Kendrick and SZA Unveil “Grand National Tour”: Explore the 52-Song Setlist!
Kendrick Lamar and SZA Launch the “Grand National Tour” with an Epic, 52-Song Performance in Minneapolis
In what can only be described as a historic night for hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar and SZA kicked off their highly anticipated “Grand National Tour” at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday night. The duo served up a staggering 52 songs spread across nine acts, showcasing their individual artistry as well as their electrifying chemistry as collaborators. For fans lucky enough to be in attendance, it was a celebration of a musical journey that has revolutionized the genre.
The night commenced with Kendrick asserting his dominance, delivering a live debut of his new track “wacced out murals,” alongside “squabble up,” setting the tone for the night. As the crowd roared in approval, Kendrick dove into classics from To Pimp a Butterfly, unleashing powerful renditions of “King Kunta” and “ELEMENT.” Not to be outdone, SZA took her moment in the spotlight, serving up a sizzling selection of hits from Ctrl, including fan favorites “Love Galore,” “Broken Clocks,” and the sultry anthem “The Weekend.”
With each act, the concert morphed into a masterclass of modern hip-hop, seamlessly integrating newer hits like Lamar’s “euphoria” and notorious Drake diss “Not Like Us” with established classics. Midway through the performance, the pair came together on “30 for 30,” a poignant reminder of their longstanding friendship and collaborative spirit.
To highlight Lamar’s remarkable versatility, the set featured a mix of tracks from across his expansive catalog such as “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.,” and “Money Trees,” while SZA countered with heart-wrenching melodies from both Ctrl and her recent SOS. The chemistry between the two artists shimmered in their collaborative performances of “Doves in the Wind,” “All the Stars,” and the undeniable hit “LOVE.”
The theatricality reached new heights during the final acts, where Lamar performed his unreleased track “Bodies,” an intriguing dig into his evolving narrative, before he seemingly broke the fourth wall with footage of a deposition preceding “Not Like Us.” Fans noted how this powerful visual, echoing the unfolding legal tensions with Drake, added layers to the performance and left the audience buzzing.
The concert culminated with an exuberant joint finale featuring “luther” and “gloria,” wrapping up an ambitious and boundary-pushing opening night. For those in attendance, it wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural event that could be felt in the very air.
As the night unfolded, it was clear that Lamar and SZA’s partnership extends beyond just music. The “Grand National Tour” arrives after a monumental period for both artists, with Lamar basking in the critical acclaim of his surprise album GNX, his headline spot at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show, and multiple Grammy wins for “Not Like Us.” Meanwhile, SZA further captivated audiences with her film debut in One of Them Days alongside Keke Palmer, and the release of her deluxe album Lana.
Fans eager to catch the duo can mark their calendars; the “Grand National Tour” continues with stops in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and more, concluding in Landover, Maryland, on June 18 before heading across the pond for their UK/EU leg in July. The ticket rush is palpable, and for good reason—no performance will likely match the sheer scale and intimacy of Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s magnum opus.
As the music world watches closely, one thing is certain: the “Grand National Tour” is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in the legacies of two of this generation’s most transformative artists. Get your tickets while you can, because this is a ride you won’t want to miss.
