises in recent years. Could we see a Kendrick/Swift collab? It might boil down to whether Swift views the game as a work occasion, or if she just wants to enjoy some chicken tenders and watch Kelce push for his fourth Super Bowl ring. Who won't be performing with Kendrick Lamar? Other than the obvious answer — that'd be Drake — we know of at least one rumored guest at Super Bowl 59 who won't be performing with Kendrick Lamar. New Orleans native Lil Wayne has confirmed he won't even be in the city for the Super Bowl. Despite one of Kendrick's early mixtapes, "C4," featuring numerous freestyles over beats from Lil Wayne's highly successful album "Tha Carter III." However, both rappers have publicly discussed how they won't be working together at Super Bowl 59, much to Lil Wayne's apparent chagrin. How to watch Super Bowl 59: Time, TV channel, streaming Super Bowl 59 will be broadcast nationwide on Fox. Streaming options include Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers, or Tubi. Date: Sunday, Feb. 9 Sunday, Feb. 9 Time: 6:30 p.m. ET 6:30 p.m. ET TV : Fox : Fox Streaming: Fubo, Tubi Fubo, Tubi Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans) Watch Super Bowl 59 on Fubo We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
