Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s ride-or-die camaraderie and wicked humor take center stage at SoFi Stadium
I can’t say for sure if I, Kendrick Lamar, will testify in the formal deposition for Drake’s ongoing defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, following our exchange on “Not Like Us.” However, last night at SoFi Stadium, SZA and I had a fun, recurring bit that played with the idea of what could transpire.
During short breaks between scene transitions, a fictional video sequence featured Lamar casually dismissing probing questions such as “When you said you want the party to end, were you using figurative language or do you mean it literally?” and “Don’t you think vanishing is just another way of seeking attention?” by calling for a large food delivery instead. SZA then illuminated an oversized joint in the lawyer’s office.
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Could a performance of ‘Not Like Us’ by the Compton rapper during the Super Bowl halftime show potentially lead to a defamation lawsuit, according to criminal defense attorney Ken White? Let’s explore this possibility.
The duo’s Grand National Tour is an impressive display of carefree charm. On Wednesday evening, kicking off their three-night run at SoFi, they delivered a rich, intricately crafted three-hour performance that emphasized the bond between two influential acts in modern music. They also had a playful attitude towards their show, as demonstrated when SZA flirtatiously danced with a large, well-groomed praying mantis dancer. If only we all could perform with such freedom when under scrutiny.
After bagging two Grammys for “Not Like Us” and an entertainingly competitive Super Bowl performance, Lamar appears to be at the zenith of his career. It’s worth mentioning that this hometown show was remarkably egalitarian, with a shared stage between him and his former TDE companion SZA. They frequently blended their sets for their collaborative records, creating a unique energy and insight into their discography. Throughout the performance, they mutually boosted each other as exceptional live artists.
On Wednesday, SZA showcased her incredible talent and versatility in a stadium-worthy performance. Known for her powerful vocals, diverse musical tastes, and humorous charm (recently demonstrated in the delightful comedy film “One of Them Days”), SZA has mastered her stage presence to rival any pop royalty. She captivated the audience with her unique acts during “Snooze” and “Crybaby,” soaring above the stage on wires, revealing a chrysalis-shaped train made of gauze, creating an enchanting atmosphere. It took courage to then sing her ballad “Nobody Gets Me” while suspended in midair.
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The musician who composes her own songs waited for six years before releasing new albums, which is a significant span in today’s streaming music scene. However, this lengthy gap seems to have paid off, as she has become one of the most prominent and daring figures in pop music.
A special appearance by Lizzo highlighted their deep friendship, while her bold verse on Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” demonstrated her ability to command even an adversary’s material with her charm. Her rendition of “Garden (Say It Like Dat)” as “Kitchen” featured exuberant, gelatinous dancer costumes and a colossal ant sculpture, evoking the surreal landscapes of H.R. Giger after consuming psychedelic mushrooms on a sunny afternoon in Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
When they performed together, such as on the Oscar-nominated “All the Stars,” “30 for 30,” and their individual songs “Doves in the Wind” and “LOVE,” there was a magical connection between two enthusiasts that brought new life to this cherished music, as they moved around the diamond-shaped stages.
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Currently, Lamar’s claim as the greatest rapper alive can no longer be disputed. Without a doubt, he holds
At SoFi, located just a few miles from his childhood neighborhood in Compton, he utilized his extensive catalog and transformed it to fit the club-centric, venomous zeitgeist of today’s era. The performance spanned over 50 songs between the two artists, ensuring that even brief snippets provided something fresh or invigorating. Here, “m.A.A.d. city,” one of his most intense and merciless street tracks, was reimagined as a metaphorical R&B number, amplifying the song’s already unsettling atmosphere. In “Humble.,” he was accompanied by female dancers who formed aggressive geometric shapes, symbolically enacting the humility called for in the song’s chorus.
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The Compton artist frequently hinted during his 13-minute performance at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome if he would play his 2024 hit song about Drake.
As a moviegoer devouring every scene of this album, I found the Drake flame-war material to be an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. The opening verse on “Like That” and the relentless barrage of merciless taunts on “Euphoria” were the perfect starting gun for this thrilling battle. But it was the “GNX” segments, with the Tupac-esque “reincarnated,” the icy “peekaboo,” and the electrifying Mustard-infused “tv off” that truly solidified why this album is destined to leave a lasting impact on L.A.’s musical legacy.
The absence of the five-times reprised “Not Like Us,” as heard in his groundbreaking 2024 “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” performance, was noticeable, but when it did make an appearance, it shifted the focus from personal rivalries to celebrating L.A., a city that now boasts a new classic anthem and a united “Us,” all echoing this iconic chant together.
It was deeply meaningful when Lamar and SZA joined forces once more for the final numbers of the performance, the unyielding chart-topper “luther” (currently holding strong at No. 1 for 13 weeks) and “gloria,” a surprising exploration of Kendrick’s intricate relationship with his creative journey. With SZA acting as his constant companion, he concluded the night on a powerful message about how all this unrelenting effort was valuable in achieving genuine self-awareness. A loyal partner who will never falter, regardless of who may challenge you.
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2025-05-23 00:31