The energy at U.S. Bank Stadium was nothing short of seismic as Kendrick Lamar and SZA launched their Grand National Tour in Minneapolis. Drawing nearly 50,000 fans, the two Grammy-winning stars delivered a genre-blending, emotionally intense performance that reaffirmed Lamar’s GOAT status and showcased SZA’s undeniable stardom.
The show was more than a concert—it was a full-blown art piece wrapped in raw lyricism, stunning visuals, and a seamless blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul.
Kendrick’s Entrance: Riding Through His Legacy
Emerging from a jet-black Buick GNX—the same one featured during his Super Bowl Halftime performance—Kendrick opened the night with the new track “Wacced Out Murals.” From the jump, his message was clear: this tour isn’t just about hits, it’s about history.
With “Squabble Up,” “King Kunta,” and “ELEMENT.” coming back-to-back, the crowd’s energy skyrocketed. His flow was razor-sharp, his movements calculated, and his presence towering. You could feel it in the air—this wasn’t just another tour stop. This was a coronation.
SZA’s Spellbinding Presence
After a thunderous duet on “30 for 30,” SZA took center stage and immediately enchanted the crowd with “Love Galore” and “Broken Clocks.” Her voice—willowy yet fierce—filled the massive stadium with warmth and vulnerability. With each outfit change, from a garden-pixie minidress to a floating fairy costume, SZA made the night feel like a surreal dream.
During “Low,” she sang from her knees with heartbreaking conviction, and during “Sadder,” she floated above the audience—literally—making it one of the night’s most magical visuals.
A Masterclass in Tag-Team Showmanship
Rather than sticking to the conventional opener-headliner format, Kendrick and SZA traded off mini-sets, sometimes circling back to join each other on tracks like “All the Stars” and “LOVE.” Their chemistry was palpable—not just on stage, but in how their artistry complemented each other’s.
They both delivered career-defining moments, but the crown jewel of the evening might’ve been “Not Like Us,” Kendrick’s searing diss track aimed at Drake, which sent the crowd into an explosive frenzy. If there were doubts about who currently reigns in rap, this performance silenced them.
Subtle Power in Stillness
Some of the night’s most powerful moments came when Kendrick stood nearly motionless—like during “Euphoria” and “Man at the Garden.” Just him, a mic, and the crowd locked in. These quiet storms proved Lamar’s lyrical mastery doesn’t need gimmicks to hit hard.
As visuals of Compton flashed behind him, Kendrick crouched on the GNX’s hood, transforming the massive venue into something intimate. That’s his genius—making the personal feel universal.
Finale of Fire & Feeling
The show ended with Kendrick and SZA embracing, closing out with the soulful “Gloria,” a surprising but touching choice for a final song. A reminder that while the tour is grand in scope, at its core it’s about human stories, struggle, growth, and triumph.
Full Setlist – Grand National Tour Opening Night
Kendrick Lamar – Set 1:
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Wacced Out Murals
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Squabble Up
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King Kunta
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ELEMENT.
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TV Off (Pt. 1)
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30 for 30 (with SZA)
SZA – Set 1:
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Love Galore
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Broken Clocks
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The Weekend
Kendrick Lamar – Set 2:
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Euphoria
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Hey Now
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Reincarnated
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HUMBLE.
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Backseat Freestyle
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Family Ties
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Swimming Pools (Drank)
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m.A.A.d city
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Alright
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Man at the Garden
SZA – Set 2:
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Scorsese Baby Daddy
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F2F
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Garden (Say It Like Dat)
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Kitchen
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Blind
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Forgiveless
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Low
Kendrick & SZA:
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Doves in the Wind
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All the Stars
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LOVE.
Kendrick – Set 3:
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Dodger Blue
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Peekaboo
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Like That
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DNA.
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Good Credit
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Count Me Out
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Money Trees
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Poetic Justice
SZA – Set 3:
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Diamond Boy (DTM)
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Shirt
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Kill Bill
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Snooze
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Crybaby
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Saturn
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Good Days
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Rich Baby Daddy
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BMF
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Kiss Me More
Kendrick & SZA (Encore):
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Bodies
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TV Off
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Not Like Us
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Luther
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Gloria
Final Thoughts: A Night That Redefined Greatness
The Grand National Tour’s debut was more than just a concert—it was a cultural moment. Lamar proved yet again why he’s the most important voice in hip-hop today, and SZA showed she’s not just riding alongside—she’s driving her own legacy.
If this opener is any indication, the rest of the tour is going to be legendary.
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