Kendrick Lamar wasted no time stirring the pot on his recent tour with SZA in Minneapolis. At the opening night, he playfully targeted Drake in response to their ongoing beef.
Kendrick’s method of choice: a humorous skit that echoes a court deposition, referencing Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group over the promotion of “Not Like Us.” The timing couldn’t have been more cheeky as it coincided with the tour’s first act.
In the skit, Kendrick faces a pretend lawyer who mentions February 9—a sly nod to the Super Bowl date cited in Drake’s lawsuit. Calm and unfazed, Lamar quips, “I don’t keep up with dates,” drawing laughter and setting the tone for the rest of his performance.
The deposition spoof wasn’t just a one-off gag. It threaded through Kendrick’s set, cleverly poking fun at more than Drake’s lyrical choices by echoing an infamous Lil Wayne deposition from 2012.
Kendrick wasn’t done with just jokes. During the performance, he debuted a new verse over “Family Ties,” and playfully transformed “m.A.A.d City” into a melodic homage to Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love.” Anita herself was thrilled, expressing her surprise on social media.
The night was a medley of hits from Kendrick, with fan favorites like “Alright,” “HUMBLE.,” and “Euphoria”—another song aimed at Drake—making it to the setlist. Meanwhile, SZA complemented Kendrick’s energy, delivering her hits like “Kill Bill” and “Rich Baby Daddy,” seamlessly intertwining their performances.
The duo didn’t just take turns on stage but instead, blended their talents throughout, performing duets like “30 For 30” and their massive hit “Luther,” giving fans a unique collaborative experience.
Next, they will take their joint act to Houston, Atlanta, and up the East Coast, with Europe awaiting in the summer months. This tour promises more surprises and memorable moments, echoing Kendrick’s comedic start.
With Kendrick Lamar’s bold start, the Grand National Tour has set an entertaining precedent. Beyond the music, Lamar’s witty theatrics show that this is a tour where anything can happen. As the road unfolds, fans can only expect more layers to the Kendrick-Drake saga.
