Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour: A Co-Headlining Triumph at MetLife Stadium
Kendrick Lamar and SZA, two of music's biggest stars, joined forces to deliver a spectacular co-headlining show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as part of their Grand National Tour. The tour has been generating buzz, and for good reason: it's a seamless blend of their individual strengths and collaborations that left fans in awe.
The show wasn't just another concert; it was an experience that transcended expectations. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy even gave a shoutout to Maplewood native SZA, underscoring the significance of the moment. "Congrats to Jersey’s own @sza!" Murphy posted on X. "Keep making us proud." SZA herself acknowledged the hometown love, exclaiming, "Am I home or what?" to a cheering crowd.
The structure of the concert was unique: rather than a traditional opening act, Lamar and SZA alternated sets, creating a dynamic and unpredictable flow. As the New York Times noted, "For almost three hours, Lamar and SZA traded control of the stage, a few songs at a time, a conceit that gave the performance quickness and unpredictability."
Lamar kicked off the night with high-energy tracks like "Wacced Out Murals" and "King Kunta," dipping into his earlier catalog and reminding everyone of his lyrical prowess. SZA on the other hand brought hits from the "Lana" reissue of her SOS album. The interplay between them was striking. While Lamar's stage presence was intense, using stark lighting and structured visuals, SZA opted for a more vibrant, natural aesthetic. "While Lamar was hard edges and blunt force, SZA was a floral treat," one review noted.
The setlist wasn't just about showcasing their current hits. Lamar also cleverly addressed his recent public feud with Drake, integrating tracks like "Not Like Us" – the diss track for which he won Record and Song of the Year Grammys – into the performance. This cemented his position as a leading voice in hip-hop. For her part, SZA included the song "Rich Baby Daddy", which is a collaboration with Drake, despite the feud. There were several collaborative moments throughout the night, including performances of "All the Stars" and “Luther”.
"Not Like Us" proved to be a pivotal moment, with the crowd chanting along to the controversial lyrics. Many concertgoers were raising their fists in the air to support Lamar during his performance of "Alright".
The Grand National Tour continues to wow audiences, not only with the musical performances, but also with the overall artistic vision. And it served up not only energy, but several meaningful moments of connection. As one review stated, "Just two stars sharing the spotlight, shining bright in the night."
What were your favorite moments from the Kendrick Lamar and SZA Grand National Tour? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Related issues news
What time do Sza and Kendrick perform?
What to know if you're seeing Kendrick Lamar, SZA at MetLife from tickets, parking, more. Tickets are still available to see Kendrick Lamar and SZA at MetLife Stadium. Stadium gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Who's opening for Kendrick Lamar and Sza?
Lamar's sets include multiple segments of songs by Anita Baker; SZA's contain elements of other artists' songs. Mustard is the tour's opener. Following the tour's start, SZA's album SOS re-peaked at number one on the Billboard 200.
How long are Kendrick Lamar concerts?
How long are Kendrick Lamar concerts? Kendrick Lamar concerts usually last from one and a half hours to up to three hours long.
Are MetLife concerts rain or shine?
The shows will go on rain or shine, according to MetLife Stadium.
