Kendrick Lamar’s Kenny and Friends Pop Out Tour, held on June 19, 2024, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, was a night that will be remembered as a defining moment in hip-hop culture. Celebrating Juneteenth, this concert wasn’t just a performance; it was a powerful statement of unity and cultural pride, bringing together legends and rising stars alike. From the electrifying live debut of “euphoria” to the emotionally charged tributes and surprise guest appearances, Lamar solidified his status as the new king of the West Coast.
A Night of Unforgettable Performances
The concert opened with DJ Hed’s high-energy set, featuring a showcase of emerging talent from Los Angeles, setting the stage for what was to come. DJ Mustard followed with a nostalgic journey through West Coast hip-hop, honoring Nipsey Hussle and bringing out stars like Steve Lacy and Tyler, the Creator. But the night truly belonged to Kendrick Lamar, whose setlist was a perfect blend of new material and beloved hits, culminating in a historic Black Hippy reunion.
Memorable Moments
- Live Debut of “Euphoria”Lamar opened his set with an extended intro and new lyrics for “euphoria,” setting the tone for the night.
- Black Hippy Reunion:Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q joined Lamar on stage for performances of “Money Trees,” “6:16 in LA,” and “Collard Greens” .
- Dr. Dre’s Surprise Appearance:The legendary producer surprised fans by performing “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love” with Lamar .
- Tribute to Nipsey Hussle:DJ Mustard’s set included a heartfelt tribute to Nipsey Hussle, playing “Perfect Ten” and “Last Time That I Checc’d” .
- Performance of “Not Like Us”: Lamar performed “Not Like Us” multiple times, each with different special guests, making it a recurring highlight of the show .
- Appearance of Steve Lacy and Tyler, the Creator: Both artists made surprise appearances during DJ Mustard’s set, performing hits like “Bad Habit” and “Earfquake” .
- Merchandise and Fashion: Lamar paid homage to Tupac Shakur through his wardrobe, wearing a red hoodie and a custom 59Fifty hat. Unique merchandise, including a design featuring fried rice and the phrase “Not Like Us,” was available for purchase .
- Amazon Music Livestream: The concert was live-streamed on Amazon Music’s platforms as part of their “Forever the Influence” initiative, making the event accessible to fans worldwide .
- DJ Hed’s Opening Act: DJ Hed’s set featured a dynamic mix of new talent from Los Angeles, setting a high-energy tone for the evening .
- Backstage Atmosphere: The backstage environment was described as intimate and energizing, with artists mingling and enjoying the event together .
Cultural Significance and Impact
Lamar’s ability to unite different communities was on full display, as he brought together members of various LA gangs on stage, promoting a message of peace and solidarity. It’s no surprise that legends like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre have dubbed Lamar the new king of the West Coast .
A particularly noteworthy moment was Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,” which he delivered five times. Each time, the crowd erupted, mocking Drake with the line “a minorrrrr,” turning it into a viral sensation. This was a clear jab at Drake, who posted a cryptic message online during the concert, referring to his “summer league” lineup and hinting at possible retaliation with a shirt that read “revenge” .
Online Observations and Cultural Impact
Though I couldn’t attend in person, the online livestream showcased just how impactful and historic this concert was. Kendrick Lamar managed to unite the entire West Coast on stage, even bringing out members of different LA gangs and having them share the spotlight in a moment of unity. This concert was more than entertainment; it was a cultural milestone, reflecting the strength and unity of the hip-hop community.
For more photos and detailed coverage, check out the official event galleries on Live Nation and explore fan-shared moments on social media using hashtags like #KenAndFriends and #PopOutTour.
Sources:
• Live Nation
• Wikipedia
• Complex
• Rolling Stone
• Pitchfork
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