Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s Jersey Takeover: Pop-Up Surprises and MetLife Magic
Kendrick Lamar and SZA recently turned East Rutherford, New Jersey, into a hub of music and beauty, creating unforgettable moments for fans. The dynamic duo, currently on their "Grand National" tour, orchestrated a surprise appearance that had the crowd buzzing with excitement.
Before their electrifying performance at MetLife Stadium, SZA hosted a pop-up event for her beauty brand, Not Beauty, at the American Dream Mall. The event, spanning two days, drew countless fans eager to get their hands on SZA's debut product: a trio of lip gloss shades. SZA herself announced the event on Instagram, inviting fans from Jersey and New York to join the celebration.
However, the biggest surprise came when Kendrick Lamar himself showed up to support SZA and her new venture. A clip shared on X captured the ecstatic reaction of both SZA and the fans.
"Thank you so much. Jersey is my home, it’s where I grew up," SZA told fans. "You’re family, ya’ll are my neighbors. Thank you so much for even supporting me, for even coming."
The lucky attendees of the "Grand National" tour are the only ones with access to SZA’s Not Beauty products, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to the experience. The lip gloss trio features shades SZA has been wearing for months, including during her Super Bowl halftime show appearance.
Speaking with Vogue, SZA explained the inspiration behind Not Beauty: "I’m not a beauty maven, but I know lips. I know what I like, and I’m diligent about finding the best quality ingredients. I wanted to fill a need with something that works for me and that I use daily." The brand's name reflects her desire to stay authentic: "[It] was representative of a reminder of: Don’t try to be these other brands, don’t try to be anything... My whole life is about being pressure-free but still trying your best, and that’s what Not is about.”
But the surprises didn't stop there. During Kendrick Lamar's set at MetLife Stadium, Baby Keem joined him for a performance of "Family Ties," sending the crowd into another frenzy. Lamar also performed tracks like "King Kunta," "Wacced Out Murals," and "ELEMENT," While SZA delivered hits like "Kill Bill," "Snooze," and "Diamond Boy (DTM)." Naturally, the two joined forces for collaborative performances of "Luther" and "All The Stars."
The MetLife show garnered rave reviews, including high praise from Charlamagne Tha God, who proclaimed on The Breakfast Club: "Yeah, Drake just needs to shut the eff up forever... there is no bigger stage than culture. As Kendrick said, 'You can't fake influence.'"
From pop-up appearances to surprise guests and show-stopping performances, Kendrick Lamar and SZA delivered a memorable experience for their fans in New Jersey. What do you think about these surprise appearances? Let us know in the comments below!
