Kendrick Lamar and SZA Kick Off Grand National Tour in Minneapolis
The Grand National Tour, featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA as co-headliners, commenced on Saturday, April 19, at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium. This highly anticipated event marks a significant moment, especially as both artists are at the peak of their careers.
Chart-Topping Successes
Both artists are enjoying considerable success as they embark on this tour. Their collaboration, “Luther,” has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks, with Lamar achieving his sixth No. 1 and SZA her third. This follows an impressive streak for both artists, adding to the excitement of their live performances.
Kendrick Lamar’s Recent Hits
Lamar kicked off 2024 with a powerful diss track titled “Not Like Us,” which quickly became a viral sensation. It not only solidified his status on the charts but also featured prominently in Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 list. Following this track, he topped the charts again with “Squabble Up,” a song part of his critically acclaimed album, GNX, which debuted with one of the largest opening weeks in 2024.
Lamar also expanded his influence by headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in February 2025, where he performed with SZA, showcasing their collaborative piece, “Luther,” among other hits.
SZA’s Ascendance in Music
SZA’s latest project has also achieved remarkable success, topping the Billboard 200 for 12 weeks through its original release as SOS and its deluxe version, LANA. One of the album’s standout tracks, “Kill Bill,” marked her first No. 1 on the Hot 100 as the lead artist, further establishing her as a significant figure in contemporary music.
During this tour, SZA included fan-favorite tracks from her catalog, including notable collaborations with Drake, although not every joint effort made it to her setlist.
Setlist Highlights from Opening Night
The Grand National Tour promises an eclectic mix of tracks, drawing from both artists’ extensive repertoires. Below are some highlights from the opening night setlist:
- “Wacced Out Murals” – Kendrick Lamar
- “Squabble Up” – Kendrick Lamar
- “Kill Bill” – SZA
- “Love Galore” – SZA
- “HUMBLE.” – Kendrick Lamar
- “All the Stars” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- “Gardens (Say It Like Dat)” – SZA
- “Good Days” – SZA
This diverse lineup showcases the dynamic synergy between the two artists, thrilling audiences with a mix of their existing classics and new hits.