Kendrick Lamar didn’t hold back during the explosive kickoff of the Grand National Tour in Minneapolis over the weekend, seizing the spotlight to reignite his ongoing feud with Drake. In a calculated and cutting move, the Compton rapper opened his set with a mock deposition—a satirical dig at Drake’s current legal situation involving Universal Music Group and defamation claims surrounding the diss track “Not Like Us.”
As fans packed the arena for a historic night of live hip-hop, Kendrick delivered a scathing performance that blurred the lines between concert and courtroom drama. The mock deposition set the tone, featuring a fictional attorney grilling Kendrick about a key date: February 9—the day Lamar performed at the Super Bowl and the same day Drake referenced in recent legal filings.
With a cool grin and signature composure, Kendrick responded,
“I don’t keep up with dates,” drawing loud cheers and laughter from the crowd.
The moment was clearly a jab—not just at Drake’s legal troubles—but also a subtle homage to Lil Wayne’s viral deposition video from 2012, known for its dry humor and meme-worthy reactions.
Kendrick Lamar Uses the Stage as His Battlefield
The legal-themed skit wasn’t the only playful attack. Later in the show, the fictional lawyer quoted a line from Drake’s diss track “Family Matters,” prompting Kendrick to grin knowingly before launching into a fiery performance of his own diss track, “Not Like Us.”
The performance served as a declaration of lyrical war, and Kendrick kept the pressure on throughout the night, adding fuel to one of the most talked-about rap feuds of 2025.
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He also unveiled a new verse during “Family Ties,” performing it solo without Baby Keem, showing off his ability to command the stage with or without collaborators. Fans were also treated to a special tweak in his performance of “m.A.A.d. City,” where Kendrick cleverly sampled Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love.” The legendary singer later took to social media to share her love for the unexpected nod, calling it “a beautiful surprise.”
Setlist Packed with Fan Favorites and New Fire
Kendrick Lamar’s set was a well-curated journey through his iconic discography, blending old hits with new heat. The setlist included:
- “Squabble Up”
- “Alright”
- “HUMBLE.”
- “Swimming Pools”
- “Money Trees”
- “Euphoria” — another hard-hitting track believed to be aimed directly at Drake
SZA Shines with Sultry Vocals and Soulful Energy
Sharing the stage as co-headliner, SZA brought her signature blend of vulnerability and power to Minneapolis, performing hit after hit. Her set featured crowd favorites like:
- “Kill Bill”
- “Snooze”
- “Love Galore”
In a refreshing twist, the duo intertwined their performances, trading verses and sharing the stage for collaborative fan favorites including:
- “30 For 30”
- “Doves in the Wind”
- “Luther” — their chart-topping 2025 hit
A Tour Opener That’s Already Making History
With the Grand National Tour now officially underway, it’s clear that Kendrick Lamar and SZA are setting a new standard for live hip-hop performances. Kendrick’s ability to blend social commentary, personal expression, and theatrical storytelling continues to elevate his legacy, while SZA’s magnetic stage presence and vocal brilliance provide the perfect balance.
Whether you’re here for the music, the message, or the drama, one thing’s for sure: this tour is not to be missed.
