The pair of US singers held a collaborative show that proved how prolific they are like artists
Last week, it was a year since Kendrick Lamar set fire to the reputation of Drake – And the rap world still feels the embers of this fire. In just one week, songs like “Euphoria”,“6:16 in la” it is clear, “Not like US”, Surpassed the answer from Drake in this lightning war of words, and consecrated Kendrick like the rapper of his generation in the eyes of many. He took advantage of this impulse to launch CNGalbum with 12 tracks that debuted first in the top 200. It was with this wave of energy that he arrived at Metlife Stadiumat the stop of your Grand National Tournext to Jersey’s countryman, SZA. Both are in high demand. The 35-year-old singer-songwriter is a music superstar on her own merit, and together they offered the Tri-State region a rare main show.
The show started with DJ MUSTARDwho did his best to warm the audience with rap classics before Kendrick and SZA take the stage. The stage design remembered the diamond format of the set of Kendrick at the interval of Super Bowlwith a main stage that led to three smaller bases. This design gave a lot of room for them to move and interact with fans in the lower areas, which they have done throughout the presentation. Behind them was a huge triple screen.
From my point of view to the right of the stage, I could see how the two used the angles to design a panoramic view at certain times. The screen had different functions throughout the show: for SZAshowed serene landscapes that combined with his ether repertoire; already Kendrick Used videos from him even in March 1992 during “DNA”And reinforced his attack on the identity of Drake with a collage of black culture icons in “Not likeUS”.
Kendrick was the first to appear, leaving a car Grand National black under the stage and starting with “WACCED OUT MURALS”(The car from which SZA emerged was naturally covered with ivy). The two alternated throughout the night, with a fluid exchange. Kendrick decreased the climate with “Man at the garden”, Which led to“Scorsese Baby Daddy”, SZA. She ended her solo set with “KISS ME MORE”, Which followed the final ranges of Kendrick.
They also collaborated in tracks like “30 for 30”And“Luther”The exchanges also allowed them to both change costumes several times. Kendrick It mainly alternated a camouflaged look, taking and placing the jacket. Already SZA It was in a star mode, with four changes of clothing. But regardless of costumes, the public was mesmerized. SZA bet on lights and fireworks, while Kendrick used fireballs, especially during its attacks on Drake.
The public, of various ages, but mostly under 35 years old, probably discovered Kendrick and SZA At different stages of their careers that have lasted more than a decade – some may only have started to follow last year. The latest songs from Kendrick They seemed to receive more recognition. He even joked about it, asking the public to turn to the neighbors, as in a service, and asked if they knew one of their older songs. I’ve seen Kendrick In arenas and festivals several times, and he maintained the same level of excellence in his stadium show, with quick rhymes and without losing his pace. He also brought live news, like a new verse in “Family TiesAnd a remix of “Ma.ad City”Based on Anita Baker.
Although the name of the tour and the moment were centered on KendrickJersey’s audience loved SZA. They vibrated with their pop hits as “Kill Bill”And emotional songs like“Nobody Gets Me”All sung safely and without support vocals. She had guitarists playing in various songs, such as“F2F“. Recognizing the importance of the occasion, she exclaimed,” I’m home or not? ” Kendrick that “the myth that New York has no energy is over.” Although she did not make her number in the air due to the northeast winds, she delivered a varied set, dancing all over the stage.
Both artists faced the “elephant in the room” directly. Kendrick sang his verse from “POETIC JUSTICE“, while SZA recited its part in “Rich Baby Daddy“. Interestingly, Kendrick avoided saying “Oakland”When it baked“ That __ Show Gonna Be Your Last Stop ”in“Not like US“But this should not be confused with clemency. He has performed”Euphoria”And“Not like US” – The first one had the most direct and symbolic use of the giant screen:“Lies About Me, Truth About You”(” Lies about me, truths about you “) appeared in red letters on a black background. And while the audience went to delirium with“Minor …”And“We Don’t Wanna Hear You Say Ni ***”The event was not a direct attack on Drake. The audience seemed equally excited to sing the chorus of“Don’t Kill My Vibe” and the “I of”During the presentation of“I hate u”By SZA.
The two went through their great successes, using the whole stage well, as well as the dancers who accompanied them with varied choreography. When several women rolled during the verse “show me natural“Of”Humble”It was like a visual adlib. Some of them even raised SZA In one track, and reinforced their choreography in others. A dancer still made a solo routine at the end of “Squable Up“, Looking almost a co-protagonist.
Among the songs, there were humorous clips of the two being “interrogated”. Although the video displayed before “Not like US”Has viralized, the show featured several others. In one of them, Kendrick He scolds the interviewer for suggesting, contradictory, that he disappears from the public and still seeks attention. In another, people have difficulty pronouncing the name of SZAwhich perhaps explain why it purifies the environment with sage in another stretch. At the end of the set, the two show their comic side at a skit on a snack stop at a gas station. The musical chemistry of years between the two was clear both on screen and on stage.
Both struggled their best to involve the crowd – and they got, with a lot of movement, strong vocals, creative screens, pyrotechnics and lighting. The show lasted two and a half hours, but rarely had slow moments. Each did a good job by stuffing their sets with excited songs to keep the audience on. They are already experienced veterans, and this was evident even in this first tour of stadiums. They were there for work – in the best sense possible.
+++ Read more: Kendrick Lamar and Sza release romantic clip of ‘Luther’ before joint tour
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
