Kendrick Lamar has made headlines once again, this time by breaking the record for the highest-grossing rap concert during the opening night of his highly anticipated Grand National tour, which he is co-headlining with SZA. The concert, held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, saw the Compton rapper surpass Eminem’s previous record, grossing over $9.1 million from more than 47,000 fans in attendance. With an average ticket price of $192.70, Kendrick now holds the title for the single highest-grossing hip-hop concert of all time, a feat that emphasizes his immense popularity and influence in the music industry.
This monumental event not only marked a significant achievement for Kendrick but also set a new standard in the realm of live hip-hop performances. It is the first rap concert to break the $9 million barrier, showcasing the commercial power of Kendrick and SZA as they continue to dominate the music scene.
In addition to the record-breaking revenue, the concert was notable for Kendrick’s pointed remarks aimed at his longtime rival, Drake. During the performance, he referenced Drake’s ongoing legal issues with Universal Music Group, which stem from a defamation lawsuit related to the promotion of Drake’s diss track, “Not Like Us.” Kendrick teased the situation by playing a pre-recorded skit that depicted him in a deposition with a lawyer, cleverly mocking the tension between the two artists. In the skit, when asked about a specific date, Kendrick quipped, “I don’t keep up with dates,” before launching into his own diss track against Drake.
Kendrick’s performance was packed with energy, as he debuted a new verse during his rendition of “Family Ties,” although this time without Baby Keem. He also made a memorable interpolation in “m.A.A.d. City,” incorporating elements from Anita Baker’s classic “Sweet Love.” Baker herself expressed her delight at the homage on social media, highlighting the intergenerational connections within music.
The Grand National tour is shaping up to be a massive success, not only for its record-breaking achievements but also for its cultural significance. Kendrick Lamar continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a hip-hop artist in today’s landscape. His ability to intertwine powerful messages with captivating performances keeps him at the forefront of the genre.
As the tour progresses, fans and critics alike are eager to see what other surprises Kendrick and SZA have in store. Stay tuned to hiphopraisedmetheblog.com for more updates on their tour and the latest happenings in hip-hop culture!
